Favorite Walking Sandals

[Va-bear]

Another vote for Keens! I started with a pair of the sandals like Va-bear posted. I now have flip flops, another pair of sandals, walking shoes, and 3 pairs of dressier work shoes. They're kind of addicting. I have foot issues and occasional RSD flare ups and the Keens are the one shoe I can wear comfortably day in and day out, even at WDW.

I am on the Keens you have - your list is almost identical to mine! (I did have 3 pair of the sandals but my older son kidnapped the brown pair I had.) They ARE addictive!

 

[Judy from Boise]

none of the brand mentioned have agressive enough arch support for me, I need either Birkenstocks or Chacos. Chacos are my favorites for most outdoor activities including themeparks. You have to get fitted for your first pair.

 

[Beca]

Okabashi flip flops are the most comfortable shoes I have EVER worn!!! On top of that, they are cheap and waterproof. It's gotten to where I cannot bear to wear anything else (it's bad, I know!!)

www.okabashi.com

 

[wdhinn89]

Thank you for all the suggestions.

I am going to spend sometime today on the different websites checking out the sandals.

 

[Va-bear]

Reading all of this really brings home the point that everyone's different! And also, that going to try on a bunch - w/walking around the store - is invaluable. Think beforehand about what you need in a shoe and your previous history. I've tried-on/bought a ton and know some things about my foot/back needs (ie. Crocs have a ton more cushioning, but that is not supportive enough for my back - I need a more "stable" or orthotic footbed. The Merrells just dont hit my foot in the right places; Chaco's have too much arch for me; etc; etc.) Once you've figured out your foot type and try on a bunch you'll know more what you need and can then order off the net.

Of course, alternatively, if you order on-line, be sure to use one w/free shipping/returns - then there's no risk. Good luck!

 

[kpipkin]

We're a Keen family! I swear by them. They're the best warm weather, waterproof sandal/shoe I have ever worn! We spent 4 years living in Hawaii and I lived in my Keens. My husband and boys also have Keens. My boys wear them to school and to play. They last forever and show almost no wear. So comfortable and durable. A bit pricey, but you can get deals online. I don't mind paying that much for a shoe that wears so well. I have a pair of Keens that are 4-1/2 years old and they're still going strong!

 

[JessicaR]

Thanks for the post of where to look for Keens.

Anyone know how the width runs?

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

I love Mephisto! (Though I will also admit to having a keen's, birkenstocks, tevas and croc flip flops). What can I say...I live in sandals from spring through fall (and would wear them in the winter too if I didn't have to deal with snow)!

 

[MushyMushy]

The Keen can run narrow or wide -- just get adjustable ones like the one in the picture on the first page. I have gargantuan feet (someone on here calls hers Fred Flintstone feet & it's true! ), and Keen fits me really well.

I far prefer Teva though. I wear the Terra Fi -- they seem to have the best arch support and are really cushy. You can even wear them in the water parks. They are great water shoes. For as much as I love my Keens, I wouldn't wear them in the water like that.

 

[Va-bear]

....For as much as I love my Keens, I wouldn't wear them in the water like that.

Really? I'm so curious to know why? I wear mine to water parks, the beach (in the salt ocean), to go canoeing in, etc, etc. Wouldn't wear any other shoe in the water, at this point (I used to 'slide around' inside of the shoe, with all the tennies or sandals I tried before..) It's said they were specifically designed to be a sandal for in water use, by a sailor. So - not AT ALL trying to sound confrontational (about sandals, no less ), just wodering why not?

ps - I do all of the above many times through the summer and after a qucik rinse they always look like new again, or pretty close.

 

[MushyMushy]

Really? I'm so curious to know why? I wear mine to water parks, the beach (in the salt ocean), to go canoeing in, etc, etc. Wouldn't wear any other shoe in the water, at this point (I used to 'slide around' inside of the shoe, with all the tennies or sandals I tried before..) It's said they were specifically designed to be a sandal for in water use, by a sailor. So - not AT ALL trying to sound confrontational (about sandals, no less ), just wodering why not?

ps - I do all of the above many times through the summer and after a qucik rinse they always look like new again, or pretty close.

I think the sole would be great for walking in water - and I'm not disputing that they're a water shoe! It's just that the material is so suede-like that they take forever to dry for me. The Tevas are made of canvas and don't have as much coverage so they dry far more quickly.

You know what's really bad for walking around in wet are Crocs! I always thought they were "boat" shoes and should have been great, but I almost busted my ankle the other day walking in the rain with them. They were horrible.

 

[ckay87]

My Keens aren't suede-like at all. They are, I don't know, like rubber and canvas. Nothing leather-like. I walk right in the water with them.

I can totally see how Crocs would kill you if they got wet. Slippery, huh? Yikes.

 

[Va-bear]

I think the sole would be great for walking in water - and I'm not disputing that they're a water shoe! It's just that the material is so suede-like that they take forever to dry for me. The Tevas are made of canvas and don't have as much coverage so they dry far more quickly.

You know what's really bad for walking around in wet are Crocs! I always thought they were "boat" shoes and should have been great, but I almost busted my ankle the other day walking in the rain with them. They were horrible.

My Keens aren't suede-like at all. They are, I don't know, like rubber and canvas. Nothing leather-like. I walk right in the water with them.

I can totally see how Crocs would kill you if they got wet. Slippery, huh? Yikes.

Oh, I get it now! My very oldest Keens were leather/suede - those are the ones I gave my son. I did wear them in the water, but you are right they took ages to dry. (Didnt really affect me overall, since I was usually warm and didnt mind cold feet - but it did make them MUCH heavier.)

The ones I have now are as ckay87 mentoins - I think I usually refer to them as 'webbing' material, but 'canvas' sounds a lot better. They dry a LOT faster and are very lightweght. I think for ladies they may not make the leather any more? For men you can find either - so if you are buying on the web check carefully if weight/drying is an issue.


edited to give more info: For the sandal shown before on this threadthere are two versions - the "Newport" that is leather : http://www.tahoemountainsports.com/...trk=gdfV2276_a_7c322_a_7c857_a_7cKN_d_NEW_d_X

vs. the Newport "H2" -the newer lightweight version : http://www.6pm.com/product/7128876/color/80464
(ps - that is a really great price, if anyone can find their size - they dont have mine. 'Fred' sized = 10 ...darn. Looks like a few 5 and 6's or so... lucky folks w/ small feet! )

 

[DarthKTrava]

Mom swears by Birkenstock sandals. She even wears them in the winter (with socks!).

 

[Tikitoi]

White Mountain...Just enough heel and still comfortable.

 

[TerBear4]

I think I just found the most comfortable shoe...........Natural Sport, by Dr. Scholl's. It's a cross between a tennis shoe and a sandal. It feels like you are walking on a cushion of air. It has the gel insert on the heel and underneath it feels like air.

I highly recommend these!!

 

[mickeymom24]

I have no idea what to wear. I just got my Teva mush flipflops today from a sale(definetly run a size smaller). They are comfy. I will break them in tonight going to the mall to see "Up". I also have minnie mary jane crocs and croc capris. I might just have to pack them all!