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Three Things To Know:
- Breathable but supportive – These sandals strike a nice balance between open-air comfort and the structure you need for light hiking and all-day wear
- Grippy and trail-ready – With a rugged outsole and decent traction, they handle uneven paths surprisingly well for a sandal
- Not just for the outdoors – Thanks to their low-key design, they’re just as wearable around town or at a campsite as they are on a summer hike
Our Rating:
First Impressions and Fit
Comfort and Support
Grip and Traction
Build Quality and Materials
For casual walks on hot summer days, boots can be too much and even regular walking shoes can feel a bit restrictive, so why not try a walking sandal? From the first wear, the Columbia Women’s Konos Hiker 2-Strap Sandal felt solid and supportive, built for movement rather than just lounging. I was after something breathable for summer hikes and campsite wandering, and these delivered, without making me feel like I was giving up on grip or support.
- RRP: £65.00
- Weight: 185g (1/2 pair size 5)
- Upper: Suede and synthetic leather
- Sole: Omni-GRIP™ non-marking traction rubber
- Fastening: Two hook and loop closure straps for adjustable fit
First Impressions and Fit
From the moment I slipped on the Konos Hiker sandals, they felt impressively rugged for something so lightweight – just 372 g per pair in a UK size 5. The synthetic suede upper and two Velcro straps gave a sturdy feel but stayed breathable. I adjusted the fit quickly and easily, and appreciated that the straps didn’t budge mid-walk.
I also really liked the understated look of the Konos Hikers, they don’t scream “technical sandal,” so I’d happily wear them around the city without feeling like I’ve just wandered in from the trail. They’ve got a clean, low-key design that blends in easily with everyday outfits, which makes them a versatile option beyond just outdoor use.
Fit-wise, a few users and Columbia itself recommend sizing up, especially if you’re between sizes, as the toe and ankle straps can feel short on low-volume feet. I followed that advice, ordered my usual size, and got a comfortable fit, snug yet adjustable without any pinching or rubbing.On first walks, the sandals felt supportive and stable right from the get-go. The TechLite™ footbed with deflection domes cushioned every step, while the Omni-Grip™ outsole held tight to dry trails and gravel without slipping Overall, the fit was true to size and I found them comfortable with minimal break-in.
Comfort and Support
Straight out of the box, the Konos Hiker sandals felt firm but not too rigid. The cushioning underfoot isn’t super soft or spongy, it’s more structured, with the Omni-Max system using a TECHLITE midsole creating a stable platform good enough for longer walks.
The adjustable straps made it easy to get a snug fit around my foot without pinching or digging in, and I didn’t have to constantly readjust them while walking. I wouldn’t pick them for anything too rocky or steep, but for day hikes, travel, and general summer exploring, they’ve been surprisingly solid.
The sandals also have an antimicrobial treatment on the footbed to prevent the growth of bacteria and odour causing microbes, which is particularly useful in warm weather footwear, where breathability and skin contact are common.
I would say if you generally need substantial arch support you might find the footbed a bit flat.
Grip and Traction
I was honestly impressed by how well the Konos Hiker sandals handled mixed terrain. The outsole has a tread pattern that grips nicely on packed dirt, gravel paths, and even slick coastal rocks. The flex grooves in the forefoot provided flexibility and a good push off, and I didn’t feel like I was sliding around, even when things got a bit uneven or dusty. That said, on steep inclines or loose ground, I definitely had to be more cautious, these aren’t built like trail shoes, after all. But for summer hikes, campsite wear, and casual trails, the traction gave me enough confidence underfoot.
Build Quality and Materials
The sandals are made with Suede and synthetic leather with two hook and loop closure straps for adjustable fit.
The webbing straps are sturdy but soft enough to avoid digging in, and the hook-and-loop closures made them easy to adjust on the fly, great for when my feet inevitably swelled a bit in the heat. The midsole strikes a good balance between firm support and enough cushioning for longer days on your feet. I would consider these ultralight, and they’re definitely light enough to pack for travel or toss into a weekend bag without noticing the extra weight. Plus, they dry fast, which is a bonus if you’re around water or dealing with sudden summer rain.
Value for money
At £65 I think the Women's Konos Hiker 2-Strap Hiking Sandals are good value for money. A versatile appearance with superior technology that will keep you going all day.
Sustainability
While the Women’s Konos Hiker 2-Strap Sandals aren’t advertised as an eco-product, Columbia has a corporate commitment to reducing environmental impact, including using recycled materials where possible and focusing on long term durability to reduce waste.
Should you buy it
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable mid-price walking sandal for outdoor summer activities.
Find more in our guide to the best walking sandals.
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