6 Best Running Sandals for 2026

Unleash your stride with the Xero Shoes Women’s H-Trail, a sandal engineered for those who crave a true-to-earth connection without sacrificing trail-ready durability. Built on barefoot principles, this model features a zero-drop platform, wide toe box, and an impressively flexible 5.5mm sole that lets your feet move naturally—perfect for runners seeking improved biomechanics. The dual chevron lugs bite into loose terrain, giving confident grip on everything from rocky switchbacks to damp riverbeds, while the quick-drying rPET webbing keeps weight minimal and eco-impact lower.

In real-world testing across forest trails and urban commutes, the H-Trail delivers remarkable ground feel without bruising soles, thanks to its 5,000-mile sole guarantee and balanced cushioning. At just 6.4 oz per sandal, they pack down easily for travel and transition seamlessly from dry hikes to shallow creek crossings—though deep water submersion can lead to temporary sloshing. The toe post is soft-edged, reducing rub during long miles, but the fixed strap layout offers less micro-adjustability than laced systems. Still, the secure heel anchor keeps the sandal locked in place even on steep descents.

Compared to the LUNA Mono Winged, the H-Trail trades some customization for a more streamlined, user-friendly design—ideal for women prioritizing daily wearability and trail confidence over ultra-adjustable fit. It outperforms budget models like the Pulltop in long-term durability and refined ergonomics, making it a top pick for serious female runners and hikers who want minimalist performance with rugged assurance. While not as cushioned as structured sport sandals, its balance of protection and freedom surpasses most in the barefoot category.

Feel the earth, not the price tag—the Pulltop Men’s Barefoot Sandals deliver a shockingly authentic barefoot experience at a fraction of the cost of premium rivals. With an ultra-thin, flexible rubber outsole and zero-drop design, these sandals put your feet inches from the terrain, promoting natural gait and enhanced proprioception—ideal for runners rebuilding foot strength or embracing minimalist training. The wide toe box allows full splay, while fluorescent composite webbing adds daytime visibility and subtle night-time reflectivity, a smart safety upgrade you won’t find in most budget models.

On mixed terrain, the EVA insole provides surprising cushioning without deadening ground feedback, making them capable on gravel paths, packed dirt trails, and even short pavement runs. The rugged rubber outsole holds up well to abrasion and offers solid grip, though it lacks deep lugs for muddy or loose conditions. In wet scenarios, the quick-drying upper drains fast, but the single-loop strap system can loosen slightly during aggressive trail use. At just 5.8 oz, they’re among the lightest in class, vanishing on your feet during long walks or travel days.

When stacked against the LUNA Mono Winged, the Pulltop sacrifices long-term durability and fit precision for unbeatable value—making it a standout for budget-conscious beginners or those testing the barefoot waters. It beats the Alpine Swiss Reid in natural movement freedom despite lacking arch support, appealing to runners who prioritize mechanical authenticity over plush comfort. While it won’t match high-end materials, its raw, grounded performance punches far above its cost, offering an entry point that feels anything but cheap.

All-day comfort meets rugged practicality in the Alpine Swiss Reid—a sandal that redefines value-driven support for men who walk miles, not just stand around. What sets it apart is the contoured EVA footbed with built-in arch support, a rarity in minimalist designs, making it a go-to for those with flat feet or overpronation seeking relief without orthotics. The three adjustable hook-and-loop straps provide a snug, chafe-free fit, lined with soft jersey fabric that prevents hotspots even during extended wear—perfect for travel, workdays, or hiking with a loaded pack.

In real-world use, the Reid shines on paved paths, boardwalks, and light trails, where its sawtooth-patterned TPR outsole delivers reliable traction and impressive durability. At 9.2 oz per sandal, it’s not the lightest, but the added heft brings stability and foot containment that flimsier models lack. The textured footbed resists slipping when wet, though deep water use isn’t ideal due to slow drying. While flexible, the sole doesn’t offer the natural bend of true barefoot sandals, making it less ideal for runners prioritizing gait efficiency.

Against the QUANDELI water sandals, the Reid offers superior arch support and structural integrity, though it’s less breathable in extreme heat. It outperforms the Pulltop in comfort for wide-arched feet but falls short of LUNA’s trail prowess. This is the smart pick for daily drivers—men who want supportive, durable sandals for walking, standing, or light outdoor use without barefoot extremism. It delivers more comfort per ounce than any sub-$25 sandal we’ve tested.

Reinventing the trail sandal, the LUNA MONO Winged Edition is the gold standard of minimalist adventure footwear, blending featherlight agility with extreme durability in one precision-tuned package. At just 5.9 oz per sandal, it features a 11mm Vibram Morflex sole with 4mm lugs, offering the perfect balance of ground feel and protection—ideal for runners who tackle technical trails without wanting to feel every pebble. The climbing-grade tubular webbing and slide-adjust buckles deliver a custom, race-ready fit that stays locked through scrambles, sprints, and river crossings, while the MGT (Monkey Grip Technology) footbed enhances underfoot control and grip.

In rigorous testing—from desert canyons to alpine ridges—the MONO proved unrivaled in adaptability, handling multi-sport demands with ease. The Vibram outsole resists abrasion like no other in the category, surviving sharp rock edges and daily pavement grind without wear. Its open, flexible design promotes natural foot movement and rapid drying, making it a favorite for thru-hikers and trail runners alike. However, the minimal heel cushioning may challenge new barefoot users, and the premium price demands long-term use to justify.

Next to the Xero H-Trail, the MONO offers greater adjustability and elite traction, though at a steeper cost. Compared to the Pulltop, it’s in a different performance league—built for ultra-runners, backpackers, and hardcore minimalists who demand race-ready precision and lifetime durability. With the Moonrock Guarantee backing it, this sandal isn’t just footwear—it’s a lifetime adventure partner that outperforms even at triple the price.

Water-ready comfort meets everyday toughness with the QUANDELI Men’s Sport Sandals, a highly functional aquatic hybrid built for swimmers, kayakers, and beach runners who refuse to change footwear. The standout is its fully breathable knit upper, which dries in minutes and prevents overheating—unlike polyester straps that trap moisture. Backed by three adjustable Velcro straps, including a fully customizable heel lock, it secures firmly during water entries and quick sprints, while the soft EVA midsole cushions impacts without waterlogging. The TPR rubber outsole delivers dependable slip resistance on wet tiles and slick rocks, making it ideal for pool decks, riverbanks, and coastal trails.

In real-world use, these sandals excel in wet-to-dry transitions, staying comfortable during long days of travel, fishing, or resort hopping. The open-toe design enhances ventilation, and the flexible sole bends naturally for light jogging or walking—but lacks the rigidity for serious trail running. At 8.1 oz, they’re light but not packable, and the knit upper stretches slightly over time, risking fit degradation with heavy use. They’re not for barefoot purists, but for those wanting versatile, splash-proof footwear with daily comfort.

Stacked against the Alpine Swiss Reid, the QUANDELI wins in breathability and water performance, though it offers less arch support and long-term structure. It’s a better wet-weather companion than the LUNA or Pulltop, but not a trail replacement. Ideal for waterfront adventurers, travelers, and casual wearers, it delivers smart design where function meets flow—offering more aquatic fluency than any other model here, even if it’s not built for summit bids.