Your Favorite Sandals

[surgtech1956]

What's your favorite sandals? I love Keens(Newport H2O and Venice) and Chacos. I have two pairs of Keens and only one pair of Chacos.

[Blueberry]

Chacos are my favorites (but I haven't purchased any since they moved their production overseas - thankfully, they are very durable).

Anyone know of anything similar made in the US? I'd also love to know of a good barefoot style sandal (but not a flip flop). I've been wearing minimal shoes all winter, so Chacos feel like a lot of shoe to me now...

[OakLeaf]

Not really a sandal, but a Kigo Flit (https://www.kigofootwear.com/flit.asp) looks nice. Don't know where they're made.

Not a sandal at all, and made in China :(, but very lightweight and breathable, suitable for sandal days with a minimalist sole and a foot-shaped toe box, Leming (http://www.lemingfootwear.com/) (f/k/a Stem) - I love love love mine.

Great for kicking around and not worrying about getting them dirty, still made in China, Crocs Cleo (http://www.crocs.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-crocs_us-Site/default/Search-Show?q=cleo). On sale at ****'s Sporting Goods right now.

[Owlie]

I have two pairs of Keens (Newports--the regular and the H2), and a pair of Tevas. Trying to find something a little more "feminine" (but an actual sole), and it's not working.

[Koronin]

The only sandals I wear are the type with straps around the ankle and I've had a hard time finding any that don't end up either causing blisters or just rubbing my ankle raw. The only pair I've found that I really like are from the brand Columbia. Here's the newer version of what I have:
http://www.columbia.com/Women%27s-Techsun%E2%84%A2-III/BL4398,default,pd.html

[zoom-zoom]

I have 3 pair of Keens...I have a wide foot and they generally fit so well.

[limewave]

I have a pair of keens that are 6 years old. They are holding up well and I wear them often even though I no longer care for the style. I've even taken them on business trips and used them as running shoes. I don't think I would run more than 5 miles in them, but they worked great for some short runs while on the go! Someday I'd like to get a new pair, but, you know, priorities.

[Miranda]

Teva Olowahu Flip-Flops

:)

[BodhiTree]

I have a pair of A'rcopedico ballet flats that are very comfortable. They are not quite sandals. They are very cute. Made in Portugal.

[GLC1968]

I like Keen's for their fit, but most of them are too covered up and they make my feet sweat something awful in summer.

My favorite pair of sport sandals are a pair of Teva's actually. I bought the Tirra sandal for a kayaking trip and fell in love with them. Super comfy! I love how the front straps are adjustable, so I could adjust them to fit my wider foot.

[Pax]

I like Keen's for their fit, but most of them are too covered up and they make my feet sweat something awful in summer...

That's why I LOVED the Keen Zerraport, it was true sandal with a rubber toe. Of course they stopped making them. :(

[zoom-zoom]

That's why I LOVED the Keen Zerraport, it was true sandal with a rubber toe. Of course they stopped making them. :(

My hubby LOVED those, too. They do have a similar one, but only in men's sizes. Keen Hydro Guide (http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/ss12/shoes/men/waterfront/hydro%20guide).

[GLC1968]

That's why I LOVED the Keen Zerraport, it was true sandal with a rubber toe. Of course they stopped making them. :(

Yeah, even ones like those were too much for me in summer. I have one pair (I don't know the name) that is more like an open slide-type sandal and I still couldn't handle them. Keen's thick sole combined with the toe guard was just too closed in. I loved them out on our farm (more protection from thorns and stuff) but for everyday use, my feet were just too hot.

[Pax]

My hubby LOVED those, too. They do have a similar one, but only in men's sizes. Keen Hydro Guide (http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/ss12/shoes/men/waterfront/hydro%20guide).

The hydroguide came with a different sole, the arch part is super hard and just wrecks my knee. Wish they hadn't messed with them.

[zoom-zoom]

The hydroguide came with a different sole, the arch part is super hard and just wrecks my knee. Wish they hadn't messed with them.

Ahhh...I guess that's good to know. He couldn't find the Hydro Guides in his size and ended up ordering a pair of Venice sandals.

[Irulan]

I wouldn't buy those. I saw two pair of those literally fall apart on our first week in the Grand Canyon.

[goldfinch]

I'm old school. Still wear Birkenstocks. Often with socks. :)

[Norse]

Teva Olowahu Flip-Flops

:)

These are my favorite sandals. I also have an older pair of Teva Dozers, that I just love for hiking, the beach, around the house.... Unfortunately, the newer model Dozers are not as good.

[jessmarimba]

I'm a chacos girl, but the newer ones barely have enough strap to cinch tight enough (my pair from 2002 has different lenghts on the webbing vs adjustable part). Also would recommend the single-strap ones over the webbed ones with the two skinnier straps. Those are cute but chafe a lot more when they're wet.

Can't wear Keens b/c my feet are too low volume but they look really comfy.

[limewave]

I can't walk in flip flops. I have no idea why. I've tried wearing them but I have to shuffle in order to keep them from falling off. Every now and then I think its a good idea to wear a pair, I make it about 10 feet of shuffling and scootching before I give up and go barefoot.

[jyyanks]

I have a pair of Merrell Sandals (Bassoon or a similar style) that I love. They are not the most fashionable but are very comfortable!

[SUPlove]

Rainbow Sandals!! and Reef too! :) and for the minimalist..Vibram Five Fingers are very comfortable too.

[Blueberry]

Rainbow Sandals!! and Reef too! :) and for the minimalist..Vibram Five Fingers are very comfortable too.

I love rainbow flip flops - but since I hurt an ankle tendon they aggravate the injury. I do wear my five fingers and love them - but I really want a free toe solution:) Chaco may end up being the best - I just find myself wishing for a thinner sole now....

[GLC1968]

I love rainbow flip flops - but since I hurt an ankle tendon they aggravate the injury. I do wear my five fingers and love them - but I really want a free toe solution:) Chaco may end up being the best - I just find myself wishing for a thinner sole now....

A few minimal options for you:

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/ladies/achilles-ladies-white.html

http://www.invisibleshoe.com/

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26428W/0/Womens/Barefoot-Life-Spirit-Wrap?dimensions=0

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26424W/0/Womens/Barefoot-Water-Hylidae-Wrap?dimensions=0

[Blueberry]

A few minimal options for you:

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/ladies/achilles-ladies-white.html

http://www.invisibleshoe.com/

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26428W/0/Womens/Barefoot-Life-Spirit-Wrap?dimensions=0

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26424W/0/Womens/Barefoot-Water-Hylidae-Wrap?dimensions=0

Awesome! Thank you!! Those are all in the realm of what I was looking for. I'm sort of tempted by the Huaraches. They're pretty cool:)

[GLC1968]

Awesome! Thank you!! Those are all in the realm of what I was looking for. I'm sort of tempted by the Huaraches. They're pretty cool:)

Out of all the ones I posted, the Huaraches are the only ones I actually own and I do like them. Their new pre-formed soles are nice and way more 'finished' looking than the first pair I have where I had to cut the soles myself. ;)

[carolp]

Keens and Tevas. For "dress up" Danskos.

[ClockworkOrange]

I use to live in Animal flip flops all year but recent years I seem to trip or fall over 'nothing'! So decided to be more careful, keeping Animal flip flops for beach or indoors. Seeing this thread was perfect, gave me a few ideas.

Since I have started walking far more, I wanted sandasl I felt 'safe' in, so bought:


http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j353/1Clockwork1/karr.jpg

Am so pleased, only cost $16 so have ordered a second pair. :D

So thanks to all comments on this thread.

[shootingstar]

I haven't worn sandals in ..over a decade or more.

I don't cycle in sandals and when I walk around off the bike, it's in running shoes.

[BodhiTree]

I have Birkenstock Kairos in a couple different colours: http://birkenstockusa.com/products/women/sandals/Kairo

The US website doesn't show that blue and red patent are also available.

Kairos are quite comfortable to walk in and also support your feet well on bike pedals. They won't slip off your feet like Gizehs.

[Jolt]

Out of all the ones I posted, the Huaraches are the only ones I actually own and I do like them. Their new pre-formed soles are nice and way more 'finished' looking than the first pair I have where I had to cut the soles myself. ;)

I agree about the homemade ones not looking as polished...I made some and they do look a little "odd". I still like them--it's always kind of cool to wear something you made yourself.

[margo49]

Just saw a pair of Keen "whisper" in the most kingfisher (my totem bird) shade of turquoise...now deciding if it is REALLY LOVE and ordained from above to BUY them.
My old Keens Venice H2O are from years ago (5+ can't even date them) when the exchange rate with the $US suddenly fell and it became economically realistic to import them.
Love the brand and they are quite available now. Did have that sweat issue referred to but not unbearable and also means you can wear sandals for a month more at each end of the season...
I get around the Chinese-made issue by buying at small locally owned shops - we live in a rural area so we've known all the shop-owners personally for many years -not perfect of course but minimizes the problem somehow I think

[SallyRides]

Keens are comfy and last forever - if you want a closed toe. I love my Keens, but I also love my Eccos! They are amazingly comfortable and have an open toe, so more air, plus they can show off a pretty pedicure. :)
I have a light blue pair that I got at least 10 years ago. I can throw them in the laundry and they look like new. Also have a nude/beige pair, purchased recently that I look forward to wearing this summer. Neutral color, so they should go with almost anything casual.

SR

[sookiesue]

I love the Reef Ginger for flip-flops. They have arch support, and are cute, and come in a few different colors. Zappos has them for a decent price, sometimes. My first pair is still working for me, and I wear flip-flops all the time in summer. I did buy a couple more pairs because I hate when you find a shoe you love, and it's durable, so by the time it falls apart and you go to look for more they have changed the style! Now I have three pair so I should be good for several more years!

This thread reminded me of my old Birkenstocks...I've got to dig those out and give them a try again. They've been semi-retired for many years because the NW (and our area/yard in particular) is too soggy for much of the year, but I do miss them!

[carlotta]

I know this is a major thread-dredge, but I'd paid attention to this thread a few months ago and remembered it today, since a few of you were lamenting the Chaco-moving-to-China thing.....

My 8 year old Chacos are finally beyond repair (footbed wore out)--I got them repaired/resoled a couple years ago and was really bummed with the durability of the new uniweep soles so while looking for the older/heavier soles (that lasted 6 years of heavy use) I discovered that you can now custom design your own Chacos. Made in Michigan, to whatever strange specs/colors you might desire. They're pricier than the made in China version, but hopefully up to the quality of the old/made in Colorado ones.

Made me happy, and hopefully I'll have a new pair of sandals to last many more years in my mailbox in a couple weeks.....

http://www.chacos.com/US/en/MyChacos

[itself]

Anyone try any of the sandals with a built in orthotic, like the Orthoheels or the SOLE?