Sandals for Hiking in the Rain

5 Top Hiking Shoes for the Rain

Authored by Monica Gray

We can’t control the weather, which means we can’t control the rain. If you adapt this attitude of acceptance, the next time you hear the sound of rain smack your window or tent the morning of a hike, your heart doesn’t have to sink. Without the rain, there would be no lush forests, canopies of green flora, or gushing rivers snaking through vast, mountainous valleys. These are all things every hiker loves to gawk at on their expeditions. If there was no rain, the earth would be dry, desolate, and unlivable, and it’s likely we wouldn’t be here. This reason alone may be enough to make you look at the rain from a different perspective, and it’s also why rain doesn’t have to deter your hiking plans. It’s a part of nature. With the proper gear and hiking plan, you can learn to love hiking in the rain just as much as you love hiking in the sun.

Why Should You Hike in the Rain?

Just because rainy weather puts a damper on some outdoor activities, it can make hiking quite pleasant. You don’t have to worry about the sun beating down on your skin, resulting in sunburn, or suffering from overheating. If you’re well-prepared with rain gear, then hiking in the rain can be an extremely enjoyable experience. As you hike, listen to the rain hitting the leaves on the trees, creating a soft, comforting sound. Not only that, but rain cleans the air, resulting in that fresh-rain smell we’ve all come to know and love. The rain adds a sort of mystical, magical element experienced only by the most adventurous hikers out there. People who still hike in the rain are the more determined hikers of the bunch, and certainly don’t let a little wet weather deter them from having a good time.

Baxter State Park, Maine, USA

If you’re constantly waiting for good weather to go on a hike, you may never have the chance to go. The weather doesn’t wait for us, so we shouldn’t either. Rain also brings more solitude to the hiker, especially on trails that are usually heavily populated. Most people don’t venture outside into nature when water is bellowing from the clouds, which means you’ll likely have many trails to yourself. That’s a hiker’s dream. What better way to reconnect with yourself and nature, than during a rainstorm in the woods?

Just because rainy weather puts a damper on some outdoor activities, it can make hiking quite pleasant. You don’t have to worry about the sun beating down on your skin, resulting in sunburn, or suffering from overheating. If you’re well-prepared with rain gear, then hiking in the rain can be an extremely enjoyable experience. As you hike, listen to the rain hitting the leaves on the trees, creating a soft, comforting sound. Not only that, but rain cleans the air, resulting in that fresh-rain smell we’ve all come to know and love. The rain adds a sort of mystical, magical element experienced only by the most adventurous hikers out there. People who still hike in the rain are the more determined hikers of the bunch, and certainly don’t let a little wet weather deter them from having a good time.

If you’re constantly waiting for good weather to go on a hike, you may never have the chance to go. The weather doesn’t wait for us, so we shouldn’t either. Rain also brings more solitude to the hiker, especially on trails that are usually heavily populated. Most people don’t venture outside into nature when water is bellowing from the clouds, which means you’ll likely have many trails to yourself. That’s a hiker’s dream. What better way to reconnect with yourself and nature, than during a rainstorm in the woods?

Why Good Hiking Shoes Are a Necessity for Rainy Hikes

It’s especially important to wear good water sandals when hiking in wet weather. Waterproof sandals will not only give you good traction on the trail, but they won’t fall apart when they get wet, as some sneakers might. You won’t have to worry about carrying wet socks with you either, which makes these water sandals more hygienic and easier to carry. These waterproof women’s sandals also provide substantial arch support, traction, and ankle support, which helps prevent any potential ankle injury that may result from slipping on a slick trail. To better prepare yourself, purchase a pair of trekking poles to help you keep balance and cross slippery surfaces on damp days.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

The only downside to hiking in the rain is that it may prevent you from seeing impressive views. When thick, gray clouds hover low in the sky, they often block summit views. This can be frustrating, especially if the only goal of the hike is to see specific sights. Even then, it’s a downside that many hikers accept as something that’s out of their control. There’s beauty in the rain, just as there’s beauty in the sun. If you’re unbothered by the rain, then go ahead, put on your active waterproof sandals, and hit the trail!

Best Sandals for Hiking in the Rain

The Samara Walking Sandal - Best Traction

For the more adventurous hikers of the bunch, the Samara Walking Sandal is the perfect fit. If you’re the type of hiker that goes out in any weather, then this is an ideal athletic sandal for you. Not only does it have excellent traction, but it’s fashionable and comfortable. Traction is important, as it helps maximize athletic performance while minimizing slipping. That’s music to any hiker’s ears. A wet trail increases your chances of slipping. Surfaces like rocks, moss, and fallen leaves that are normally easy to pass become slightly more dangerous. It doesn’t take much rainwater to make a surface slippery, which is why it’s extremely important to have the added traction on your hiking sandal.

That’s where the Samara Walking Sandal comes in handy. Not only does it have incredible traction, but its front webbing is made of elastic textiles. This provides a custom fit for those of you who have narrow-width feet. The ankle also has a hook and loop strap, which provides customizable ankle support. If there’s an increased risk of slipping, that also means there’s an increased chance of rolling your ankle, neither of which is a good thing while on the trail. Prevention is always better than having to deal with the outcome of a bad situation, which is why every trekker needs to prepare their gear with these athletic sandals.

Sloane Outdoor Sandals - Best Waterproof Sandals

The Sloane Outdoor Sandals were made for adventure, which means they were made for hikers who tackle trails in the rain. These waterproof sandals have an adjustable strapping system that wraps around your ankle, providing the ankle and foot support you need. The thick EVA foam midsole provides substantial arch support during long walks, which is ideal if you’re hiking for hours at a time, especially on wet terrain.

These waterproof sandals won’t let you down and are a much better alternative to heavy trekking sneakers that’ll become a nuisance when wet. Open-toed sandals are your best bet, since stepping in a puddle in a pair of sneakers is a nightmare. These athletic sandals won’t only protect you against the rain, but also the rough terrain, puddles, rivers, and slippery surfaces you’re guaranteed to come across. Put more pep in your step while you’re on the rainy trail without having to worry about slipping or falling.  

The Napali Hiking Sandals - Best Arch Support

Named after the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii, the Napali Hiking Sandals are the best women’s sandals to keep your feet safe and comfortable during those slippery hikes. Hawaii is a string of islands prone to rainy weather and storms, so there’s a reason we named these sandals after an island in Hawaii. The Napali Hiking Sandals are the best option for those of you looking for a pair of water sandals to accompany you on your wild adventures.

Your outdoor escapades need these sandals. It’s not a proper adventure without a little bit of water! The hook and loop straps hug your feet, and the ergonomic outsole provides substantial arch support for long walks on wet terrain. Better yet, the ankle strap provides the necessary support needed to lower your chances of a rolled ankle or another injury that may happen from unsupportive shoes. These sandals will be great addition to your closet and can get wet.  

The Siena Sports Sandals - Best Ankle Support

This is one of the best sports sandals out there for the athletic bunch who love a bit of rain and hazardous terrain. Adrenaline junkies need their fix, which is why hiking in the rain is an activity that’ll lure any trekker toward adventure. As long as you wear these waterproof sandals and keep your wits about you, hiking in the rain will provide the experience you’re looking for.

The soft stretchable straps on the Siena Sports sandals will hug your ankles and make those long walks a lot more comfortable. Whether you’re walking on rocky terrain slick with recent rain, or through deep puddles during a torrential downpour, these sandals will keep your feet safe and secure. There’s no need to worry about slipping or tripping with these hiking sandals. Your feet will thank you.

The Cortona Sports Sandals - Best Straps

This athletic sandal has soft straps that sit on your foot, cradle them, and protect them with every step you take. No more worrying if your foot will land on a sturdy surface. These sandals will protect your feet as much as possible.

The thick EVA foam midsole provides substantial arch support during long walks on the trail. Your arch will especially need support if it’s raining. Torrential downpours add a little bit of danger to the trail, so it’s important to have the support your feet deserve while hiking on slightly hazardous terrain. Planning and preparation should be fun and thrilling, and with these sandals, it’ll be one less thing you’ll have to worry about.

Considerations for Rainy Hikes

Sports sandals that not only provide substantial arch support but also provide decent traction on slippery trails are a necessity for your next hiking trip. Hiking requires preparation, and that includes preparing for all sorts of weather with gear that’ll keep you dry, safe, and comfortable.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

With these open-toed women’s sandals, you won’t have to worry about wet socks or sneakers, or having gear that may let you down. Even sneakers that claim to be waterproof are not fully waterproof. Zippers and seams that are water resistant will let water in eventually, so it’s better to buy a pair of open-toed sandals right off the bat. As a precaution, always read the trekking hazards before hiking on slippery terrain. Keep an eye out for mudslides or landscapes that are not passable, and that includes areas prone to flash flooding. If you ever feel unsafe, it’s always better to turn around than risk any injury. After all this preparation, it’s time to hit the trail!

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