ADVICE NEEDED- High Quality Walking/Hiking Sandals- Chaco vs. Keen vs. Teva

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Permalink Reply by Phil LeBeau on July 20, 2009 at 10:15am

hey lisa,
i am not familier with sandals, but my suggestion would be to do the following.

1) get a quality pair of hiking shoes. Merrel or something, you can get goretex ones that are waterproof and very comfortable.

2) get a pair of sandles that you can use in the water and some land, but not as the main hiking shoe.

if i am going to be walking in sand with the possibility of wet, i would get sandles for water, and shoes for everyday hiking. the last thing you want is to mix wet with dry activities when friction is involved. Sand in your shoes sucks, and sand with water in your sandles is even worse.

depending on how much time you are going to be hiking, bring a blister repair kit too. you will regret not having one the minute you get a blister.

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Permalink Reply by David McGuire on July 20, 2009 at 10:32pm

While each shoe is a quality shoe. You have to keep in mine wich shoe fits you. Shoes are like Jeans. Just because someone else liked the brand and it looks great. Does not mean the same for you. You need to be properly fitted, and spend some time in them. Bring a pair of socks you intend to use in them. Then go and get fitted.

If you are hiking I would not recomend a sandle. You have to much exposed toe, and no ankle support. Hiking is allot of uneven terrain and you not only need grip, you need ankle support. If you are going to be in a hot climate you want a shoe (or boot) you want it to be breathable.

If you are set on a sandal, look for something with good shock, and grip. Finn Comfort are probably the best long lasting sandle and they come in a wide amount of styles. The other alternative (especially if you are health minded) is a pair of MBT Sandals. Google them, I have several pairs of MBT. I hope this helps. I have spent years working at shoes stores and specialize in people who have specific needs. Just make sure you go to a store that has more than a sales clirk, get fitted for width and length. Make sure there is no rubbing anywhere as that will be really annoying after an hour or so. Get double layer socks. Make sure they actually say blister free, or double layer.

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Permalink Reply by Derek on July 21, 2009 at 8:24am

Hi Lisa,

I agree with the above statements, you should be getting a shoe rather than a sandal, I know some very good brands and being from Banff I have tried them all, BUT as David said every one is different, and you will need something that is comfortable for you!

Give me a call if you need a hand going around to shop..

Later

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Permalink Reply by Lisa on July 24, 2009 at 10:36am

Thanks David! Really appreciate your feedback.
I will look into the brand you are suggesting.
During my trip I will not be hiking, but moreso tons of walking and I expect some hills and maybe cobbelstone/gravel etc. Going to Egypt and Greece so I will be checking out ruins and tombs! I need them to be sand/water friendly also, and since it could likely be 40 ish degrees I wanted as little material as possible so my little feet don't overheat..not sure I could handle socks in that kind of heat, but maybe you've tried them in heat? Chaco seems to have an amazing arch support etc, but will still check out the MBT ones. Thanks again!

David McGuire said:

While each shoe is a quality shoe. You have to keep in mine wich shoe fits you. Shoes are like Jeans. Just because someone else liked the brand and it looks great. Does not mean the same for you. You need to be properly fitted, and spend some time in them. Bring a pair of socks you intend to use in them. Then go and get fitted.

If you are hiking I would not recomend a sandle. You have to much exposed toe, and no ankle support. Hiking is allot of uneven terrain and you not only need grip, you need ankle support. If you are going to be in a hot climate you want a shoe (or boot) you want it to be breathable.

If you are set on a sandal, look for something with good shock, and grip. Finn Comfort are probably the best long lasting sandle and they come in a wide amount of styles. The other alternative (especially if you are health minded) is a pair of MBT Sandals. Google them, I have several pairs of MBT. I hope this helps. I have spent years working at shoes stores and specialize in people who have specific needs. Just make sure you go to a store that has more than a sales clirk, get fitted for width and length. Make sure there is no rubbing anywhere as that will be really annoying after an hour or so. Get double layer socks. Make sure they actually say blister free, or double layer.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa on July 24, 2009 at 10:38am

Good point but I don't see myself actually hiking so much, moreso just tons of walking and exploring...I'm testing out some Chaco ones at home!

Derek said:

Hi Lisa,

I agree with the above statements, you should be getting a shoe rather than a sandal, I know some very good brands and being from Banff I have tried them all, BUT as David said every one is different, and you will need something that is comfortable for you!

Give me a call if you need a hand going around to shop..

Later

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Permalink Reply by Watzzupsport on July 24, 2009 at 6:10pm

Can I throw another comment into the conversation and that is for you to consider why you want shoes, especially for the purpose you are intending to to be geared up for .

The worst thing people can do is get lulled into the belief that footware is the saving grace for all bipedal motion comfort and efficiency.

I am a barefoot runner and through it have realized the need to have the right muscles ligaments and tendons strengthened is by far the most superior comfort and long term health strategy

This is a pic of my running sandals which I wear for walking

when you need a closed foot these type footwear work and have worked for centuries

I have a few things about my story and Barefoot running over at

RawFood Barefoot Athlete

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Permalink Reply by Capri on July 25, 2009 at 8:26pm

I really adore keens and they have several non-animal sandals. I have a great pair of flip flops with the toe cap that I have walked for miles in while traveling around the world. They are similar to the 1st link below
http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/ss09/shoes/women/waterfront/wai...

If you are looking for a more substantial sandal I also have ones like these and have walked a lot in them
http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/fw08/shoes/women/waterfront/ven...

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Permalink Reply by J.W. Anderson on July 26, 2009 at 8:48pm

Just as a question, I know they are not sandals, but have you checked out Vibram five fingers? They are really comfortable and make you feel like you're bare foot! I wish I could wear a pair but my feet are in that in between size...

Just curious if that has been thrown into the ring, sorry I didn't take time to read everyone's replies its late where I'm at and I need sleep LOL!

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