Pooks - I have the kind that V shows in her pic above, just in sapphire blue. I love them. They are comfy all day long, whether I wear them with or without socks. They are the first pair of sandals with a heel strap that haven't torn my skin graft off of the back of my heel. As for the hot thing, my feet are cold (even in the summer) all of the time so I kinda like having a bit of warmth with my sandals. I've used mine hiking and kayaking as well. I have taken them into the surf but I don't generally recommend them for the beach though since the dry sand gets packed in there and you can't just dump it out through the toes while you're walking. For that, I'd go with a pair of Crocs. I hope you find something you like.