Hiking Made Easy – Hiking on sand dunes requires the best shoes for hiking sand dunes. We have reviewed the 5 best shoes you can choose from. Let’s take a look at them.
Some hikers get a thrill from discovering a new trail, and for them, the sand dunes are a perfect destination. Shoes that perform well on forested paths, on the other hand, may not perform as well in desert or beach settings.
You’ll need the best sand dunes shoes to keep your feet safe and comfy throughout this exciting adventure. For a comfortable stroll across the sand dunes, the best footwear for sand dunes should be tight, keep sand out, and decrease sweating and blisters.
Why Do Sand Dunes Require a Special Type of Shoe?
Hiking through sand dunes would undoubtedly tire out your feet much more rapidly than other types of treks because of the hot temperature and uneven surface.
As a result, it is critical that you inspect your shoes carefully before wearing them to ensure that they are suited to the task at hand.
Great Cushioning
A shoe with a lot of cushioning is not essential since the sand dunes absorb a lot of the impact. A moderately cushioned midsole and a well-formed insole, on the other hand, will assist in propelling the foot and keeping you steady.
Best Fit
The fit of a shoe is equally as vital as the function of the shoe. For example, a well-fitting shoe will not only keep your feet comfy on lengthy flights, but it will also prevent your feet from sliding around, so preventing weariness.
As a result, buy the best shoes for hiking sand dunes that fit snugly to keep your feet steady.
Lightweight
It is not required to wear thick hiking or backpacking footwear when trekking over-sand. In fact, the increased resistance of sandy terrain will cause you to grow fatigued far more quickly. Consequently, boots or shoes weighing less than 2 pounds per pair are the best choices.
Breathable Upper
The heat of the sand dunes will need you to wear breathable mesh and non-waterproof fabrics, which will keep you cool and comfortable.
Aside from that, breathable fabrics will keep you from sweating excessively. It will protect you from getting blisters and pruny feet after a long day on the dunes.
Ankle Support
Boots with adequate ankle support are recommended for people who have previously suffered from ankle strain or repetitive-use damage.
A mid-height boot will not only give stability over extended distances, but it will also prevent sand out of your shoes. In certain cases, a water shoe that is both lightweight and breathable is ideal for short hikes.
5 Best Shoes for Hiking Sand Dunes
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Style, comfort, and water resistance come together in the Timberland White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot by Timberland. As a result, even the most challenging sand dunes may be conquered in a day with these trendy, multipurpose shoes.
Durable Shoelaces
Having laces that stay in place once you tighten them is critical for the stability and safety of the foot. It’s also worth noting that the laces on these boots provide superb support for the midfoot.
When hiking difficult terrain, the White Ledge is a great option for maintaining the foot in the appropriate position.
Hikers say this boot fits like a glove and alleviates pressure spots on the most common areas of the body.
A Superb Grip
These boots have rubber bottoms that allow them to maintain a solid hold on the ground with each stride.
Sand, which is notoriously difficult to travel, will now be much easier to cross. Both the grip and durability of the soles are excellent.
Breathable
When it came to the sand, this footwear proved to be quite breathable. In order to keep your feet dry and comfortable, the Timberland White Ledge includes a leather upper lined with a mesh inside.
The outcome is that they are suitable for all seasons and keep the inside of the boot dry by wicking away moisture, such as that produced by sweating. Timberland hiking shoes are one of the best shoes for hiking sand dunes.
Lowa Women’s Tibet LL WS Hiking Boot
The Lowa Tibet LL Trekking Boot has a sturdy construction and a tight fit that provides great durability and unrivaled comfort.
Therefore, for individuals who are serious about sand dunes hiking, this is our main recommendation.
Ankle Support and Safe Laces
To begin, you’ll want footwear with a tight-fitting closure to keep sand out of your shoes. Fortunately, these boots’ laces are quite tight and will not come undone once knotted.
The laces, in addition to protecting the instep from sand, provide a superb amount of support.
In addition, the Lowa Tibet LL has a great deal of ankle stability. As a result, hikers won’t have to worry about heel tiredness and damage.
Regardless of the distance traveled, we’ve found this footwear to be a tough fighter against the sand dunes.
Vibram Shoe Soles
It’s also critical that any shoe be able to handle a variety of difficult terrain. Fortunately, the Vibram soles on these shoes are some of the best available for hikers.
The Tibet LL sole provides exceptional traction, but hikers also appreciate the sole’s durability. For hikers looking for a boot with a great deal of flexibility and adaptability, this one is ideal.
Breathable
A long-lasting shoe is ensured by the Tibet LL’s use of high-quality leather for the top. The perforated inner and mesh upper make these shoes even more breathable.
In addition, the footbed is very permeable and prevents moisture from accumulating. To avoid slipping and blisters on the dunes, you’ll need to keep your feet firmly planted on the sand. Lowa women’s hiking shoes are one of the best shoes for hiking sand dunes.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Suede Wp Hiking Boot
Since every hiker needs footwear that can survive the outdoors while yet looking good, Columbia developed the Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof boot.
Made with high-quality materials and professional craftsmanship, it’s the ideal hiking partner for long days on the route.
Upper Waterproof Construction
The Newton Ridge Plus II from Columbia has a leather, suede, and mesh fabric mix. To further enhance the boot’s capacity to repel water and sand, they are made of waterproof materials and have seam-sealed construction.
When you’re out on the trail, these materials will keep your feet dry and well-supported. For further security, the boots have D-caps, which can be laced up to the ankles for a snug fit.
Newton Ridge Boot Grip
Although many people prefer Vibram rubber soles, Newton Ridge’s performance will certainly blow you away.
Columbia’s Omni-Grip rubber appears to be just as effective as some of the more well-known rubbers utilized by other manufacturers.
With the lugs’ ability to attach to a wide range of surfaces, you’ll have a dependable grip on the sand. Also, the lugs are deep enough that you can swiftly claw your way through light snow, sand dunes, and ice.
Midsole VA Cushioning
The Newton Ridge Plus II features a thick layer of springy EVA foam in the midsole. For the price, it’s a well-cushioned piece of equipment that will keep your feet happy.
On a long day of sand dunes hiking, you’ll be grateful for the cushioning in the midsole. On a regular hike, we believe you’ll be happy with the product’s overall comfort and performance. However, longer multiday thru-hikes will most likely be unsuitable for this footwear.
Columbia Men’s Newton boots are one of the best shoes for hiking sand dunes.
Merrell Women’s Yokota 2 Hiking Shoe
The Yokota 2 is a lightweight shoe that provides a lot of comfort and traction, according to those who have tried it. The upper’s open design is also a big draw for hikers in hot weather. Nonetheless, the absence of padding in the footgear may be an issue for some.
Ease of Use
Several factors contribute to the Yokota 2’s ability to handle all-terrain hiking. The Merrell unique M Select Grip rubber outsole makes this shoe well-equipped for walking on a variety of terrains, according to many of its wearers. This outsole can withstand any type of terrain, be it wet, dry, or rough.
For people with club feet, the excellent multidirectional grip provided by the 4-millimeter oval-shaped lugs is a welcome addition. With the grooves on either end of the shoe, you’ll be able to handle uphill and downhill problems with ease.
Design
Merrell is a well-known company known for putting a lot of attention into its hiking shoes. The Yokota 2 makes this evident, as well as a number of other fantastic features while hiking.
The hook and lacing eyelet, which produces a secure fit, and the Bellows tongue, which keeps out debris, are my personal favorites.
Because of its design, Merrell Women’s Yokota is one of the best shoes for hiking sand dunes.
In addition, the Molded TPU heel counter makes it simpler to traverse difficult descents and climb over slick rocks.
Comfort
The Yokota shouts comfort from the beginning. Allow your feet a breath of fresh air with the very breathable mesh lining, which tackles the heat incredibly well, even on searing all-day walks.
This low-top hiker is also incredibly comfy right out of the box, requiring no break-in period or other preparation.
As a lightweight hiker, this Merrell series is quite comfortable and allows for rapid walks! Although the Yokota 2 isn’t light enough to be considered a trail runner, it is a good option for hikers who weigh between 110 and 130 pounds.
More delicate designs of the Yokota 2 wouldn’t give the substantial protecting bottom that this Merrell line provides, pointless comfort, and a greater risk of sharp shards and debris cutting into the soles of your feet. In addition, the outsole’s front part, which rises upward, provides important stub protection.
Skechers Men’s Relment-Pelmo Hiking Boot
While we’re on the subject of hiking sand dunes, hiking boots come to mind. In appearance, these boots resemble work boots, and they can be used interchangeably.
For this sort of footwear, leather is still a fine choice, but you’ll need a variety that’s been treated with additional waterproofing.
You’ll be wearing these boots for a lengthy amount of time, so you’ll need something that’s both breathable and protected for your feet. Make sure your boots are broken in properly before heading out on the trail to ensure a good fit.
No doubt, Skechers men’s relment-pelmo boots are one of the best shoes for hiking sand dunes.
Excellent Traction and Grip
The rubber on the boot’s outsole provides grip on virtually any surface. This shoe has flexible grooves for the user’s foot.
The lugs’ roughened surfaces provide improved traction on the ground. The sole of the shoe has ridges on both the front and rear to help the wearer as they ascend and descend.
Comfortable Cushioning
The Relment Pelmo has a cushioned midsole that provides underfoot relief. In order to provide a more cushioned ride, it has a thicker foam in the heel than in the forefoot. When it comes to cushioning and support, a full-length Memory Foam insole is the way to go.
Seam-sealed Waterproof Construction
The upper of this Skechers shoe is made of a durable sport suede. The waterproof, seam-sealed design keeps feet dry and fresh even when confronted with damp conditions. The interior is lined with a comfortable cloth for your comfort.
FAQs – Best Shoes For Hiking Sand Dunes
What should I wear to the sand dunes?
Winter is a good time to pack a hat, gloves, wool socks, and a heavy jacket for the evenings since temperatures might drop quickly.
Pack a sun hat, sun gloves, sunglasses, a long-sleeve shirt with UPF sun protection, and a bandana or lightweight face and neck cover, such as a Buff or Discrete neck buff, to keep yourself safe from the heat and sand on your vacation.
What shoes do you wear in the desert?
Shoes for hikers (These should be sturdy and hefty enough to protect your feet from the heated ground surface as well as sharp and heavy pebbles.) Hiking boots with high ankles are the best choice.
What shoes should I wear to the Great Sand Dunes National Park?
On hot afternoons, the temperature of the sand surface can reach above 150 degrees Fahrenheit; plan to trek early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer months to avoid burnt feet and probable heat exhaustion.
If you have to stroll on the dunes on a hot summer afternoon, make sure to wear boots or tennis shoes to protect your feet (sandals are not adequate).
What do you wear to summer sand dunes?
Make sure you’ve dressed appropriately for the activity you’re participating in on the sand dunes. Wearing anything heavy like pants in the summer, when surface temperatures can reach 150°F (66°C), might be a terrible experience.
Instead, choose something light and breezy that you can match with sandals to keep your feet safe from the searing sand. You should also wear the best shoes for hiking sand dunes in summer.
Do water shoes keep sand out?
In order to be effective, a water shoe must allow you to move freely in the water while also keeping sand and dirt out, which is particularly critical while whitewater rafting or kayaking.
Conclusion
Walking on sand dunes provides a breathtaking perspective and allows you to reconnect with nature in its most natural state. You will need a pair of the best shoes for hiking sand dunes that are both durable and comfy, as the ground beneath your feet is anything but kind.
A better grip, more comfort, and an overall more delightful experience are all benefits of wearing the proper shoes for sand dunes.
If you have ever been to sand dunes hiking, share your experience with all of us in the comments section below!
