Looking forward to a beach adventure or hiking through a desert destination? Don't forget to pack the right shoes to avoid being uncomfortable.
That's the mistake my husband made by underestimating the sand dunes last time we went to the Monahans Sandhills State Park. By the end of the first hiking trip, his feet were chafed, and he couldn't enjoy the rest of our holiday.
However, on getting an opportunity to visit another sandy destination, I was determined to find the right shoes for him. I had to spend a good deal of time researching shoes that would protect his feet from the sand and heat while being comfortable. After testing out several options, I have five excellent pairs to share with you.
Hi, I'm Stacy Smith, and today I'm going to tell you everything about finding the best shoes for sand dunes. So, let's check them out!
Top 5 Shoe For Sand Dunes Reviews
1. Sanuk SMF1047-BRN Chiba
Ditch your regular flip-flops for the trusted Sanuk Chiba, specially made to keep your foot comfortable and dry. It's an essential pair to have in your travel bag to make walking fun all year long, irrespective of the season or terrain.
Product Highlights
This is one of the first shoes that caught my eye mainly due to its simplicity. The Sanuk Chiba is inspired by the sidewalk surfer, a staple from the 1990s. It's pretty different from flip-flops as your whole foot remains covered, thanks to the textile upper, which minimizes contact with hot or wet sand.
However, what I liked the most about this shoe was its rubber sole, which makes walking on sand or any uneven terrain easy and comfortable. Apart from the excellent grip, the signature Sanuk EVA bottom is designed to last even if you use the pair frequently.
Another thing to note is the eco-conscious effort of Sanuk to create the shoes out of natural and vegan materials. And as this shoe is made of 80% cotton, you can easily toss it in the washing machine after a trip for quick cleaning.
What's There To Like About It?
There are many things to like about this pair, but I really appreciate Sanuk for including an antimicrobial additive in the EVA footbed. It helps to keep the shoes odor-free even after an entire day of wearing them.
Moreover, the Sanuk Chiba is available in sizes ranging from 6 to 14, so you'll most likely get a pair for your feet. And the shoe has been designed to have a pretty comfortable fit even when you decide to wear it without socks.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Though technically this isn't a drawback, the Sanuk Chiba isn't meant to be used for hiking or trekking. That's because this pair lacks the stability needed in trekking boots. Instead, it works well for beach holidays, where your feet remain comfortable and blister-free even after walking on hot sand all day.
Pros and Cons of Sanuk SMF1047-BRN Chiba
Pros
Cons
- LOAFERS FOR MEN WITH CLASSIC STYLE – Crafted with a heavy cotton polyester blend canvas upper, these men’s loafers feature a traditional raised toe seam, frayed edges, and hidden elastic gore for a flexible, comfortable fit that adapts to your feet.
- ALL-DAY COMFORT FOOTBED – Designed with a contoured high-rebound Soft Top foam footbed, these slip-on shoes for men provide superior cushioning and arch support. The antistink additive ensures barefoot-friendly wear, keeping your feet fresh and comfortable throughout the day.
- DURABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY OUTSOLE – The Happy U tread sponge rubber outsole is crafted with 53% recycled material, offering excellent grip and durability for versatile wear. These sustainable men’s shoes are perfect for everyday style with an eco-conscious edge.
2. Bruno Marc Desert Chukka Boots
Do you have to attend an evening event near the dunes? Don't worry, this pair of chukka boots from Bruno Marc will have you covered. The classic suede shoes look elegant and have enough comfort to let you be on your feet all night long.
Product Highlights
Soon after I took this pair out of the box, my husband fell in love with them. Even though desert chukka boots are pretty common, it's hard to find a comfortable pair like this one from Bruno Marc that has EVA foam footbeds for shock absorption. Moreover, the premium 100% suede leather used in this pair is of excellent quality and can keep your feet warm even on a cold night.
One feature that's almost always lacking in chukka boots is a proper sole. But Bruno Marc makes a difference by adding enough grip to the sole to let you tread on sand dunes or sandy ground without tripping. The TPR or thermoplastic rubber outsole has a durable design, so you can expect these boots to last for a good few years.
What's There To Like About It?
One of the best features of this shoe has to be its overall design. These chukka boots are also available in seven colors, so you can pick a pair that goes well with most of your outfits. My husband commented that the shaft positioning and height of these boots were better than other chukka boot variants available on the market.
Besides, this pair of shoes is pretty affordable, and you can get them as a spare to give your expensive desert trekking boots a little rest.
What's There Not To Like About It?
One of the reasons I placed this pair in second place is because the Sanuk SMF1047-BRN Chiba outshines when it comes to usability near water, especially on beaches. As these Bruno Marc desert chukka boots are made of 100% premium suede leather, you shouldn't let them get wet.
Pros and Cons of Bruno Marc Desert Chukka Boots
Pros
Cons
- Elegant look: Premium suede leather makes the chukka boots more elegant and keep your feet warm
- Comfortable lining: Well-made leather lining with good breathability to avoid odorous feet, bringing more comfortable walking
- Adjustable lace-up: Lace-up front closure with 4 eyelets featuring stretch collar for a secure fit
3. Clarks 26138221 Men's Desert Chukka Boot
Clarks has been a go-to brand for buying quality shoes for a long time. This particular style of boots has been produced by Clarks since the 1950s and has been a bestseller, mainly due to its elegant design. So, let's know a bit more about it.
Product Highlights
This pair of boots came recommended by my friend, who owns multiple pairs and loves their comfort. With years of experience, Clarks has perfected the design and fit to let your feet remain stress-free even when walking on sand. Unlike many other leather boots available on the market, you can actually walk for long distances while wearing these boots, thanks to the superior fit.
Another essential feature of this pair is the handmade crepe sole, which is unique to the brand. The cushioned soft material provides greater traction while walking on sandy and coarse terrain. And as it's made of a plant-derived natural latex, you don't need to worry about the longevity of the soles.
Besides, all variants of the boot sport the traditional Clarks stitch-down construction to give each pair a long life.
What's There To Like About It?
First of all, none can deny that the traditional design of these boots creates the perfect look with any outfit of your choice. It's an ideal choice for those who frequently need to attend events at desert locations with a lot of sand.
The natural rubber soles won't even let you feel the coarseness of the grains under your feet. Plus, the tiny heel provides much-needed ankle support.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I have placed the Clarks original desert boots in the third position as, unlike the Bruno Marc desert chukka boots, they require you to break into them. So, if the right-sized pair feels a bit tight along the width of your feet, don't worry, as it may just require the break-in period. Using a boot stretching spray along with a boot stretcher may make the process easier.
Pros and Cons of Clarks 26138221 Men's Desert Chukka Boot
Pros
Cons
- Heel Height .94 inches
- Boot Shaft Height 4.21 inches
- Boot Shaft Circumference 13.38 inches
4. UGG 1018684 Men's Dagmann Chukka Boot
When it comes to footwear, UGG has been a staple for many people due to its premium manufacturing quality and superior design. UGG boots have become a fashion statement, with celebrities confessing their love for the shoes. This pair is no different, as the chukkas are a dream to wear.
Product Highlights
What sets this pair of chukka boots apart from other options available on the market is the outsole. It's created with the trademarked Treadlite material of UGG, known for higher cushioning, comfortability, and hold on all kinds of terrains. The sole has the perfect amount of bounciness to let you walk faster, even on sand.
Furthermore, the insole of the shoe is just as impressive due to the "enerG" comfort system paired with a comfortable built-in arch support that molds to your feet. There's also an additional layer of breathable, open-cell PU foam to ensure that your feet remain sweat-free even on a hot day.
I also liked the upper of this pair of boots as it's made of full-grain leather, which adds a rugged look. Plus, there's lamb leather lining on the inside which adds to the durability.
What's There To Like About It?
The first thing I would like to mention is the additional rubber reinforcements on the toe and heel of the outer sole, which ensure even wear. Additionally, the Treadlite sole makes the boots flexible, softer, and lightweight, providing similar comfort as wearing your favorite sneakers.
My husband also seemed to like the traction provided by these boots as they help keep your body stable even when there's a strong wind.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Even though the quality of this pair is comparable to that of Clarks 26138221 Men's desert chukka boot, I placed it in the fourth position due to the high cost. But, there's no need to worry as UGG often provides sales where you can grab the pair at a better price.
Pros and Cons of UGG 1018684 Men's Dagmann Chukka Boot
Pros
Cons
- Leather lined
- Insole: energ comfort system with built-in arch support; additional layer of open cell pu foam for breathable, moisture wicking comfort
- Outsole is a combination of treadlite by ugg and rubber for maximum traction and comfort
5. Lowa 310537 0731 Men's Zephyr GTX Mid Hiking Boot
Are you looking forward to going on a desert hiking trip soon? Having these boots with you will make getting through the sandy and coarse terrain easier due to the traction added by the outsoles. And these are also waterproof, so you won't need to avoid coming in touch with water.
Product Highlights
Right off the bat, what attracted me to this pair of boots was the well-made flexible upper. It's crafted out of slit leather Cordura, giving the upper enough hold on your feet while reducing strain on the toes. Plus, the monowrap frame midsole technology ensures better cushioning and lateral stability to keep your feet fatigue-free even on a day-long hiking trip.
These boots also sport a GORE-TEX lining which provides them with waterproofing and breathability to reduce hotspots along with the possibility of getting blisters. Besides, the lining helps keep your feet dry when traveling through wet terrains or on rainy days.
However, what stood out to me the most were the Lowa Cross outsoles designed with a medium tread. Lowa has gone ahead and added non-slip rubber lugs for better grip on wet and dry trails, which are quite effective.
What's There To Like About It?
Overall, this pair of Lowa boots are the best thing to have if you want to purchase all-terrain hiking footwear. Because of its versatility and flexibility, you can use the pair for casual outdoor fitness activities or even during long hiking trips.
Moreover, as the boots come without any break-in period, you can just pack them up and use them on your trip without worrying about developing blisters.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only reason I placed these trekking boots below the UGG 1018684 Men's Dagmann chukka boot is due to the complaints left by some customers about the insole quality. They felt the footbeds were too hard to use for long hiking trips. If you face a similar issue, contact the brand without delay to get a replacement with proper insoles.
Pros and Cons of Lowa 310537 0731 Men's Zephyr GTX Mid Hiking Boot
Pros
Cons
- Gore-Tex waterproof liner with breathable XCR technology
- Suede leather upper with Cordura fabric
- Removable textile lined padded insole for cushioning
Buyers Guide
Finding the right pair might be a bit more challenging if it's your first time buying shoes to use on sand. Worry not, as I have narrowed down some essential points to help you pick comfortable and protective sand shoes.
1. Purpose
Well, it's quite obvious that you won't want to use a similar pair of shoes on a trip to the beach as well as a sand dune park. That's why while picking a pair, you need to be careful about your purpose of getting them.
Many people only associate sand shoes with adventurous hikes, but a good pair can come in handy at the beach. The shoes are designed to protect your feet from sand and heat, so they can prevent chafing and make your trip far more enjoyable.
Having said that, if you're looking for a pair to use at the beach, try finding a lightweight and easy option similar to sandals. Just make sure that the shoes cover your whole feet to prevent sand from getting in and causing injuries. You may also look for shoes with waterproofing to avoid them from getting damaged by the salty water.
I prefer heavy high-top boots while trekking or hiking on sand dunes. Moreover, it's important to pick shoes that support dry traction to keep you from slipping on sandy trails. Climate control footbeds are always a plus as they help keep your feet blister-free, even on hot, dry days. And, if you're expecting rain during the trip, try picking shoes designed for use on both wet and dry terrains.
2. Size And Fitting
One factor that can make or break your experience of using a pair of shoes is size. You need to select the appropriate size, which usually differs between brands. Usually, the sizes of trekking or sand shoes vary greatly from the typical sneaker or dress shoes. Pay close attention to any sizing instructions provided by the brand for getting a pair that fits you perfectly.
A common mistake made by people is to pick shoes that are too tight for their feet. It can create friction inside the shoe and increase your chances of slipping on the sand. You should pick a pair that isn't too tight or too loose. Yes, you may need to try on different sizes, so try to buy shoes from brands that provide a replacement guarantee.
3. Weight
While researching the shoes for my husband, a good friend who often goes on desert hikes suggested I get a lightweight pair. He advised getting a pair that weighs less than two pounds to ensure proper comfort. He also said that a heavy pair of shoes could quickly tire our feet, especially on the resistive terrain of sandy trails.
Instead, try to pick a lightweight pair with a breathable upper portion with proper airflow. They ensure that your feet will remain sweat-free and comfortable, minimizing the risk of blisters. Additionally, lightweight pairs give you the advantage of traveling without the heavy load of traditional trekking boots.
4. Flexibility And Support
Your feet need to have proper flexibility when you're walking through a resistive, sandy trail. It's made possible by shoes with flexible soles designed to give you a comfortable treat even on harsh terrains. Rubber soles work the best as they can handle a lot of wear and tear while giving you the right amount of flexibility.
Note that you don't need a shoe with excessive cushioning for sandy treks as the sand already absorbs a lot of the pressure and shock of your treads. Rather look for a pair with slight midsole cushioning and a formed insole as they provide better stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to walking on sand dunes, the first choice of footwear for most people is flip-flops or sandals. While they may seem harmless and comfortable to wear on such occasions, the reality is far from the truth. Any exposed footwear may make your feet susceptible to injuries, especially on hot days.
That's why it's quite usual to find your feet covered in blisters after a day at the beach. Though sandals can still be worn on a visit to the beach, they are a complete no-go for a hiking trip.
Packing the best shoes for sand dunes becomes essential if it's your first time going to a sandy destination. You may skip the flimsy flip-flops and sandals for a pair of shoes that cover your whole feet. Mind you, they should fit comfortably rather than hugging your feet which may cause fatigue or soreness. Also, make sure to pick a pair with a rubber sole designed to hold traction.
When visiting an area with mixed terrain, pack a versatile pair that allows easy transition between dry, sandy, and rocky ground.
Water shoes are quite underrated when it comes to their use on the beach. I personally like them a lot, especially on those trips where I'm always near the water. The pairs are great for treading between dry and wet areas without worrying about slippage.
You must pay attention to the soles of the shoes to pick an excellent pair of water shoes. Brands usually design them with aggressive tread patterns to let you easily walk on sand, graveled areas, as well as mud. I recommend having a versatile pair of water shoes in your travel closet if you enjoy visiting beaches or other sandy areas.
My Final Recommendation
Before I tell you my favorites, I would like to reiterate that the best shoes for sand dunes may vary based on personal preference. So, you may need to try out a couple of pairs before finding the one that fits the best and is equally comfortable.Â
The Sanuk SMF1047-BRN Chiba proved to be a worthy pair for my husband as he can easily use them on sandy areas and regular paths without hurting his feet.Â
Alternatively, the Bruno Marc Desert Chukka Boots are better suited for situations when you need to dress up and look presentable without compromising on comfort. It’s also highly recommended to those who have difficulty finding chukka boots in their size.Â
Until next time!Â