A buyer's guide · Trailblazer™ Sandal, $120.00 AUD
The best hiking sandal is the one that passes these six checks
Grip, arch support, fit, quick-dry materials, weight, and who stands behind it. Here is what to look for in any hiking sandal, and how the Trailblazer scores on each, including where it does not.
Grip
Arch support
Adjustable fit
Quick-dry
Weight
Who backs it
Shop the Trailblazer, $120.00 AUD
Read the six checks first
★★★★★
4.8
from 865 reviews · lifetime warranty · 30-day returns
Six things to check before you buy any hiking sandal
Each card says what to look for, then what the Trailblazer does about it. Check any sandal against the first half.
1 · Grip
A rubber outsole with a real tread
Look for a rubber outsole with tread you can see, on a sole that flexes so the tread stays on the ground. A stiff, flat sole slides.
The Trailblazer has a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) outsole cut with a deep tread, on a sole that bends with the terrain.
2 · Arch support and cushioning
A shaped midsole, and something soft under the heel
Look for a moulded midsole, EVA or similar, with arch support you can feel with your hand, and a cushioned heel. A flat foam bed feels fine for an hour.
The Trailblazer has an EVA midsole with arch support, a cushioned heel pad, and a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop.
3 · Adjustable fit
Adjustment at more than one point
Look for straps you can set separately. A single strap across the foot cannot hold a heel in place on a descent, and it cannot fit a wide foot and a narrow one.
The Trailblazer has three hook-and-loop straps: across the toes, over the instep and behind the heel. It is unisex, EU 37 to 45.
4 · Quick-dry materials
Webbing that lets the water go
Look for webbing that does not hold water and a footbed that does not turn to sponge. Leather and padded straps hold water.
The Trailblazer uses 100% recycled polyester webbing on an EVA footbed. Cross the creek and keep walking.
5 · Weight
A stated weight, and a reason for it
Look for the weight of the pair, stated. Heavier usually means more cushioning and a tougher sole. Lighter usually means less of both. Decide which you want.
The Trailblazer is 255 grams per sandal, 510 for the pair. Heavier than a minimalist sandal, and cushioned for it.
6 · Who backs it
A warranty that names what it covers
Look for a warranty that says what it covers, a returns window long enough to try them at home, and enough reviews to read the bad ones too.
The Trailblazer carries our lifetime warranty, the Steadfast Guarantee, on materials and workmanship, 30-day returns unworn with tags, and 865 reviews at 4.8.
How the Trailblazer scores
The same six checks, with a third column for where it falls short.
Check
What the Trailblazer does
Where it falls short
Grip
TPR outsole, deep tread, a sole that flexes with the ground.
Open toe. Wet, algae-covered rock tests any shoe.
Arch support
EVA midsole with arch support, cushioned heel pad, 4 mm drop.
Standard arch support, not an orthotic.
Fit
Three adjustment points. Unisex, EU 37 to 45, true to size.
No half sizes, and nothing below EU 37.
Quick-dry
100% recycled polyester webbing on an EVA footbed.
Water-friendly, not waterproof.
Weight
510 grams for the pair.
Heavier than a minimalist sandal. Sam B. called them a little heavy for a thru-hike.
Who backs it
Lifetime warranty, 30-day returns, 865 reviews at 4.8.
Popular colours sell out. Pink is EU 45 only today.
Shop the Trailblazer, $120.00 AUD
Seven colours · EU 37 to 45
4.8
out of 5, from 865 reviews
96%
would recommend
4.9
quality, out of 5
227
photo and video reviews
39
questions answered
Stars, 865 reviews
5
753
4
76
3
21
2
9
1
6
What owners use them for
Everyday
515
Hiking
324
Holiday
304
Camping
201
656 reviewers answered, and most picked more than one.
Trailblazer reviews, in their words
★★★★★
“The adjustable strapping is generous and copes well with my wide flippers. The sole is so light and flexible, you barely notice you're wearing anything. They look great too. My only complaint is that my preferred colour was out of stock when I ordered.”
Jenny B.
Verified buyer, Tan
★★★★★
“I bought these sandals for my husband and I as we were hiking the HexaTrek in France. A little heavy for a thru hike, but it was totally worth it when I could swap out my hiking shoes for sandals while hiking and give my feet some time out of boots. Road walking, river crossing, at camp, in huts, walking around town, these sandals go everywhere and do everything.”
Sam B.
Verified reviewer, Violet
★★★★★
“I bought these for a Great Barrier Reef trip and needed shoes for both water and walking. They're amazing – I walked over 20km in a day. They far exceeded my expectations and look good enough to wear anywhere.”
Simone
Trailblazer Sandal
Getting the size right
The one part of buying a sandal online that people worry about. Here is everything we know.
Sizing
True to size. Pick your usual EU size.
Range
EU 37 to 45. No half sizes.
Wide, or between sizes
Go up one. If your toes reach the end of the footbed, size up.
Footbed
11 cm across the base of the toes, with about 1 cm of sole around the foot.
Drop
4 mm heel to toe.
Mens and womens
The same shoe, listed twice. Same width, same size run.
Socks
Yes. The straps open wide enough for a thick wool sock.
Wrong size?
30 days to return them unworn with tags attached, through the Returns Portal.
Still deciding?
Anything else, our team of nature nuts are here to help: hello@zorali.com
Can I hike in them?
Yes. A grippy TPR outsole, arch support and three adjustment points, so they handle rocky trails and creek crossings. They are not a boot. If the route needs ankle support, bring the boot and carry these for camp.
Are they waterproof?
Water-friendly rather than waterproof. The recycled polyester webbing dries fast after river crossings, beach days and sudden downpours.
How do I clean them?
Rinse them in cold water with a little mild soap, scrub the footbed with your fingers or a soft brush, and let them air dry. Keep them out of the washing machine and out of long stretches of direct sun.
My colour is out of stock. Will it come back?
As a small brand we make our products in smaller runs to reduce waste, so popular colours do sell out for a while. Get in touch with our customer service crew at hello@zorali.com and they will tell you what is coming back and when.
What if they break, or do not fit?
Our lifetime warranty, the Steadfast Guarantee, covers any defect in materials or workmanship for the life of the sandal: repaired, replaced or refunded. If they are not right when they arrive, you have 30 days to return them unworn with tags attached through the Returns Portal.
Backed for life, returnable for 30 days, and made in seven colours
“We broke the first Trailblazers in on the steep rocky trails of Mount Amos, at the height of summer, and they have been on our feet at airports, around town and on trails ever since.”
Cam and Elise Greenwood, Zorali co-founders
A buyer's guide · Trailblazer™ Sandal, $120.00 AUD
The best hiking sandal is the one that passes these six checks
Grip, arch support, fit, quick-dry materials, weight, and who stands behind it. Here is what to look for in any hiking sandal, and how the Trailblazer scores on each, including where it does not.
Grip
Arch support
Adjustable fit
Quick-dry
Weight
Who backs it
Shop the Trailblazer, $120.00 AUD
Read the six checks first
★★★★★
4.8
from 865 reviews · lifetime warranty · 30-day returns
Six things to check before you buy any hiking sandal
Each card says what to look for, then what the Trailblazer does about it. Check any sandal against the first half.
1 · Grip
A rubber outsole with a real tread
Look for a rubber outsole with tread you can see, on a sole that flexes so the tread stays on the ground. A stiff, flat sole slides.
The Trailblazer has a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) outsole cut with a deep tread, on a sole that bends with the terrain.
2 · Arch support and cushioning
A shaped midsole, and something soft under the heel
Look for a moulded midsole, EVA or similar, with arch support you can feel with your hand, and a cushioned heel. A flat foam bed feels fine for an hour.
The Trailblazer has an EVA midsole with arch support, a cushioned heel pad, and a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop.
3 · Adjustable fit
Adjustment at more than one point
Look for straps you can set separately. A single strap across the foot cannot hold a heel in place on a descent, and it cannot fit a wide foot and a narrow one.
The Trailblazer has three hook-and-loop straps: across the toes, over the instep and behind the heel. It is unisex, EU 37 to 45.
4 · Quick-dry materials
Webbing that lets the water go
Look for webbing that does not hold water and a footbed that does not turn to sponge. Leather and padded straps hold water.
The Trailblazer uses 100% recycled polyester webbing on an EVA footbed. Cross the creek and keep walking.
5 · Weight
A stated weight, and a reason for it
Look for the weight of the pair, stated. Heavier usually means more cushioning and a tougher sole. Lighter usually means less of both. Decide which you want.
The Trailblazer is 255 grams per sandal, 510 for the pair. Heavier than a minimalist sandal, and cushioned for it.
6 · Who backs it
A warranty that names what it covers
Look for a warranty that says what it covers, a returns window long enough to try them at home, and enough reviews to read the bad ones too.
The Trailblazer carries our lifetime warranty, the Steadfast Guarantee, on materials and workmanship, 30-day returns unworn with tags, and 865 reviews at 4.8.
How the Trailblazer scores
A tick for where the sandal works. A cross for where it falls short.
Grip
TPR outsole, deep tread, a sole that flexes with the ground.
Open toe. Wet, algae-covered rock tests any shoe.
Arch support
EVA midsole with arch support, cushioned heel pad, 4 mm drop.
Standard arch support, not an orthotic.
Fit
Three adjustment points. Unisex, EU 37 to 45, true to size.
No half sizes, and nothing below EU 37.
Quick-dry
100% recycled polyester webbing on an EVA footbed.
Water-friendly, not waterproof.
Weight
510 grams for the pair.
Heavier than a minimalist sandal. Sam B. called them a little heavy for a thru-hike.
Who backs it
Lifetime warranty, 30-day returns, 865 reviews at 4.8.
Popular colours sell out. Pink is EU 45 only today.
Shop the Trailblazer, $120.00 AUD
Seven colours · EU 37 to 45
4.8
out of 5, from 865 reviews
96%
would recommend
4.9
quality, out of 5
227
photo and video reviews
39
questions answered
Stars, 865 reviews
5
753
4
76
3
21
2
9
1
6
What owners use them for
Everyday
515
Hiking
324
Holiday
304
Camping
201
656 reviewers answered, and most picked more than one.
From people who compared
★★★★★
“The adjustable strapping is generous and copes well with my wide flippers. The sole is so light and flexible, you barely notice you're wearing anything. They look great too. My only complaint is that my preferred colour was out of stock when I ordered.”
Jenny B.
Verified buyer, Tan
★★★★★
“I bought these sandals for my husband and I as we were hiking the HexaTrek in France. A little heavy for a thru hike, but it was totally worth it when I could swap out my hiking shoes for sandals while hiking and give my feet some time out of boots. Road walking, river crossing, at camp, in huts, walking around town, these sandals go everywhere and do everything.”
Sam B.
Verified reviewer, Violet
Getting the size right
The one part of buying a sandal online that people worry about. Here is everything we know.
Sizing
True to size. Pick your usual EU size.
Range
EU 37 to 45. No half sizes.
Wide, or between sizes
Go up one. If your toes reach the end of the footbed, size up.
Footbed
11 cm across the base of the toes, with about 1 cm of sole around the foot.
Drop
4 mm heel to toe.
Mens and womens
The same shoe, listed twice. Same width, same size run.
Socks
Yes. The straps open wide enough for a thick wool sock.
Wrong size?
30 days to return them unworn with tags attached, through the Returns Portal.
Still deciding?
Anything else, our team of nature nuts are here to help: hello@zorali.com
Can I hike in them?
Yes. A grippy TPR outsole, arch support and three adjustment points, so they handle rocky trails and creek crossings. They are not a boot. If the route needs ankle support, bring the boot and carry these for camp.
Are they waterproof?
Water-friendly rather than waterproof. The recycled polyester webbing dries fast after river crossings, beach days and sudden downpours.
How do I clean them?
Rinse them in cold water with a little mild soap, scrub the footbed with your fingers or a soft brush, and let them air dry. Keep them out of the washing machine and out of long stretches of direct sun.
My colour is out of stock. Will it come back?
As a small brand we make our products in smaller runs to reduce waste, so popular colours do sell out for a while. Get in touch with our customer service crew at hello@zorali.com and they will tell you what is coming back and when.
What if they break, or do not fit?
Our lifetime warranty, the Steadfast Guarantee, covers any defect in materials or workmanship for the life of the sandal: repaired, replaced or refunded. If they are not right when they arrive, you have 30 days to return them unworn with tags attached through the Returns Portal.
Backed for life, returnable for 30 days, and made in seven colours
“We broke the first Trailblazers in on the steep rocky trails of Mount Amos, at the height of summer, and they have been on our feet at airports, around town and on trails ever since.”
Cam and Elise Greenwood, Zorali co-founders