Top 10 Best Tires for Sand in 2023 -Reviews & Guide of Expert's
- By Abdur Rahman
Whereas in the early days, car owners had to manage one type of tire and work with what they got. Today, The BD Guiger are divided tires into several categories according to what we need from them.
The most common type of tires that people look for are road tires, regardless of whether they are touring or performance. On the other hand, there are off-road options that are not very common, but a lot of car owners are still looking for them.
Off-road conditions are not the most ideal as the tires have to perform in a variety of conditions, from gravel to mud and sand.
People who have even been off-road know that sand can be a very tricky situation as not all tires are capable of excellent performance. With that in mind, today I’m going to outline my list of the best off-road tires that perform well in sandy conditions.
Before I dive into the list, there’s one thing I should find out: my picks include mud and all-terrain models. The combination is because there are people who do not need maximum performance on sand, so an off-road tire will do. I will also add a specialized sand tire for maximum attack.
Now in addition, the buying guide is also very useful information that you should not ignore while learning about the best tires for sand.
Reviews of Top 10 Best Tires for Sand in 2023
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Best for Wet Traction
Specifications
- Size: 255/55R201110H XL
- Maximum Payload: 2337 lbs
- Weight: 34 lbs
It’s great if you own tires with perfect wet grip. They are ideal for safe driving, stability, balance and the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is one such product.
This impressive feature is improved by the design and construction materials of the product.
This tire model has a simple design with 4 deep parallel grooves and symmetrical treads to improve traction and driving pleasure. The wide shoulder of the tire provides balance for precise and fast cornering phases.
When comparing the product overview with previous versions, I noticed a clear improvement in the tire pattern. This eco-friendly tire allows for a significant increase in service life. On average, you can maintain it for about 10 years or more, depending on your care and maintenance process.
Not only excellent in design, but the Michelin Defender LTX M/S also impresses customers with the high-quality materials used. The Michelin Evertread tire compound is more resistant to all weather conditions. On the other hand, it will also give you excellent grip during the freezing winter.
Even more remarkable about the performance of the tires is the impressive addition to the internal structure of the product. The tires come with contact pads that evenly distribute acceleration, braking and cornering forces.
I own a product line just for cold and snowy days. But I’m disappointed with it and they do poorly in sleet. That’s why you should consider it before taking it out for bad weather!
Pros
- Excellent wet traction
- Quiet and comfortable
- Long time of use
- High quality materials used
- Impressive dry handling
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for bad weather
Bottom Line
It’s a shame if you don’t choose the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. This value tire can give you excellent wet traction and value ride quality.
Continental TerrainContact A/T
Best for Treadwear Warranty
Specifications
- Size: 275/55R20113T SL
- Maximum Payload: 2,535 lbs
- Weight: 40 pounds
Claiming a tire warranty is necessary to guarantee the product’s performance throughout its use.
When it comes to this feature, I strongly suggest the Continental TerrainContact A/T because it has an extended warranty period of up to 6 years and corresponds to 60,000 miles. This impressive parameter allows you to be confident during the journey.
My first attraction of this tire is its texture. All components are stable and harmonious, leaving a better impression on customers at first contact.
The tire has an incomparable design with two deep parallel grooves on the outer and zigzag grooves in the middle of the tire. This subtle arrangement allows for better traction when riding on sand, dry, wet or snowy surfaces. The tread is flexible to support suggestive movement on all different types of terrain.
In more detail about the structure of the products, you will be surprised by their extended model. This new model improves your riding stability and balance.
The sealed shoulder design is also for longer tire life and effective wear resistance. Additives used in the tire production process provide comfort and peace of mind to the driver and contribute to reliable traction.
What I don’t like about this tire, however, is its price. Not suitable for the user’s budget. This price may prevent customers from accessing the product.
Pros
- Great warranty
- New model
- Silent operation
- Great traction
- Long life
Disadvantages
- High price
Bottom Line
This tire is perfect for great rides. In addition to giving you an impressive warranty, it also adds to your safety and peace of mind.
Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
Best for Light Snow
Specifications
- Size: 275/55R20113T SL
- Maximum Payload: 2,535 lbs
- Weight: 41 lbs
Similar in configuration but not necessarily the same in features, this claim was made when I directly compared the reviews of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain.
If Falken is comprehensive in every segment and successfully offers customers stable performance, Goodyear is strong and develops its balanced movement on snow. It’s a thorough and complete offering for those looking for a tire that can perform smoothly on snow.
Goodyear has a solid construction with many deep grooves and Durawall technology on the sidewalls to help promote long-term grip and flexibly adapt to all different terrain conditions. The tire’s compound, made from a specialized long-lasting rubber, allows for smoothness, comfort and extended use.
These compounds feature a multi-sided symmetrical tread pattern and extended shoulder blocks that sweep away mud and snow.
When I delved deeper into the internal structure of the product, I was surprised to see its innovation. Polyester is an excellent addition to a complete interior model to increase cut resistance and abrasion resistance.
As for the warranty, the product supplier very kindly provided the tires with a 6-year warranty period.
With this time, you can end the operation. In addition to the strengths, this tire model still has some limitations. The most typical is its price, the figure of $279.99 is unreasonable in my opinion.
Pros
- Works well in the snow
- Use on all types of surfaces
- Long-term warranty
- Great building materials
- Quiet
Disadvantages
- High price
Bottom Line
I recommend using this model for any snow season move that adds value. And I’m sure you’ll love the value it brings you.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Best for Performance
Specifications
- Size: LT285/70R17116/113Q
- Maximum Payload: 2755 lbs
- Weight: 63 lbs
In each of my experiments, I conducted rigorous product performance tests in hopes of finding tires with impressive performance. I was lucky enough to find the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, the most efficient tire in my collection. This superiority is subtle in design, materials, traction and time of use.
The design is the first exceptional detail of the product to pay attention to. Designed with a unique pattern, the tires feature deep grooves in the long tread direction to improve the product’s grip on the road.
On the other hand, it also helps your car flexibly adapt to various terrain conditions. At the same time, it also responds deftly to your desire to move in harsh weather conditions.
Another attraction I would like to present to you is the materials, temporarily leaving aside the advantages of the design. It is made of a durable tire compound that effectively resists wear and tear on uneven terrain and helps keep your every move safer.
In practical use with feedback from customers who have used the product, I am pleased with their usage time.
If you take good care of them, you can use these tires for at least 8-9 years. This parameter is impressive to ensure you save on related costs.
The thing I’m not happy with this tire the most is how noisy it is when moving. These tires are not smooth enough to bring you the full experience.
Pros
- Perfect performance
- Long life
- Durable material
- Wear-resistant
- Appropriate warranty
Disadvantages
- Highway noise
Bottom Line
You will have a hard time if you don’t choose the Falken Wildpeak AT3W. This is a comprehensive tire model to realize many of your dream trips and you should not miss it.
Nitto Dune Grappler
Best for Tread
Specifications
- Size: Various
- Weight: 55-64 lbs
The Nitto Dune Grappler is the ultimate specialized sand walking tire, ensuring that every move you make has more value and meaning. It has an uncommon design specifically for enthusiasts who spend time on pavements and desert trails.
Their unique tip pattern allows for better traction without worrying about sinking. In addition, it also contributes to making the user’s steering wheel more stable and balanced. Textured side panels make a puncture-resistant surface and take longer to deflate.
Not only impressive for walking on sand, the Nitto is also useful for mud riding and rock crawling. From there, help diversify your experience with many various conditions.
The more noticeable feature of this tire model is the quietness and lightness while traveling on the highway. It’s incredibly smooth and gives you comfort without distracting you while driving.
Overall rating of the product, I think this is the ultimate tire you can’t miss. However, you must also be aware of its limitations.
This tire model has much less water counteraction than the product lines in the collection. Its weight is also quite large, so you can carry it around.
Pros
- Best for walking
- Solid texture
- Great traction
- Impressive traction
- Quiet on the highway
Disadvantages
- Poor water resistance
Bottom Line
I appreciate these tires every step of the way and think you will need them for a fuller and safer experience. Apart from meeting your usage requirements, it can also bring other new features to fuel your excitement.
Mickey Thompson Deegan 38
Best for Off-road Surfaces
Specifications
- Size: Various
- Weight: 33-59 lbs
The excellence of the Mickey Thompson Deegan 38 for value road moves appealed to me. And I am sure you will love this feature once you are in touch.
Traction on dry tire surfaces is excellent, or even on wet surfaces it provides this ability many times more surprisingly.
This ability is from their textures and materials. The tire has a very simple design with 4 deep parallel grooves and directional treads that perfectly complement the ability to grip the road.
In terms of materials, it is ideal for any tire. Thanks to a silica-reinforced compound that is chip-resistant and forms Powerply 3-Ply as side safety.
On the other hand, it also helps to make a specific stiffness to limit the impact of sharp external objects that can tear. Best of all, thanks to the deep SideBiters shoulder pieces and the clever integration of the clamshell shoulder lugs that allow for engaging traction on a variety of terrains.
Better with this product is their usage time. You can use the tires for at least 8-9 years; if you are careful and maintain them regularly, this number can be much higher.
But the saddest thing is that they cannot work in the snow to give you a new feeling. This is a big drawback that I think the seller needs to fix quickly.
Pros
- Good on the road
- Resistance to sinking and pulling
- Permanent
- Perfect traction
- Quiet
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for walking in snow
Bottom Line
It took me almost two years to find this tire. So if you miss it, you will have a hard time looking for a replacement product with such perfect features.
Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus
Best for Wear Resistance
Specifications
- Size: 275/55R20113T SL
- Maximum Payload: 2,535 lbs
- Weight: 43 lbs
As an experienced in the automotive industry, I recommend choosing high-wear tires. Only then will it bring you magnificent picnics and help you optimize costs.
My recommendation for this class is the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus. This tire is made to maximize durability, traction and wear resistance.
The pattern of deep grooves and opposite spikes of the tires enable perfect traction in various terrains. Wide side grooves and an open shoulder block assist with good water drainage and promote excellent waterproofing.
In addition to the use of a specific design, Pirelli also stands for perfection and first-class tire construction materials. Combines anti-scratch and anti-cut compounds to ensure smooth operation in a variety of off-road conditions.
In terms of terrain adaptability, it works well on gravel, soil and rocks, but is unsuitable for mud. Their remaining dirt can result in the deactivation of many product functions and must be replaced.
However, in exchange, its learning performance is relatively good. It moves gently, quietly, precisely and safely. Along with that is an engaging 50,000 mile warranty.
Pros
- Perfect wear resistance
- Good performance on the road
- Quiet and comfortable
- Reasonable price
- Great warranty period
Disadvantages
- Do not use for muddy terrain
Bottom Line
The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is the most updated tire for effective wear resistance that you should care about. With this product, you can be more happy at every step.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Best for Durability
Specifications
- Size: LT275/55R20115 / 112S EASY
- Maximum Payload: 2680 lbs
- Weight: 53 lbs
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 series will fully meet your requirements for durability and strength. It is the most strong and stabletire in my collection. This property arose and developed mainly on the basis of the compounds involved in the composition of the product.
The All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires have a compound resistant to abrasion and cutting, which allows for a several-fold increase in the life of the product compared to previous versions.
This compound is molded into a specific pattern with multiple treads and grooves to improve product traction and optimize rider stability.
In addition, they also help the product work better on all different types of terrain, including soil, rock, gravel.
Wet and dry handling is typical of this unique feature. Or even if you are moving under the snow, it can also give you maximum support for an unforgettable trip.
As for the warranty, the tire has a 50,000 mile warranty for your peace of mind when you decide to use it. However, the saddest thing about this tire is the noise it makes when it moves. It’s uncomfortable to move around with those shrill sounds.
Pros
- Permanent
- High traction
- Perfect handling on wet and dry surfaces
- Guarantee
- Reasonable price
Disadvantages
- Noise
Bottom Line
In general, there is nothing to complain about this model of tires except for their slight noise. This feature is acceptable because there are countless other substantial benefits around them. You should invest in it to save other related costs.
Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Best Mud Tires for Dry and Wet Road
Yokohama has produced some excellent off-road tires in recent times, both in the off-road and mud categories.
Its Geolandar M/T G003 mud model is one of the best in its category when it comes to off-road riding, as it performs perfectly on any type of surface, including sand.
But the best thing about the G003 is that it combines all these features with excellent on-road performance.
According to our road test, it is one of the best mud tires on both dry and wet asphalt, giving you enough traction for a safe ride and predictable behavior at the limit. It’s also pretty quiet on the highway and the ride is reasonably smooth.
The sad thing is that you won’t get very far on snowy roads and off-road even after unpacked snow.
Pros
- Excellent rock crawling ability with strong traction
- Excellent traction in deep mud
- Good performance on sand, dirt, gravel and turf
- Solid performance on dry roads
- Excellent traction in the rain
- Quiet on the street (for a muddy tire)
- Very tough construction
Firestone Destination M/T2
Best for the Trail
The Firestone Destination M/T2 is a tire that many of my fellow off-roaders like because it’s such a beast on the trail. I’m not that big of a fan because I find it noisy on the street even at lower speeds, but I think experienced off-roaders are used to that.
Regardless, the Destination M/T2 is one of the best all-terrain tires when it comes to the important stuff, which is tackling the toughest trails.
In my testing with the Jeep, the Firestone off-road tire performs exceptionally well in mud and sand, but you can also use it for rock crawling and driving on dirt and gravel.
On the road, the tire lacks the wet grip of the best models in its category, but it is at least responsive to the ride and quite grippy on dry asphalt. I was also impressed with the ride quality, which is useful on dirt roads.
Pros
- Strong performance on hard surfaces and sand
- Excellent traction in mud and over large stones
- Sensitive steering
- Good traction and handling on dry roads
- Excellent grip on compacted and packed snow
- Good ride quality for a mud tire
- Very solid construction and good tread life
Disadvantages
- Very noisy even at lower speeds
- Less wet acceleration traction than the best mud tires in its class
Read more about: Firestone Destination LE3 Review & Buying Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How to prepare tires for driving on sand?
The first thing you need to do is reduce the pressure. This will ensure that the tire doesn’t dig into the sand, which means you won’t get stuck. Go as low as you can without the tire coming off the wheel – you can find the value on the tire sidewall.
You can even lower the pressure than the manufacturer recommends, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Sure, it might give you a bit more floating ability, but it would be very uncomfortable if the tire came off the wheel on some sand dune.
- What are the best types of tires for driving on sand?
Ask different people and you’ll get different answers on this matter, with most off-roaders focusing on off-road tires. The idea is that mud/terrain tires dig into the sand more, meaning they could bind more easily.
However, my experience is the opposite. While the differences aren’t huge, in my tests mud tires perform better on sand than off-road tires if you run very low pressure and the tire is wide enough to not sink into the sand. .
As for road tires, provided you find the right size, i.e. taller sidewalls and wider tread, they can also get you places. Sure, it won’t be as effective as a mud or all-terrain tire, but it’ll be fine for most applications.
The problem, however, is finding a size that allows you to run at a lower pressure, as most highway all-season tires only come in P-metric sizes, and only a few are available in float sizes.
- Which are the best tire sizes for driving on sand?
If you are serious about sand riding, you should definitely go for flotation sizes. These models have much taller tires than usual and most of them are also wider.
In addition, due to the use of multiple layers, they tend to be stiffer, which allows you to use them at very low pressures without damaging the casing.
However, flotation tires come in different sizes and for driving on sand I would recommend getting the tallest and widest possible. These can cost a luck, but off-roading has never been cheap.
If you want a set of tires for normal driving on sand, I recommend choosing LT-metric models with a high enough sidewall and a wide enough tread. LT-metric tires are very strong and allow driving with very low pressure without damaging the tire.
This means you should avoid low-profile tires if you’re even remotely considering driving on sand. You will not be able to use these tires at low pressure, which means no flotation. Sure, you might think a wide tire will give you enough lift, but pressure plays a bigger role.
- Do I need to change wheels for riding on sand?
Well, if you’re a serious off-roader who spends time in the desert or at the beach, then yes, you’ll need new wheels. And not just any wheels – you’ll necessarily need bead lock rims. These allow you to lock the tire to the wheel thanks to the mechanical bead locks.
The result is that you can deflate the tires to insanely low pressure and they won’t fall off the bike. Beadlock wheels usually come in sizes that fit flotation tires, making them the best combination for sand riding!
However, it is important to note that these bikes cost a fortune to purchase. They also make your usual 15 minute tire change a horrible process as you would have to unscrew each lock and then screw it back on. However, in this circumstance, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
- What about paddle tires?
Paddle tires are specially designed to give you maximum traction on sand. With paddles that sit crosswise over the tread, these tires provide kick for maximum traction but won’t sink into the sand.
However, paddle tires are not street legal and driving on asphalt is very dangerous. They are also not readily available for most trucks and SUVs and can be expensive but won’t last very long.
If you really like to ride in the sand, you might want to take the kit anywhere and change it on the spot. It’s a pain, but I know some people do it.
Still, I won’t recommend paddle tires for 99% of off-road enthusiasts simply because mud and all-terrain tires do a pretty good job already.
Conclusion
Driving in deep sand is very demanding not only on your tires but also on your vehicle and your skills. That’s why I recommend preparing yourself before heading out into the wilderness with your friends.
Start by riding less challenging tracks and develop your skills there. Then slowly progress to more serious off-road trails.
Also, make sure your truck/SUV is always regularly maintained to minimize the chances of something breaking down.
And it won’t hurt to learn a little about the mechanics and electronics inside your vehicle, because there won’t be a mechanic to help you deep into the desert.
Finally, make sure you always have a spare sand tire ready just in case; for example, driving in the desert means many sharp rocks that can puncture the tire and render your vehicle inoperable!