Ultimate sandal comparison

[mat2154]

I spent 2 days at disney and i decided to test 4 popular types of sandals:

Chaco's Z2
Quite comfortable, but i found them to be very heavy. Feet are slightly sore after half a day of walking.

Crocs Cayman
Extremely comfortable for the first hour, very soft but then my feet started to become very sore. Too wide for my liking, feet slipped around and i really don't like the look.

Teva Circuit leather
Definitely the most comfortable out of the group. Soft microfibre upper feels great on feet and absolutely no pain on feet. Look great as well.

Havaianas flip flops
Feels quite comfortable for the first half hour. After that, blister between toes and ankle pain. Definite no.

I found tevas definetly the most comfortable. I found that they were the best.

 

[LVSWL]

I have teva sandals and 5 pairs of teva flip flops. I wouldn't even think about going to WDW without them! I'm crazy about those flip flops!

 

[littleladykaty]

*ahem* of course you forgot to add the greatest sandal on earth in there...the *drumroll* BIRKENSTOCKS!!!! Helloooooo...greatest sandal of all time...come on now...you can't have a true comparison without putting this sandal on the list...the TOP of the list...

okay, so I'm biased...but thanks for doing the comparison...I was thinking of getting a pair of Chacos...but i HATE heavy sandals, so I appreciate the review!!!

i have some Tevas that are the strappy dressy looking ones...very comfy but the top of the sandal always rubs and I get mega blisters! OUCH!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am a shoe a holic. On my March trip to WDW I brought two pairs of Keens Newport H2Os(LOVE them), two pairs of Chacos Z1 and Z2 Terreno soles (Love them, too!), Birkenstock Arizonas (great) and some cuter Born sandals.

I wound up breaking my toe going up a monorail ramp - slammed it into my daughter's heel and after that the only shoes I was comfy in were my Chacos and Birks, but my all time Disney trip favorites are the Chacos.... Although if I had been wearing my Keens my toe would have been protected... Chacos have awesome arch support and keep my feet and legs comfy all day without aches. The thick soles do make the shoe heavier than Birks, but not much heavier than my Keens. The support makes it worth it for me.

Lives4Disney

 

[NewJersey]

i have rainbow flip flops from nordstrom. absolutely the best!!! wore them last year for a week in disney and my feet were fine. i've had these pair for a year now. well worth the money. i'm wearing them this week when i'm there.

 

[LisaMaz]

Are birkenstocks water resistant? Do they come in kids sizes? Thanks!

Also to Lives4Disney is that a picture of the dolls they make in epcot? Did your daughter make it herself? sorry!

 

[littleladykaty]

YES Birkenstocks has a whole water friendly line!!! And a huge kids line!! If you go to www.baumhouse.com you can see all sorts of styles in whichever catergory you are looking for...now baumhouse is located in Germany, so if you order from them it will take at least two weeks to get to you, but the prices are cheaper even WITH shipping. You can also go to BirkentstockCenteral.com or www.uneedabirkenstock.com (i love that name!) OR Zappos.com which has lightning fast free shipping but they tend to charge more for their shoes overall...but if you like amazing customer service, zappos is the way to go!!!

Birks seriously are awesome...I love love love them!!!

 

[DebºoºS]

I have tried what seems like every type of sandal at WDW. I always go back to my leather Tevas that are a whole size too big. They don't rub, my feet can breath.
Waterproof Tevas rub and give me blisters. Columbia waterproof sandals same thing. Crocs slippery and hot.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Are birkenstocks water resistant? Do they come in kids sizes? Thanks!

Also to Lives4Disney is that a picture of the dolls they make in epcot? Did your daughter make it herself? sorry!

I just bought my girls some really cute Birkenstock sandals with CUTE prints on them from Zappos. The ones I bought are the regular cork kind, and they are not water proof. I didn't care for the other ones with the rubber/plastic soles. too clunky for them. I also looked at Baumhouse. They have GREAT prints and choices. If you order over $175, I think it is, you get free shipping. Looked like a great deal and their prices were awesome. I would try that next time for sure when I buy all three of us new Birks.

Yes - that is in Germany in Epcot. My daughters always sweet talk their dad into letting them make these dolls. They have about 6 or 7 each! Every time, he says "OK....but this is the LAST time"..... They love choosing everything and I get a kick out of it, too. My parents would have never let my sister and I do it so it is that much better for me that my girls can!

Lives4Disney

 

[zuzu310]

I just bought some Teva Olawahus today for 15.90 from DSW. They were clearancing some styles out. I had to buy them a whole size bigger but absolutely love them so far. I have been wearing them around the house and they are like walking on cushions.

 

[littleladykaty]

I just bought my girls some really cute Birkenstock sandals with CUTE prints on them from Zappos. The ones I bought are the regular cork kind, and they are not water proof. I didn't care for the other ones with the rubber/plastic soles. too clunky for them. I also looked at Baumhouse. They have GREAT prints and choices. If you order over $175, I think it is, you get free shipping. Looked like a great deal and their prices were awesome. I would try that next time for sure when I buy all three of us new Birks.

Yes - that is in Germany in Epcot. My daughters always sweet talk their dad into letting them make these dolls. They have about 6 or 7 each! Every time, he says "OK....but this is the LAST time"..... They love choosing everything and I get a kick out of it, too. My parents would have never let my sister and I do it so it is that much better for me that my girls can!

Lives4Disney

I'm so glad you enjoyed your birks experience at baumhouse!! I LOVE that place!!! There are tons of styles you'd never find in the states!! The shipping takes a little while, but if you order in advance of when you may need them, it's a pretty good deal.

Zappos on the other hand has lighting fast free shipping! Of course they tend to overcharge for their shoes...I wish they'd just say "Our shipping isn't really free...we add it into the price of your shoes, but you get overnight shipping for what you pay!!

i hope your girls enjoy their birks...the cork ones are the true birks experience. People may be wondering why I am such a birks nut...maybe not, but I will say that i am marrying an Occupational therapist who's ex wife is a Physical therapist (very nice lady...mostly...) anyhow, they are both insist on their kids wearing shoes like birks and new balance because good shoe fit and support for children is apparently really important for skeletal balance and development. Kids who wear unsupportive shoes have more back issues, leg pain and issues with scoliosis as adults!

YaY birks...they can save the world I tell you!!!

 

[java]

Lives4disney this is really off topic... but seeing your pictures reminded me. (at least I think it was you) how is the bus going now? That story really stuck with me. Hope all is much better.

Now back to topic. I have the cork Birkenstocks suede tan.(LOVE THEM!!) And though not waterproof officially I have worn them through many many a thunderstorm in FL and through water rides ect. And have never had a problem. They dry out. I am probably ruining the foot bed but hey I can always get that replaced!!
My DH bought me Keens this year for valentine's day. (red ones my favorite color) so I may have to try those out this year.
Oh and I love my Tevas. decisions decisions........

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4disney this is really off topic... but seeing your pictures reminded me. (at least I think it was you) how is the bus going now? That story really stuck with me. Hope all is much better.

Now back to topic. I have the cork Birkenstocks suede tan.(LOVE THEM!!) And though not waterproof officially I have worn them through many many a thunderstorm in FL and through water rides ect. And have never had a problem. They dry out. I am probably ruining the foot bed but hey I can always get that replaced!!
My DH bought me Keens this year for valentine's day. (red ones my favorite color) so I may have to try those out this year.
Oh and I love my Tevas. decisions decisions........

You will love your Keens!! They are like summer tennies - I got my first pair about 3 summers ago and LIVED in them.

Oh...you're sweet to ask about that bus/bullie issue. (is that what you meant?) It is going fine. The school loves my daughter and believed her. The fact that they believed her word and took action made her feel so good. It is funny, though, as this is about Birks, too.....when we were deciding which style to order her, she absolutely did not want the "Florida" model because it reminded her too much of her bad days in the shoe/boot thing. She chose the "Sydney" model with a cool blue print. (she wears the smallest ladies' size so she had lots of choices)

Take care & enjoy your comfy shoes!!

Littleladykaty - that is interesting about the shoes and future back issues. I am a shoe freak as I said earlier, so my girls wear nice, good shoes - Keens, Dr. Martens, Saucony, Birks, Tevas - I am glad there is another GOOD reason I am spending tons of money on their shoes!! I just like the style!

Lives4Disney

 

[java]

You will love your Keens!! They are like summer tennies - I got my first pair about 3 summers ago and LIVED in them.

Oh...you're sweet to ask about that bus/bullie issue. (is that what you meant?) It is going fine. The school loves my daughter and believed her. The fact that they believed her word and took action made her feel so good. It is funny, though, as this is about Birks, too.....when we were deciding which style to order her, she absolutely did not want the "Florida" model because it reminded her too much of her bad days in the shoe/boot thing. She chose the "Sydney" model with a cool blue print. (she wears the smallest ladies' size so she had lots of choices)

Take care & enjoy your comfy shoes!!

Littleladykaty - that is interesting about the shoes and future back issues. I am a shoe freak as I said earlier, so my girls wear nice, good shoes - Keens, Dr. Martens, Saucony, Birks, Tevas - I am glad there is another GOOD reason I am spending tons of money on their shoes!! I just like the style!

Lives4Disney

OH Great News on the bus!! That is exactly what I was talking about! So happy to hear the school stood by her and took care of it. And smart girl to get a new pair of shoes out of it! I am thinking of getting my dd(8) a pair of birks- My 3 year old got a pair of Keens and he lives in them. My older ds didn't like the way they felt so I am still on the hunt for him. And I also need a water pair for dd maybe keens? although she is a fashionista and thinks they are "funny looking"

 

[littleladykaty]

Lives4Disney...tell your little girl that the Sydney's are the BEST! They are my favorite style...i have FOUR different colors!!!

I'm sorry to hear that your little girl had to deal with Bullies on the Bus. That is one of the worst places b/c there are no adults around to supervise and you feel very alone. I am school social worker and I just dealt with such a situation...the "bully" is a wealthy girl, 10 years old, very popular and well liked, but she has a MEAN streak. She was picking on a girl who is not as well liked, quiet sort, who was picked over one of the bully's friends to go on a special trip to DC. Ms. Bully is smart and would only pick on her victim on the bus where no one would see...she was stomping on her feet and pulling her hair and doing things that wouldn't necessarily put any marks on her...oh let me tell you, when I got wind of what was going on I was so mad I couldn't see straight. I have ZERO tolerance for bullies. I called the victim in and asked her what was happening on the bus...she was so scared, terrified to "tell" and kept saying it would just get worse if she told. Luckily the school bus had a camera that caught Ms. bully repeatedly stomping on her victims feet and pulling her hair, but do you know that little stinker KNEW there was a camera and had her friends stand up and block view..but she messed up one day and the camera caught it all. When I called the Bully in she started saying that it was her victim that was REALLY the bully and oh the crocodile tears but when I showed her the video of her attack, she looked at me stone faced and said "I have a lawyer". Needless to say little Ms. Bully was SUSPENDED right then and there for two days and then had an assigned seat on the bus for a month, right up front next to the driver. She also had to spend the next 10 days after her suspension cleaning the bus during recess. Of course she had to write an apology letter to her victim as well. Her little friends were also punished, bus cleaning duty for 10 days and assigned seats with no talking allowed for a week on the bus. Watching someone being attacked, let alone helping out, is just as bad.

long story long...I wish more schools took bullying as serioiusly as my school district does. I had a lot of support from the district and actually the bully's parents in her punishment. If you come down like a ton of bricks they get the picture pretty quick, as do their friends.

Those mean girls must not have been wearing birkenstocks!

 

[jenr812]

I loved my leather Teva's last summer I would have never known about them if not for the DIS

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney...tell your little girl that the Sydney's are the BEST! They are my favorite style...i have FOUR different colors!!!

I'm sorry to hear that your little girl had to deal with Bullies on the Bus. That is one of the worst places b/c there are no adults around to supervise and you feel very alone. I am school social worker and I just dealt with such a situation...the "bully" is a wealthy girl, 10 years old, very popular and well liked, but she has a MEAN streak. She was picking on a girl who is not as well liked, quiet sort, who was picked over one of the bully's friends to go on a special trip to DC. Ms. Bully is smart and would only pick on her victim on the bus where no one would see...she was stomping on her feet and pulling her hair and doing things that wouldn't necessarily put any marks on her...oh let me tell you, when I got wind of what was going on I was so mad I couldn't see straight. I have ZERO tolerance for bullies. I called the victim in and asked her what was happening on the bus...she was so scared, terrified to "tell" and kept saying it would just get worse if she told. Luckily the school bus had a camera that caught Ms. bully repeatedly stomping on her victims feet and pulling her hair, but do you know that little stinker KNEW there was a camera and had her friends stand up and block view..but she messed up one day and the camera caught it all. When I called the Bully in she started saying that it was her victim that was REALLY the bully and oh the crocodile tears but when I showed her the video of her attack, she looked at me stone faced and said "I have a lawyer". Needless to say little Ms. Bully was SUSPENDED right then and there for two days and then had an assigned seat on the bus for a month, right up front next to the driver. She also had to spend the next 10 days after her suspension cleaning the bus during recess. Of course she had to write an apology letter to her victim as well. Her little friends were also punished, bus cleaning duty for 10 days and assigned seats with no talking allowed for a week on the bus. Watching someone being attacked, let alone helping out, is just as bad.

long story long...I wish more schools took bullying as serioiusly as my school district does. I had a lot of support from the district and actually the bully's parents in her punishment. If you come down like a ton of bricks they get the picture pretty quick, as do their friends.

Those mean girls must not have been wearing birkenstocks!

Littleladykaty - Thanks for the post. I love the "I have a lawyer" bit!! LOL - good thing 'cause if she doesn't change her ways big time, she will need one in the near future. I know it's OT, but you validated everything I felt. I was reading your story and thought OMG it is almost the same thing. The girl BROKE my daughter's foot. That's actually how we found out it was going on. One morning my DD just really had so much trouble walking I had to make a DR appt. My daughter finally confessed after we saw the DR. and had an appt to Xrays what was going on. I found out she went for over a month dealing with this little **** stomping on her and just thought she could deal with it, it wasn't so bad....she didn't want to upset me and she was embarrassed to tell. Heartbreaking as it is on it's own, my daughter is losing her sight and these little ***** took advantage of that fact to stomp her and jump out of the way so she couldn't retaliate. She uses a white cane and I asked her why didn't you just whack em a good one? Thru her tears she told me she tried, but they were too fast! Her teacher was as you were, she could barely remain calm when I told her what I found out. (believe me, I wanted to drive over and do some physical damage to the little brats myself) Her teacher was in shock that somebody would by doing that to my DD. To know her is to love her. She is just the best, nicest kid in all ways. The brat that was the ring leader was a little girl that was new to the school in the fall and my DD took her in and became her first friend. The kid just did a 180 and decided my daughter was her number one enemy. Girls can be so mean. Our school has a wonderful social worker that now sees my DD once a week, just to check in and see how things are going. She also will teach her some strategies for handling difficult situations like this if it happens in the future. Love our school. Gotta love school social workers!

The Florida and Orlando Birks reminded her of her orthopedic boot thing she wore while her foot healed so she wanted to stay away from that type of style! The Sydneys are cute and feminine and I bought her some cute Boston clogs with flowers on them. Thanks for the post.

Lives4Disney

 

[Seriouslydw]

ok, for me:
The Chacos will always be great for those days when I go to parks that have big roller coasters where shoes can come off.
Rainbow Flip Flops are a little on the expensive but are SO worth it, I love these flip flops, they mold to my feet and are so comfy to wear for long distances.
Crocs are great all weather footwear and supportive enough for theme park walking.
Really, I see no need for real shoes during the summer at the parks!