Your Favorite Sandals

[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?