Mens Sandals? Another Foot Question, Sorry!.....

[eclectics]

Seems like you may have made your mind up already, but I'll answer your direct question about the big rubber toe. (My wife calls them clown toes) The tops of your toes really don't even touch the inside of the toe rand at all. When they do, it is not uncomfortable. I too have had toenail problems and these sandals do not bother them at all. The fact that the big rubber toe rand hides my abused and ugly toes is my favorite feature about the sandals.

As too your question about coolmax socks: Yes, the coolmax and climacool sock material are pretty much the same - thin, synthetic, breathable socks. I've got several pairs of normal coolmax socks. The specific ones that I was promoting are the padded climacool socks. The bottoms and outer edges of the socks are thinker and cushiony, while the foot top and collar are the very thin, more breathable coolmax material. You get the best of both worlds. As a matter of fact, I did a 5K jog and some sprints wearing these socks at 5:30 AM this morning. You can probably find them at sporting goods stores, but I found some for half of MSRP at TjMax.

Thanks Kayak! I think the Keens will work out fine. One last question about the socks. Are the Coolmax supposed to be very tight? Mine feel like surgical stockings. I'll check out TJ Max for the climacools.

 

[back2disney]

I've heard Chaco sandals are good enough to hike a mountain in.

 

[bicker]

CoolMax is a fabric. A number of different companies use this fabric for a variety of applications, including socks, which is why you'll see a vast array of choices. Different designs and constructions provide different quality products, at different prices, of course. Thorlos and New Balance make the best socks from CoolMax fabric. They run about $8-$11 each. So just because you see something is "CoolMax" doesn't mean it is as good as what you've heard about.

While CoolMax is good, I prefer SmartWool. As a natural fabric, it keeps feet dry, and it keeps them warm in the cold weather and cool in the hot weather. The best of the best are SmartWool Adrenalines. Great stuff.

 

[asaj]

My wife and I are looking for sandals as well, and we went and checked out the Keen Newports yesterday. Nordstroms has the H2's on sale, but not the "leather" Newports, and of course, my wiofe preferred the leather ones. She is willing to take the H2s though, because of the almost $30 price difference.

I actually thought the H2s were more comfortable than the non-H2s, maybe they are a tad lighter. Anyway, they were very comfortable, and I did not notice the toe piece when I tried them on. We are going to go pick them up today. $60 seems to be a great price.

Good luck,
Andy

 

[asaj]

Just a quick update, if you haven't already snagged some Keens, I just ordered from http://www.altrec.com/, they have the H2s and the leather Newports on sale. I went ahead and got the leather ones for my wife and I for $66, no shipping, no tax. Pretty good deal. They also seemed to have everything in stock, whereas Nordstroms is out of the womens Newports, until mid-August, I guess they are selling like crazy.

Also snagged the purple ones for my 6 yr old DD, she will love them, and they are really cool looking...her feet better not grow though...

Andy

 

[Arniebuteft]

For sandals, I really like my Earth Shoe brand ones, I think I got them from Wal-Mart of all places. Still, I can't imagine using sandals exclusively for an entire trip. You really need to break them in and get your foot used to it, walk at least 2-3 miles a day a few days a week in the month before your trip, maybe longer if you can. This is the only sure-fire way to test out your feet. And you'll still probably have problems, so bring plenty of moleskin, and ice your feet at night.

 

[gonga]

My husband swears by his Mephisto Sharks. He can wear them every day, full support, fully cushioned in suede, air pocketed sole, fully adjustable, breathable. He never has a problem with his feet...no blisters or pain.

Unfortunately shoe nirvana is costly I think we paid $250.00 but well worth it. They are sold on www.zappos.com if intersted.

 

[gonga]

Hi. After a blister problem during last trip, this time I tried to read every "foot" thread I could find and now I know all about moleskin, body glide, spray deodorant, cool max socks (they feel tighter than surgical stockings imo), etc. and getting good sneakers to break in. I'm one of those "would rather not wear any type of shoe" people and go barefoot whenever possible. Sneakers and socks are fine but after awhile my feet get SO hot I am very uncomfortable I thought for those "easy" park days I would maybe buy a good pair of sandals but have no experience other than my flip flops (which I obviously can't wear to the parks). Any suggestions for a good COMFY & COOL mens sandal that will go the distance without blisters? My arches aren't in the best shape so a pronounced hard arch would probably be uncomfortable for me. Thanks for any suggestions. Leaving 9/4 and can't wait!!!!!!!!

OK I have all of you to blame.....because of all the "foot" talk, I just bought myself a new pair of shoes on zappos for my trip!

HOPE YOU'RE ALL VERY VERY HAPPY

I am a shoe addict....I did not need them but they look very comfortable and perfect for WDW.

Take a look at them and let me know what you think. Allrounder by Mephisto Urbain, at www.zappos.com. They look like a very stable, comfy supportive flip flop, the kind that actually stays on your feet and protects your toes.

 

[kat3668]

We went to Disney in June early July and I wore the womans version of these sandals!!!
Like wearing nothing!
Absolutely got no blisters!
You can get them at www.Zappos.com

They are the brand name Wolverine sandals

 

[asaj]

Take a look at them and let me know what you think. Allrounder by Mephisto Urbain, at www.zappos.com. They look like a very stable, comfy supportive flip flop, the kind that actually stays on your feet and protects your toes.

Not sure which model you got, but they all look very nice...and pricey. I had a hard time spending $65 on sandals, but now you have made me feel better about it.

Actually, I have never been one to skimp on footwear, just never been a big sandal wearer, so it pained me to pay for them for some reason. If they last, and your feet feel good, then I guess it is money well spent.

Good luck with them.

Andy

 

[Sharon Esch]

BIRKENSTOCKS all the way! DH and DS (4) wore them with no feet problem!

 

[scrapperjill]

A couple comments on Keen sandles...I have a pair (Newport h2's) and LOVE them...dh has the leather pair (decided on them for work use)....anyway...just the other day he mentioned he wished he would have got the other kind, like mine....said he thinks he'd like the cord instead of the "buckle" he has..either way we ALL love them (our dd's each have a pair).

Another thing....the toe area is VERY roomy....which is sooo nice to have the toe protection yet not feel confined like a running/walking shoe.

And one more thing....After walking ALL day the the relay for life this past June (in my flip-flops---I know NOT the smartest thing) I ended up with the BIGGEST blisters on BOTH of my feet. They were so big and so bad I couldn't even walk barefoot....the ONLY way I was comfortable walking was wearing my Keens. Now if you knew me...you'd know that was saying alot...comming from someone who would rather wear NO shoe...to be more comfortable wearing my Keens from the moment I got out of bed until it was bed time again. After that experence I KNEW for sure the Keens were the way to go.