Top Travel Sandals for One Bag Travel 2024
For the minimalist traveler, every item packed needs to be versatile and multi-functional. This is especially true for footwear, where bulky shoes can take up precious space and add unnecessary weight. That's where travel sandals come in - the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and packability.
But with so many options available, choosing the right pair can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the world of travel sandals, we've compiled a list of the top picks based on extensive research and user reviews.
Disclaimer: This article is written specifically for one-bag, minimalist, and ultralight travelers, and may not be suitable for all travelers.
Features to Look For
Before diving into specific recommendations, we need to address one looming point. Some people wear sandals for everything, while others relegate sandals to short trips to the beach or pool. If you're the type who prefers shoes over sandals for most situations, we recommend sticking with basic, generic-brand "cheap" sandals, for reasons we'll discuss later.
If you're the type who prefers a heavy-duty, do-it-all travel sandal, then this list is for you, and here are the key features to consider when choosing travel sandals:
- Comfort: This is paramount, especially if you plan on exploring new cities or hiking for extended periods. Look for sandals with good arch support, cushioning, and adjustable straps for a customized fit. Keep in mind the toe loop (big toe vs open), strap type (strap vs rope vs rubber/plastic), and heel strap (padded, unpadded, adjustable and non-adjustable).
- Durability: Travel sandals need to withstand the rigors of constant wear and tear. Opt for materials like leather, nylon webbing, or high-quality rubber that can handle various terrains and weather conditions.
- Packability: Ideally, your sandals should fold or compress easily to fit into your backpack or carry-on luggage without taking up too much space. Minimalist sandals take up less space but provide less cushion, while utilitarian sandals offer a more rigorous build but take up more space.
- Versatility: Choose sandals that can transition seamlessly from casual outings to sightseeing adventures. Consider styles that offer good traction for uneven surfaces while remaining stylish enough for dressier occasions.
Now, let's dive into the top contenders based on their popularity among one-bag travelers:
Top Travel Sandals:
- Bedrock Cairn Evo and Evo 3D Pro: Men's & Women's (8 votes) - A minimalist sandal with a unique 3D-printed footbed for maximum comfort and support. Price: $110
- Xero Shoes Z-Trail EVO: Men's & Women's (7 votes) - A minimalist sandal with a wide toe box and zero-drop platform, perfect for natural foot movement and comfort. Price: $80
- Chaco Z/Cloud 2: Men's & Women's (6 votes) - A classic adventure sandal with exceptional arch support and a secure fit. Price: $105
- Teva Hurricane XLT2: Men's & Women's (5 votes) - A durable and versatile sandal with a comfortable footbed and adjustable straps. Price: $75
- Astral Loyak: Men's & Women's (4 votes) - A water-friendly sandal with excellent grip and a comfortable fit. Price: $95
- KEEN Newport H2: Men's & Women's (4 votes) - A closed-toe sandal with good protection and support for rugged adventures. Price: $125
- Vivobarefoot Tracker Sandals: Men's & Women's (3 votes) - A minimalist sandal with a thin sole and wide toe box for a barefoot-like experience. Price: $170+
- Merrell Kahuna III (UK) & Speed Fusion (US) Sandals: Men's & Women's (3 votes) - A comfortable and supportive sandal with a secure fit and good traction. Price: $85+
Our Take:
We're torn. On one hand (foot?), sandals are one of the easiest things to lose when you're traveling long-term, they lose themselves to river tubing trips, forgotten beach runs, sand-covered beach parties, and hungry sharks with alarming regularity. For this reason, minimalist travelers often opt for cheap, inexpensive flip-flops that can be found anywhere and are easily replaceable.
On the other foot, if you're the type who loves sandals and wears them everywhere, a good pair can pull triple duty as beach sandals, water/boat shoes, and light hiking shoes. The trade-off is bag space - high-quality sandals are, in effect, another pair of shoes.
Before you make a purchase, ask yourself how you'll be using them, and if you rarely wear sandals, you may want to consider going the cheap route.
Whichever camp you fall in, the most important consideration is your comfort; try out a few pairs and ask yourself, "Do I love putting these on?" "Could I wear these for hours without getting blisters?" "Do I want to put these on" etc.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right travel sandals ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prefer ultimate packability, Xero and Vivobarefoot are great options, if you prefer ultimate functionality, Keen and Merrell likely fit the bill, and if you're looking for something that straddles the middle, Bedrock, Teva, and Chacos are all great sandals, and it will come down to your style and comfort preference.
Don't be afraid to try out a few options to find the perfect pair that complements your one-bag travel adventures.
And as always, happy travels.