What makes a sandal good for river use specifically?

A river sandal needs a secure strap system that won't come off in current, a sole that grips wet rock, and a footbed that drains quickly. Flip-flops and most casual sandals fail on all three counts. Stick to sandals with heel straps and adjustable toe straps.

Can I hike in river sandals?

Yes, most river sandals are capable day-hiking sandals on well-maintained trails. Chacos and Bedrock Cairns are particularly good. For technical canyon terrain — scrambling, loose rock, narrow ledges — a sandal with toe protection (Keen Newport) is worth the weight.

Do Chaco sandals work with wet feet?

Yes. The Chaco Z/1 and Z/2 are designed for wet-dry use. The single-strap system stays adjusted when wet, and the rubber outsole grips wet sandstone. The webbing dries quickly but stays soft when wet.

Are Keen Newport sandals too hot for desert use?

The closed-toe box reduces airflow compared to open-toe sandals. In extreme desert heat, Keens can feel warmer. The trade-off is toe protection on rocky terrain and better security in fast water. For mixed use — river and technical terrain — the Newport is worth it.

What's the difference between the Chaco Z/1 and Z/2?

The Z/1 has a single toe strap loop; the Z/2 adds a second strap between the big and second toe. Both use the same adjustable webbing system. The Z/2 feels more secure in water; the Z/1 is more comfortable for camp and casual walking. Most river users prefer the Z/2.

Best River Sandals for 2025: Chacos, Tevas, and More

Your footwear on a river trip does more work than you'd expect. You're walking rocky riverbanks, scrambling up canyon walls to campsites, wading shallow channels, and then lounging in camp for hours. The wrong sandal makes all of that worse. Flip-flops come off in current, soft-soled sandals offer no traction on wet sandstone, and anything without a heel strap is a liability the moment you're standing in fast water.

Here are the sandals that actually work on a river trip — and why each one earns its place.

The secure-strap requirement

This is non-negotiable: any sandal you wear on a river trip must have a heel strap and a toe strap that can be tightened. The sandal needs to stay on your foot if you're standing in thigh-deep current, scrambling over slippery rock, or swimming unexpectedly. Lose a sandal in the river and you're hiking barefoot on canyon rock. This immediately rules out flip-flops and most slide-style sandals.

Top picks

Chaco Z/2 — Best overall river sandal

The Chaco Z/2 is the sandal most river guides reach for. The single-piece webbing system threads through a buckle in the heel and wraps around the foot in a single loop — adjust it once and it holds that adjustment wet or dry. The Z/2 adds a second strap between the big toe and second toe that improves security in water. The LUVSEAT footbed provides real arch support for long days on uneven terrain. The Vibram outsole grips wet sandstone reliably.

The Z/2 is also comfortable enough to wear all day in camp, which matters on a five-day trip. The break-in period is real — wear them around the house for a week before a river trip. Around $110.

Teva Original Universal — Best casual river sandal

The Teva Original is the classic river sandal: four adjustable straps, a soft EVA midsole, and a rubber outsole with decent wet traction. It's lighter and more comfortable out of the box than the Chaco. The trade-off is less arch support and a footbed that compresses over time. For shorter trips or floaters who prioritize comfort over technical performance, the Teva Universal is an excellent choice. Around $60.

Bedrock Cairn — Best for trail and river crossings

Bedrock makes minimalist sandals built for the hiker-boater crossover. The Cairn uses a simple two-strap system (heel and toe) with a thin rubber sole that feels like barefoot but grips well. They're significantly lighter than Chacos, which matters if you're carrying them in a pack for a packraft trip. The limitation is arch support — none, by design. If you're used to minimalist footwear, the Cairn is exceptional. If not, it takes adjustment. Around $95.

Keen Newport H2 — Best for toe protection

The Keen Newport wraps a closed mesh cage around the toe box, which protects your toes from rocks during technical canyon scrambling. The rubber sole has good wet grip. The sandal is heavier than open-toe options and warmer in high desert heat. For trips that include technical canyoneering approaches or scrambles where toe protection matters, the Newport earns its weight. Around $110.

Open-toe vs closed-toe

Open-toe sandals (Chaco, Teva, Bedrock) are cooler in desert heat, drain faster, and feel more natural for walking. The trade-off is no toe protection — stub a toe on submerged rock or catch a sandstone edge wrong and you'll know why guides occasionally tape their toes.

Closed-toe sandals (Keen Newport) sacrifice airflow for protection. On trips with significant technical terrain — slot canyons, boulder-field approaches, scrambling to high-water campsites — closed-toe is worth the heat penalty.

Sole grip on wet rock: what to look for

All four sandals above use rubber outsoles, but compound and tread pattern vary. Vibram soles (Chaco Z/2) have the best reputation for wet rock grip. The Keen Newport's rubber is softer and slightly stickier on smooth wet sandstone but wears faster on abrasive surfaces. The Teva Original's outsole is adequate but not exceptional on steep wet terrain.

If you're doing significant wet canyoneering or river-crossing hiking, Chacos are the better choice. For a float trip where most of your walking is on sandy riverbanks, the Teva is fine.

Camp comfort considerations

After a long day on the water, you want a sandal that's comfortable in camp. Chacos take some getting used to but are very comfortable once broken in. Tevas are comfortable immediately. Bedrock Cairns require foot strength — they're not lounge sandals. Keen Newports are the most comfortable for standing around a kitchen setup on sand.

For most river trippers, the Chaco Z/2 is the single sandal that does everything well. For those who want maximum comfort over performance, the Teva Original is a strong alternative at a lower price.