HOKA Infini Hike TC Sandals Review

HOKA is no stranger to all-terrain comfort, so why not extend that to the beach, the lake and anywhere else summer takes you? The solution is the HOKA Infini Hike TC Sandals and they offer all the classic benefits of HOKA with more airflow and straps instead of laces.

HOKA Infini Hike TC Sandals Features:

• Polyurethane upper with cotton blend lining
• Vibram Megagrip outsole for enhanced grip on slippery surfaces
• Dual-density midsole with spongy Ariaprene upper for cushioning
• Three points of adjustability for easy on and off
• Deep heel cup for foot-cradling comfort
• Quick-dry straps with speed buckle closure
• Moderate arch support
• MSRP: $140

Grandma sandals? Yes, sorta…

So, I slipped the HOKA Infini Hike TC’s onto my feet and wandered around the house. Just a few minutes later, my 17-yr-old daughter came down and said, “Dad, why are you wearing grandma’s sandals?” And, with that, I began testing the HOKA Infini Hike TC Sandals that I affectionately call my “grandma sandals.” Admittedly, I’m not one to claim to win style points around the house or around town, so I remain okay with the granny sandals because they are so darn comfortable.

For me, a pair of summer sandals must be able to transition from around-town to mountains and water with ease. My trusty Chacos bit the dust this year after 12 years of abuse, so I have been counting on the HOKA Infini Hike TC’s to fill that void. In many ways they have, but in other ways, not quite.

Let’s talk first about comfort. Absolutely, these sandals stay true to the HOKA brand with incredible comfort and a foot-cradling insole design. Each step is met with absolute cushioning and a smooth stride. I can easily spread out my toes to keep everything copacetic. I have no problems wearing these around all day on mixed terrain and my feet always feel refreshed.

Sandal sizing is always a bit of a conundrum — especially when I intentionally size-up with all running shoes. I stuck with my usual 11.5 and that wasn’t ideal. I should have gone with an 11 or maybe even a 10.5 for a better close-to-foot strap fit. As it was, I maxed out the straps to get my proper fit and in so doing, the sandals felt a touch oversized. In the end, I’d definitely recommend dialing back a half size from your usual running shoe size.

Strapped down, I was anxious to get into the mountains. One of my first adventures was a day up at Smith-Morehouse Reservoir in the Uinta Mountains where we hiked to the shoreline and paddle boarded all day. The trails and gear hauling was absolutely no problem. Getting the Infini Hike TC’s wet is definitely cool, but these aren’t quite like Chacos in that regard. The uppers have a lot of material and they take a little while to dry. And, while the straps are wet, the sandals do feel even bigger. Hopping around the dirt and rocks is excellent with the Vibram Megagrip outsoles, so rest-assured you can take these everywhere with confidence.

Walking around town, the outsoles can be a little too grippy. Too grippy, you ask? Yes, indeed. The Megagrip rubber does tend to catch on carpet or slight variations in otherwise smooth terrain. I do feel like the toe lip can tend to catch on things too (this is partly due to being a touch long for me). When you need grip, these certainly deliver!

It’s easy to buckle my feet into the Infini Hike TC’s, but occasionally, I slipped them on without buckling and they work just fine for quickly going to the bathroom in the middle of the night while camping or just heading to the mailbox. Wearing them without buckling does pull the straps a little, so you’ll want to re-adjust tightness across the forefoot afterwards.

Where the Infini Hike TC’s shine is running. Of course, HOKA has that dialed, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise. I can easily run in these for fairly long distances and not have any fit issues. Each step is smooth — just like a pair of HOKA Speedgoat 7’s. Trail running sandals indeed.

At the end of the day, these granny sandals are outstanding daily drivers for Utah summers. I’ve hauled them around on all our adventures and they continue to deliver in a way only HOKA knows how. I’m comfortable and confident — no matter the terrain. And, for me function always trumps form.

Fit: I wore the size 11.5’s, which is my usual running shoe size in HOKA. However, I think I’d recommend sizing down at least a half size for a more close-to-foot fit.

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