Deserts are prominently amazing-particularly if you happen to visit those harboring Egyptian pyramids. But unlike other holidays, a trip to the sand dune deserts must be well-prepared. You need a bottle of water, sunglasses, a scarf, sunscreen and of course, the best shoes for sand dunes.
You cannot wear formal shoes, slippers, heels, or running sneakers to a sand dune desert hiking. Such shoes can promote a good desert experience. Shoes for sand dune walking must be light, comfortable, protect sand penetration, and cover your ankles.
In this article, we are going to review some of the go-to shoes for hitting sand dune trails. Without wasting a second, let’s glide to the next section.
Table of Contents
Best Shoes For Sand Dunes 2022
Here are some reliable picks you could always go for:
1. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Hiking Shoe
Coming at the top of this list is Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Hiking Shoe, a staple shoe among serial hikers and often recommended by expedition leaders. This shoe comes with a resilient spirit ready to face the desert dunes.
Like most Merrell shoes, its design includes performance-oriented suede leather. You can hit into anything and sink your feet into hot sand without any blisters. To add an element of breathability, there are several mesh panels.
Another advantage of Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Hiking Shoe is the weight. It doesn’t pack quite a lot like other boots for dune walking. A bellowed tongue makes the shoe sand and watertight. Without this feature, you will definitely be emptying sand from your shoe at a frequent rate that will surely become a bother.
Features
- Suede leather top
- Low cut design
- Bellowed tongue
- Reinforced toe end
- Vibram TC5+ OUTSOLE
Pros:
- Adequately breathable for warm hot outdoors
- Rugged for longevity and protection
- Lightweight construction
- Protective toe end
- Designed to keep sand and water out
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer ankle protection
- A slight drop in quality
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Hiking Shoe brings to you a bellowed tongue, tough exterior, breathable panels, and a protective rubber toe. These are the core features every shoe for dune walking should have. On top of that, many outdoor enthusiasts highly recommend it- a clear sign that this is a functional pair.
2. Dunes Women’s Karma Hidden Wedge Boot
A boot is a wardrobe staple for most women because a good number of them are cute and can look good with both jeans and dresses. But let’s talk about a different type of booty-one that you need during your off-grid travels. One such amazing offer is Dunes Women’s Karma Hidden Wedge Boot.
Even though designed for the rugged outdoors, this shoe is designed with tough suede to keep your feet protected in sandy dunes. It elongates all the way to the ankle preventing possible twists and sand burns as you descend the dunes.
Even though not really ideal for desert walking, there is a thin layer of faux shearling to keep you comfy. The foam memory insole plays the same role too and you’d be thankful if the walk becomes a really long one. Above all, Dunes Women’s Karma Hidden Wedge Boot is super lightweight and comes with a zipper and a heel pull tab so you can get it on and off without too much hassle.
Features
- Soft vegan suede top
- Back pull tab
- Faux shearling lining
- Memory foam insole
- Side zipper for easy on and off
- Ankle-cut design
Pros:
- Lined with faux shearling for comfort
- A lightweight dune booty
- It’s easy to wear to remove thanks to the zipper and pull tab
- Long-lasting quality
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- No deal-breaking flaws
Dunes Women’s Karma Hidden Wedge Boot is one of the most practical dune boots you’ll ever come across. So forget your fashionable boots at hope and don this pair to enjoy the sweat-dripping thrill that comes with dune walking.
3. Clarks Men’s Desert Boot Chukka
Clarks Men’s Desert Boot Chukka has and still is a cult classic. This is an iconic boot that served British soldiers effectively during the Second World War. Today, this boot can be sported amongst outdoor experts because of their top-level protection.
Chukka boot is a no-frills offer. There is no unnecessary padding or long-winded laces that take up your time. Eventually, you get something that is super lightweight for loner desert walks. Standing all the way to your ankles, you can spend less time removing sand from your shoe and more time trudging forward.
The level of stitching that goes into this boot makes many conventional shoes look like a bad example. If your dad had one, then you probably never saw them torn. He just got tired of them. Yeah, that’s how durable Clarks Men’s Desert Boot Chukka can be. But you need to treat it to retain its supple feel or they harden and feel like plastic.
Features
- Suede upper
- Ankle height design
- Crepe flexible outsole
- Lace design
Pros:
- Extremely breathable
- Lightweight design for long treks
- Can last so many years
- Fairly comfortable
- Affordable considering their long-lasting stitching
Cons:
- Crepe sole discolors when exposed to too much dirt
Clarks Men’s Desert Boot Chukka is as perfect as they come. Lightweight, flexible, and breathable for desert walking. On top of that, they can be worn for practically any event. Just take a look at customer reviews and you’ll realize no bit of this review is exaggerated.
4. Teva Women’s Ember Moc Slipper
Countless times we’ve seen and heard people prefer to walk on sand barefoot. Some decide to slip in sandals for additional protection. We are shoe experts and we would not recommend that. If you must wear a slipper then pick the most safety choices like Teva Women’s Ember Moc Slipper.
It’s actually one of the most beautiful shoes for walking on sand dunes and comes in a wide range of elegant colors. Albeit a closed shoe, the heel is collapsible to allow for easy on and off. The top bears ripstop vamp with impeccable stitching for extreme outdoor use. It’s also easy to dust off.
Teva Women’s Ember Moc Slipper weighs very little. You can run so fast and not feet burdened. For extra cushioning, the manufacturer threw in an EVA foam midsole and a rubber outsole to improve comfort.
Features
- Rib-knit collar
- Collapsible heel
- Rubber outsole
- EVA foam midsole
- Multiple color choices
Pros:
- Lightweight cushioning
- An easy to clean design (simply wipe up and it’s done)
- Its hassle-free to wear and remove
- Multiple eye-candy colors
- Comes in affordable packages too
Cons:
- Lacks the protection of hiking gear
If carrying a load of weight up and down the dune doesn’t feel like something you are up for, then consider Teva Women’s Ember Moc Slipper. This slipper is designed to give you maximum protection without heavy baggage. It totally would look wonderful on any lady.
5. UGG Men’s Neumel Waterproof Boot
So many people sustain blisters from walking on sand. It’s because of the resistance created=something you don’t experience on hard surfaces. This is why boots like UGG Men’s Neumel are recommended.
Covering all the way to the ankles, this desert hiking boot is the ultimate weapon against ankle sprains and burns from hot sands. It’s so unstable to walk on sand, this is why the outsole is flat. This way, you have better contact with the ground.
Sand dunes are soft, unlike roads. Nevertheless, some cushioning is needed and UGG Men’s Neumel does provide sufficiently. Also, its design is thin and thus weightless on the feet. Above all, the quality of this shoe is unrivaled. This makes it ideal for hiking and other exploratory trips.
Features
- Leather top
- Synthetic outsole
- Seam-sealed for water-resistance
- UGG’s pure wool lining
- Foam insole cushioning
- Treadlite outsole traction
Pros:
- Long-lasting quality
- A versatile design
- Waterproof construction
- Lightweight performance
- Good traction for slippery surfaces
Cons:
- Costs $100+ and that can be a lot for many people
There are many good reasons why you should pick UGG Men’s, Neumel Boot. However, the overarching one is durability. This boot is constructed from pure leather with waterproof capabilities. So yeah, this is something that can accompany you to so many sand dune trips.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
a) What shoes should I wear for sand dunes?
Pick a shoe that is lightweight, comfortable, sandproof, and offers ankle protection. Avoid flip-flops and other open shoes that will expose you to hot sand and possible ankle twist. Some of the top choices to look into include Clark Men’s Desert Boots, Merrell Moab 2, Dunes Women’s Karma Wedge Boot, Teva Women’s Moc Slipper, and UGG Men’s Desert Boot.
b) Can you do without the shoes?
Proper footwear is mandatory on all occasions. Nevertheless, some people chose to walk barefoot when the temperatures are still low. In case of a slight rise, you can put on some thick socks before finally putting on the shoes when your feet finally need some support.
c) How do you deal with hot sand?
It is ideal that you pack a pair of thick socks in case you’d be wearing slippers. Sand gets too hot (around 75-80 degrees F) and every time it gets in your shoe, you will not be able to move. To curb this, some people actually put on socks on top of their shoes.
d) Can you use running shoes to climb a sand dune?
Running shoes tend to be breathable which is important on a hot day. Unfortunately, they can be heavy. Nevertheless, there are so many other fitness shoes, including the best cross trainers that can see you to the top and bottom of the dune.
Bottom Line
Desert boots are among the best shoes for sand dunes. We cannot repeat this enough. In some instances, just having the right shoe may not be enough. You might need wool socks as well to prevent sand from getting into your shoe often. Socks can also minimize the chances of sustaining blisters.
Be aware of weight. Climbing up a sand dune can be more arduous than climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Every time you step on the sand, it sinks, making you expend more energy. With all this hard in place, it is not a good idea to carry along a 1.5-pound boot just because it’s your favorite.
And when it comes to the outsole, the flexible it is, the better. Other things you should pay attention to include tough, but breathable material, mild cushioning (too much will add more weight), and ease of wearing or removing. Now that you know what makes the best shoes for walking on sand dunes, go back to our reviews and pick a choice that appeals to your needs.