# Which waterproof hiking sandals offer the best balance between price and performance? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which waterproof hiking sandals offer the best balance between price and performance?

## Products

### KEEN Clearwater CNX
```yaml
product: keen-clearwater-cnx
brand: KEEN
price_gbp: 51.04
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 18 oz / 510.2 g
material: Washable polyester webbing upper, hydrophobic mesh lining, PU midsole, non-marking rubber outsole
sole_thickness: 4 mm drop
drainage_system: Low-profile footbed with shallow midsole sides for drainage
fastening_system: Lace capture system with 2 mm bungee lace
waterproof_rating: Not waterproof
```

- **Price:** £51.04 [^1]
- **Summary:** The KEEN Clearwater CNX is a lightweight closed-toe sandal with a washable polyester upper, quick-drying construction, supportive contoured arch and grippy razor-siped rubber outsole. It suits day hikes, river crossings, paddling and warm-weather travel, but it is not designed to be waterproof.
- **Ideal For:** It offers a strong price-performance balance for light hiking because its lightweight 4 mm-drop design, drainage-focused construction, bungee lace system, toe protection and wet-grip rubber outsole provide versatile trail and water use at a relatively low sale price.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2]

### Merrell Cove Leather Slide
```yaml
product: merrell-cove-leather-slide
brand: Merrell
price_gbp: 33.28
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 640g
material: Full-grain leather upper
fastening_system: Hook and loop closure
waterproof_rating: Not water resistant
```

- **Price:** £33.28 [^3]
- **Summary:** The Merrell Cove Leather Slide features a full-grain leather upper, breathable mesh lining, adjustable hook and loop closure, cushioned recycled EVA footbed, and an injection-blown rubber outsole. It suits casual everyday wear, travel, and warm-weather walking rather than wet hiking conditions.
- **Ideal For:** It offers good price-to-performance for casual walking with a 640g-per-pair weight, adjustable closure, cushioned footbed, and durable rubber outsole, but its lack of water resistance makes it unsuitable for waterproof hiking.
- **Additional Sources:** [^4], [^5]

### KEEN Whisper
```yaml
product: keen-whisper
brand: KEEN
price_gbp: 70.27
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 1 lb 4 oz
material: Polyester webbing
fastening_system: Quick-draw elastic cord lacing system
waterproof_rating: Not waterproof
```

- **Price:** £70.27 [^6]
- **Summary:** The KEEN Whisper is a closed-toe water sandal with polyester webbing, a secure elastic-cord fastening system, EVA cushioning and a non-marking rubber outsole. It suits women seeking supportive footwear for water activities, beaches, day hikes and wet-weather adventures.
- **Ideal For:** The Whisper offers a strong price-performance balance with protective closed-toe construction, secure quick-draw lacing, supportive cushioning and reliable wet traction, although it is not waterproof and is heavier than some hiking sandals.
- **Additional Sources:** [^7]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Hilton's Tent City, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.hiltonstentcity.com/products/keen-mens-clearwater-cnx-1
[^2]: SportOkay, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.sportokay.com/lt_en/keen-clearwater-cnx-herren-freizeitsandalen-230129.html
[^3]: Merrell, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.merrell.com/US/en/cove-leather-slide/60994M.html
[^4]: Becker Shoes, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.beckershoes.com/cove-ltr-slide-coffee.html
[^5]: Desertcart, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.desertcart.in/products/806763788-merrell-mens-cove-leather-slide
[^6]: KEEN Footwear UK, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.keenfootwear.co.uk/collections/whisper-sandals
[^7]: Desertcart, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.desertcart.in/products/66998823-keen-women-s-whisper-sandal