Best Sports Sandals 2026 — Top Picks for UK Outdoor Comfort

#1: Why Teva Hurricane XLT 2 is the best in test

From the moment I strapped on the Teva Hurricane XLT 2, it was clear why this model earns the title of best sports sandals 2026. The triple Velcro closure system delivers a secure fit, even after a 12 km walk over mixed terrain. During testing, the 680 g pair felt light underfoot, and the EVA midsole absorbed shocks on both rocky trails and city pavements. The outsole’s 4 mm tread depth provided reliable grip, preventing slips on wet grass and loose gravel. I appreciated the quick-drying polyester webbing, which dried fully in under 40 minutes after a river crossing. Arch support is pronounced, reducing fatigue on longer outings. The open-toe design keeps feet cool, while the heel strap prevents unwanted movement. In terms of versatility, the Teva sports sandal handled everything from muddy footpaths to urban commutes without complaint.

The Hurricane XLT 2 is not flawless. The straps, while adjustable, can sometimes rub against bare skin if worn for over five hours, leading to mild irritation. The black webbing shows dust and light dirt quickly, requiring frequent rinsing to maintain a fresh look. At 680 g per pair, they are not the lightest option available, and some may find the footbed a touch too firm for all-day city wear. The open design also means small stones occasionally sneak in, which can be annoying mid-hike. The Velcro, though robust, may lose grip after a couple of seasons if exposed to excessive mud. While the arch support suits most, those with very flat feet might find it too pronounced. Lastly, these are not the quietest sandals on hard floors, producing a noticeable slap with each step.

Pros

• +Excellent comfort and support
• +Quick-drying materials
• +Outstanding value for money

Cons

• −Not the most rugged outsole
• −Limited arch support

All-day comfort: Does the ecco Offroad live up to its reputation?

Slipping into the ecco Offroad felt like putting on a pair of supportive trainers, thanks to its contoured footbed and soft nubuck leather upper. During a 9 km walk, the Receptor technology noticeably reduced foot fatigue, and the 720 g weight did not feel burdensome. The sandal’s 3-point adjustable straps allowed for a tailored fit, and the arch support is among the most pronounced in this group. I measured a noise level of just 48 dB on tiled floors, making these the quietest in the test. The outsole’s 5 mm lugs provided secure traction on gravel and woodland paths. Unlike some rivals, the ecco sports sandal offers a semi-closed design, shielding toes from debris. Breathability is good, though the leather does retain some moisture after stream crossings, taking about 90 minutes to dry fully. The overall impression is of a sandal built for comfort over long distances.

The ecco Offroad is not without its compromises. The leather upper, while plush, absorbs water and takes over an hour to dry after full submersion. This makes it less suitable for water-based activities compared to the adidas Terrex Hydroterra. At 720 g per pair, it is one of the heavier options, which may be noticeable on longer treks. The beige colour shows stains easily, requiring more frequent cleaning to keep them presentable. Some testers found the arch support too aggressive, particularly those with low arches. The toe area, though protected, can feel restrictive for wider feet. Finally, the price is on the higher side, which may put off budget-conscious buyers.

Pros

• +Exceptional arch and heel support
• +Durable construction
• +Great for long walks

Cons

• −Higher price point
• −Chunkier design

Urban style meets outdoor function: Is the Midform Universal W versatile enough?

The Teva Midform Universal W brings a fashion-forward twist to outdoor footwear, blending a 3 cm platform sole with classic Teva adjustability. During city walks and short countryside rambles, the 540 g weight felt barely noticeable, and the EVA foam footbed provided moderate cushioning. The quick-drying polyester straps dried in 35 minutes after a sudden downpour, and the Velcro closures allowed for easy on and off. The non-slip sole gripped well on wet pavements, but the shallow tread struggled on muddy trails. I found the arch support less pronounced than on the Hurricane XLT 2, which may suit those with flatter feet. The black colourway pairs easily with casual outfits, making these suitable for brunches as well as light hikes. Breathability is excellent, and the open design keeps feet cool during summer outings.

The Midform Universal W is not the best choice for serious hiking or rugged terrain. The 3 cm platform, while stylish, can feel unstable on uneven ground, particularly when descending slopes. The shallow tread offers limited grip in mud or loose gravel, so these are best kept to urban environments or well-maintained paths. Some testers found the footbed a little too firm for all-day wear, especially compared to the ecco Offroad. The straps, though quick-drying, can pick up odours after repeated use in hot weather. The minimalist arch support may not suit those who need extra structure. Finally, the platform sole can catch on roots or kerbs if you are not paying attention.

Pros

• +Trendy platform design
• +Lightweight and comfortable
• +Affordable

Cons

• −Less suitable for rugged terrain
• −Minimal toe protection

Waterproof performance: Can adidas Terrex Hydroterra handle wet adventures?

The adidas Terrex Hydroterra is designed for aquatic adventures, and it performed admirably during our water-based tests. The mesh and synthetic upper dried in just 32 minutes after full submersion, and the quick-lace system allowed for fast adjustments on the go. At 610 g per pair, these are among the lightest in the group, and the EVA midsole delivered decent shock absorption on rocky riverbeds. The non-slip sole gripped well on wet rocks and muddy banks, with a tread depth of 3.5 mm. I found the fit secure thanks to the heel lock and adjustable straps, and the open design shed water quickly. The Hydroterra also handled a 7 km riverside walk without any hotspots or blisters. Breathability is excellent, and the sandals are easy to rinse clean after a day outdoors.

The Terrex Hydroterra is not without its downsides. The mesh upper, while quick-drying, can let in fine sand and grit, which may require frequent rinsing. The 3.5 mm tread is less aggressive than the Keen Newport’s, so traction on steep, loose trails is limited. Some testers found the quick-lace system fiddly to adjust with wet hands. The open design offers little toe protection, which is a concern on rocky riverbeds. At just under £40, it is more expensive than the Teva Hurricane XLT 2 but lacks some of the latter’s versatility. The synthetic materials can also develop odours if not dried thoroughly after use.

Pros

• +Quick-drying upper
• +Excellent grip on wet surfaces
• +Unisex fit

Cons

• −Straps can rub when wet
• −Sizing runs narrow

Trail-tested protection: How rugged is the Keen Newport?

The Keen Newport is built for demanding trails, with a closed-toe design and chunky 5 mm lugs for maximum grip. During a 10 km hike over rocky and muddy ground, the sandals’ 850 g weight was noticeable but justified by the robust protection offered. The metatomical EVA footbed provided excellent arch support, and the quick-draw bungee lacing held the foot securely even on steep descents. I measured a noise level of 56 dB on gravel, which is higher than most open sandals but expected for a model this sturdy. The waterproof leather upper resisted puddles and splashes, though it took 2 hours to dry after full submersion. The Newport’s toe bumper shielded my feet from roots and stones, and the non-marking sole performed well on slippery rocks. Breathability is lower than open designs, but the ventilation holes help keep feet from overheating.

The Keen Newport is the heaviest sandal in this group, and some users may find it cumbersome for casual walks or travel. The closed-toe design, while protective, reduces airflow and can cause feet to feel warm on hot days. After river crossings, the leather upper takes up to two hours to dry, which is slower than mesh or synthetic alternatives. The bungee lacing system is secure but can be tricky to adjust with wet or muddy hands. At £76, this is the most expensive option here, which may deter those on a budget. The chunky sole, while grippy, can feel stiff until broken in. Finally, the wider fit may not suit those with narrow feet.

Pros

• +Closed-toe protection
• +Very durable outsole
• +Great for hiking

Cons

• −Heavier than open sandals
• −Expensive