The Best Sandals for Hiking, Backpacking, Camp, and Travel (Trail Tested and Reviewed)
LUNA Sandals Review - The Best Minimalist Sandals of 2026 for Outdoor Lovers
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different outdoor sandals and in all honesty, LUNA Sandals are the best of the best when it comes to design and functionality
If you're looking for the best minimalist sandals for hiking, backpacking, and travel, Luna Sandals might be exactly what you're after. I’ve been testing four different pairs of LUNA Sandals, from rugged trail days on early season backpacking trips (yes, even on snow), to lazy camp evenings after long mile days and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.
Originally designed for barefoot runners, Luna Sandals are huarache-style minimalist sandals built for adventure. They’re flexible, lightweight, surprisingly durable, and give you that “barefoot feel” without sacrificing protection. Inspired by the traditional sandals of the Tarahumara people in Mexico, Lunas have developed a cult following among ultralight hikers, trail runners, and travelers looking for a reliable, do-everything sandal. Even better, they’re a local Washington State company and have a warehouse and store in Wenatchee.
In this post, I’m sharing my personal experience with four of their most popular models, and what I think each one is best for, whether you’re looking for a pair to hike in, the best and lightest backpacking camp shoe, or something versatile enough to wear around town.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission of every purchase made with my links at no additional cost to you. For Luna Sandals, I also have a 15% discount code for my readers which I will automatically be added to your cart when you click my links.
Table of Contents
Backpacking in Spider Meadows, wearing LUNA Oso Flaco sandals
What Makes LUNA Sandals Great for Hiking and Backpacking?
These aren’t your average outdoor sandals. They're minimalist, which means they’re designed to be as lightweight and natural-feeling as possible. But don’t mistake minimalist for flimsy—these sandals are tough. I’ve worn them on 8 mile hikes, while backpacking through creek and river crossings and across snow fields, and for walks around town. They really can do it all, and I am very picky about my outdoor gear.
Here’s what makes LUNA Sandals ideal for hiking and backpacking:
Lightweight: Many models weigh under 10 ounces per pair.
Packable: Slim enough to fit easily in your backpack.
Quick-drying: Perfect for river crossings or sweaty hikes.
Barefoot feel: Great ground feedback and natural stride.
Durable soles: Vibram rubber stands up to tough terrain.
Whether you're aiming to reduce your base weight or just want a shoe that transitions easily from the trail to town, there's a Luna style that fits the bill.
How I Rank Each Sandal Style I’ve Tested on the Trail
I’ve tried out each of these four pairs to come up what I believe each is best for, to help you figure out which pair will work best for you. All of the hiking styles I have worn on trail, at camp, and in town, and the Hemp Monkey, I’ve been wearing to events and around town. I’ve worn the Oso Flaco, Mono, and Venado on rocky and dirt trails, across slabs of rock, and for water crossings in creeks and thigh deep rivers to test each pair out. You’ll get full reviews below, and what I recommend each style for.
Oso Flacos on a hike to Colchuck Lake in Washington State
1. Best Hiking Sandals and River Crossing Shoes: LUNA Oso Flaco Review
If you’re looking for a minimalist sandal tough enough for real trail miles, the LUNA Oso Flaco Winged Edition is the one. These are the best hiking sandals on the market in my opinion, and like I said before, I’ve tried a ton of different brands over the years. I’ve used these for day hikes, rocky terrain, and river crossings, and they’re by far the most secure, grippy sandal I’ve ever tried. I was blown away by how grippy these sandals were when crossing knee and thigh deep creeks, and on slippery rocks. They honestly performed better than my aquatic canyoning shoes, which blew my mind. Get 15% off your LUNA order with this link!
Why I Love the Oso Flaco:
Aggressive tread: The Vibram Megagrip sole has deep lugs that bite into trail surfaces.
Snug fit: The MGT footbed + performance laces keep your foot locked in.
Water friendly: They dry fast and don’t get floppy when wet.
These sandals give you the freedom and flexibility of a barefoot-style shoe, with enough grip and support to confidently tackle rough terrain.
Best for: Hiking, river crossings, rough trails, canyoneering
Not ideal for: Honestly they work for everything, I’ve worn them around town too…
Weight: 7.2 oz (single sandal, men's size 9)
Hanging out at camp in Venado 2.0 sandals
2. Lightest Camp Shoes for Backpacking: LUNA Venado 2.0 Review
The LUNA Venado 2.0 is my go-to backpacking camp shoe, and honestly, it might be my all-time favorite ultralight camp shoe option. Weighing just over 8 oz per pair, they’re featherlight but still have enough structure for short walks or easy miles. If you are worried about blisters from your hiking boots, these are great to change into and still be able to hike in. Though their soles are not nearly as burly as the other models, which keeps them light. I will say that these are best for me as camp shoes, though the sole is Vibram, they were a bit slippery on rocks and have no tread. Get 15% off your order with this link!
What Makes the Vernado 2.0 Great:
Ultralight: Ideal for weight-conscious backpackers
Flat sole: Keeps them low-profile in your pack or tent
Easy to wear: Comfortable for slipping on at camp, filtering water, or late-night bathroom runs
While I wouldn’t wear these for hikes, but they’re perfect for giving your feet a break after a long day on trail without adding much weight to your pack. And if you’re using them as camp shoes, you’re going to want to make sure to have Injinji socks or the LUNA Polar Feet Tabi Socks to keep your feet warm on chilly nights.
Best for: Backpacking camp shoes, short walks, swimming in alpine lakes
Not ideal for: Rugged hiking or river crossings since they don’t have tread
Weight: 4.4 oz (single sandal, men's size 9)
Spending time by the lake in Mono Winged sandals
3. Best All Around and Travel Sandals: LUNA Mono Winged Edition Review
If you want one pair of sandals to do it all—hiking, travel, casual town days—the LUNA Mono Winged Edition is your best bet. These are the most versatile Lunas I tested and the pair I’d take on a minimalist trip where space is limited. They are also really lightweight and have more padding than the Oso Flacos. Of all four pairs I tested out, this is the most comfortable with the most padding. Get 15% off your order with this link!
What I Like About the Mono Sandals:
Most comfortable: Out of all the foot bed options, this is the most comfortable and softest
Moderate cushion: More padding than the other minimalist sandals for long days
Hybrid sole: Good for trail use, but not overkill for casual wear
These are the sandals I’d pack for international travel, road trips, short hikes, or any summer trip where I need a reliable all-purpose shoe that can handle some mileage but also won’t look out of place at a café or brewery.
Best for: Travel, light hiking, city walking
Not ideal for: Extremely rugged terrain
Weight: 6.7 oz (single sandal, men's size 9)
Hemp Monkey sandals dressed casually for in town
4. Best Casual or Town Sandals: LUNA Hemp Monkey Review
The Hemp Monkey is the most natural-feeling, laid-back sandal. It’s not one I’d hike in, but it’s become my favorite for rest days, short walks, and town stops while traveling. These are comfy and stylish enough to be the only summer sandal I need that can go from car camping to drinks in town effortlessly. You can dress them up, or keep it super casual, but they look good with just about everything. Get 15% off your order with this link!
Why I Recommend the Hemp Monkey:
Soft hemp laces: Super comfortable and casual-looking
Low-profile: Easy to pack and stylish enough for everyday outfits, even sun dresses
Natural footbed: Great barefoot feel with minimal structure
If you're looking for a minimalist sandal that doesn’t scream “trail gear,” this is the pair. They’re cute, comfy, and ideal for giving your feet a breather after long hiking or climbing days.
Best for: Town, rest days, casual wear, and dressing up
Not ideal for: Hiking or wet conditions
Weight: 6.7 oz (single sandal, men's size 9)
Wearing Injinji socks and using an anti-chafe stick to prevent blisters
How to Break In Sandals and Prevent Blisters While Hiking
Worried about getting blisters from LUNA Sandals while hiking long miles in them? I worried about this too, and it’s totally avoidable. While they are designed to feel natural and comfortable, they do take a little adjustment if you're used to closed-toe hiking shoes or boots.
Here are some tips to break them in faster and stay blister-free:
Start slow: I highly recommend wearing your sandals for short walks or a few trail miles at a time to let your feet adjust to the minimalist design.
Wear toe socks: Injinji toe socks are a great option for breaking in LUNA Sandals. They help reduce friction and keep your toes from rubbing on the straps. I was told in store to put socks on after a couple miles at first to prevent blisters.
Use anti-chafe balm: I always keep an anti-chafe stick on hand and apply it if I feel any rubbing—especially around the straps or on the sides next to the wings on winged models. It works like a charm to prevent hot spots before they start. My favorite anti-chafe stick by far is by Dermatone. It is tiny and light, so fits easily into a backpack hip belt.
Once your feet adjust, LUNA Sandals can be incredibly comfortable—even on longer hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. Just give them a little time, and don’t skip the sock and balm trick while your feet are getting used to the ride.
Wearing LUNA Polar Feet Tabi Socks
What to Wear With These Sandals: Socks That Pair Perfectly
One of the most underrated parts of wearing LUNA Sandals, especially for backpacking or shoulder-season travel, is pairing them with the right socks. Whether you want extra warmth at camp or just prefer a little barrier between your feet and the sandal, these are some of my favorite picks:
Injinji Toe Socks – These are a go-to for hikers, backpackers, and a personal preference that I wear for every trip out. They work great with LUNAs thanks to their individual toe design, which helps prevent blisters and keeps your foot feeling stable in the sandal. Lightweight and breathable for the trail.
LUNA Polar Feet Tabi Socks – These fleece tabi-style socks are so cozy for chilly mornings at camp. They’re split-toe, so they pair perfectly with Lunas, and add just enough warmth without needing a full shoe.
Fluffy YUBI Tabi Socks – If you want the comfiest, fluffiest camp sock (and a little bit of fun), these are it. Super soft and great for slipping on after a long day of hiking.
LUNA Tabu 2.0 - A water resistant shell that works as an over sock to protect your feet from the elements. These work great as a camp shoe on their own or paired with socks and Luna sandals.
These sock-and-sandal combos might just become your new favorite trail luxury—you’ll never want to go back to stiff shoes and cold feet again.
LUNA Mono Winged sandals
Final Thoughts: Are LUNA Sandals Worth It for Hikers and Backpackers?
If you're into minimalist gear, lightweight travel, or barefoot-style footwear, LUNA Sandals are absolutely worth considering. Each model has a slightly different personality and ideal use case, but all of them are thoughtfully designed and trail-tested.
Here’s a quick recap on each sandal:
Oso Flaco: Best for hiking and river crossings
Venado 2.0: Best ultralight camp shoe
Mono Winged: Best for travel and versatility
Hemp Monkey: Best for casual wear and rest days
As someone who loves traveling light and simplifying my gear, I’ve really enjoyed incorporating LUNA Sandals into my hiking and backpacking setup. Hopefully this breakdown helps you choose the right pair for your own adventures.
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