Experience this story and others in the new issue of Highsnobiety Magazine, available from retailers around the world and our online store.
Like a rally car ripping through muddy trails with its windows wide open, adventure sandals burst onto the scene in the 1980s. They’re rugged yet relaxed: the perfect item for those outdoor activities that don’t require protective footwear. The adventure sandal’s combination of suppleness and support has made it a standby among hikers, rafters, anglers, and the style set alike. Today, they’ve become muse for fashion houses like Gucci and Balenciaga. In a test of both durability and wearability, we took our favorite pairs out for a spin.
KEEN San Juan II Sandal
A gladiator sandal mule, the San Juan II brings KEEN's signature bungee cord webbing to a new silhouette. We loved the cushioned feel, water-friendly materials, and capped toes. Straps are comfy and unique within the Oregon brand's catalog, making this shoe a must-try for adventurers.
The North Face Skeena Sandals
These remind of the sandals you used to skedaddle through the green in as a child, but with a bit of a twist. The velcro fastening and rubber sole do right by sandal traditions, with the emblem, green colorway and strap material lending them a contemporary edge.
Burberry Pebble Sandals
At almost a thousand bucks, this pair's definitely on the upper end of the price range. They're not your typical adventure sandals, but therefore the only ones on this list that will seamlessly accompany you from day to night; as much of a casual everyday summer sandal as it is an elegant evening silhouette to wear to a terrace dinner.
Ecco Offroad
But back to basics: an elder amongst adventure sandals, the Ecco brand was founded in 1963 by Danish shoemaker Karl Toosbuy, with functionality, durability, and comfort at the forefront of his designs. Granted, you may recognize them more so from your parents, even grand parents' shoe rack, but we promise you there's good reason for why they've been around so long and are still as popular as ever.
Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc
This beefed-up version of a gummy clog is here to avenge all its relatives for years of ridicule. By 2024, Crocs has made a comeback, Balenciaga's duped them, and leather masters Bottega Veneta've even tried their hand at a rubber shoe. So, guess who's laughing now?
Moncler Trailgrip
The Vibram sole provides you with unparalleled grip as you trail up mountains, down hills, along sidewalks. Moncler's known for expertise in alpine sports and luxury, never failing to merge the two, with this trekking sandal posing no exception to that rule.
Dr. Marten's Jericho Neoprene Hybrids
And to finish this list off, we have a true chimera of adventurous seasonal footwear. The Doc beautifully Frankenstein'd a pair of roman sandals to feature a neoprene uppers, cord fastening, and the brands' boots' trademark bouncy soles.
