Image00666_small
Reputation: 3564
Follow 4
Follow 1

What are the best sandals for hiking and water use?

Now that summer seems to have arrived, I'm raring to go into the sunshine. For me, this will mean hikes along beaches and mountain trails. But I need some new sandals; my last pair was eaten by salt-craving marmots.

I'm looking for a pair with enough grip to traverse well over wet rock, and enough firm foot support to handle the load of a backpack. I don't like closed toe designs, and it helps if they drain and dry well, obviously. They should also pair well with socks. (Kidding! Sort of.)

In the past, I've had good luck with Merrells and Chacos. I liked the cushy EVA footbed on the Merrells, and the virtual (but not marmot-proof) indestructibility of the Chacos. Tevas eat my pinky toes.

Suggestions?

I'm posting this in Style and Beauty because this is Seattle. Ha.

kitschnsync asked in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report

Answer this question or share it with a smart friend:

Avatar_default
Type your answer here…

Asker's Favorite

  • Subcultureoftwo_small
    Reputation: 1892
    Follow 4

    I like Chacos. They've got the sturdy Vibram sole for hiking, the straps are adjustable, and they can be restrapped or resoled whenever you need it.

    I've got two pairs I've worn almost exclusively for the last 7 or 8 years. I got one pair in 2003, and another pair in 2004 that went all the way around the world with me. The straps have no velcro, so they don't pick up weed seeds and thorns when I hike like my Tevas did. Your feet are pretty exposed, but that also means they drain and dry out super fast.

    I found the best way to get Chacos is to go to REI at the end of the year. They put all that year's Chacos on clearance to make way for the next year's new designs, so if you find a pair that fits, you can get a perfectly good new pair on the cheap. Plus, REI's return policy is the best.

    Sacrelicious answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
    1 comment by Sacrelicious…
    Share this answer with a friend:
Latest Greatest

6 Other Answers

  • 40699_419537441050_506801050_5373733_3336214_n_small
    Reputation: 209
    Follow 0

    Keens are great. I just took my new pair camping and they were perfect. Comfortable, waterproof and a great grip. I climbed along wet rock walls and up a moss wall in them without so much as a slip. After all the wear and tear I put them through, they still look good as new.

    RJF answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
    3 comments by Mahtli69, Luckier, and Miss Foxtrot…
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Img_3380_small
    Reputation: 3752
    Follow 4

    I just bought a pair of Teva Keyenta sandals (I know you don't love Tevas but these are definitely a different cut) and wore them over the three day weekend at Shi Shi Beach. We did a bit of hiking, and a lot of walking on rough/slick/muddy/sandy/steep terrain. I was the only person (in a group of 12) who didn't complain about their footwear on the hike out, and who didn't change their footwear at all over the three days. Bonus points- they're cute as hell, and I'll wear them even when I'm not tromping around outside. I bought mine from REI Outlet on closeout for $53. I got some shit for them being cute and not looking totally functional- but I actually liked them much better than my Chacos.

    RM answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Great-horned-owl_small
    Reputation: 49
    Follow 0

    I vote for Chacos!

    owlish answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Avatar_default
    Reputation: 1
    Follow 0

    Well, maybe it is too late. But i can suggest this Nonslip sandals for others. It is made of eva foam material, comfortable for wearing, and it has sling back that will bring more convenient to your hiking. It also have other sizes and colors. Hope this helps for others!

    larry answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Bikeowl_small
    Reputation: 427
    Follow 0

    I usually buy Salt Water sandals. They're kinda cheap. they come in multiple colors. You buy them at Fred Myer. If I had the money though I would probably shop for the kind of Sandals your thinking of at REI or someplace like that.

    Clementine answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Spaceship_small
    Reputation: 1812
    Follow 3

    I just bought a pair of leather sandles for the first time in my life, and I find I'm getting foot pain (sore ankle or foot) due to a lack of arch support.

    Although I have enjoyed wearing them with socks this month, I've decided that it's not worth the ache in my foot when I get up in the morning.

    So, I can't recommend ANY.

    O my captain answered in Style & Beauty about 1 year ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend: