Looking for new men's sandals or sneakers

June 20, 2011 10:21 AM

I'm looking for new men's close-toed sandals or shoes that breathe well, with an interest in lighter shoes, like those with the Vibram sole.

I have a pair of Privo mens "Cosmic Fisherman" sandals, which seem to be and old model, as I can't find them on the Clarks website (closest match I found: Un.Bow)

Benefits:
* suitable for off-trail hiking/ jogging
* open sandals that breathe well
* closed toe doesn't get snagged like open toed sandals can
* they're pretty good in the water
* they're dark enough that I can get away with wearing them at work.

Cons:
* while they're not hiking boots, they're not really light
* My feet can get stinky in them, as the soles of my feet can get sweaty
* little stones get caught in the toe area, and are annoying to shake out
* The elastic bands didn't last long, so I replaced them with laces, which work well.

I'm interested in Vibram Five Fingers, and also shoes with Vibram soles. I tried a pair on in a store, but my feet instantly felt smothered, like they would start sweating soon. The shoes are not intended to be worn with socks, so I worry I'd get uncomfortable in them quickly. Is that the sort of thing I'd get used to, or do I have hot feet that need different shoes?

More personal preferences: I don't like Velcro straps, as I've found Velcro doesn't last as long as the shoes do (or as long as I wear the shoes), and if they have elastic draw-strings, I'd like to be able to replace them with some ease.

Thanks!

posted by filthy light thief to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total)

I've had a pair of Keens for the last couple years that have worked well for me, with the only annoyance being what you mentioned about the stones getting inside and being difficult to get out. The model I have has vibram soles and elastic drawstrings, both of which have held up quite well; replacing them might be difficult. I don't know how they'd do with wearing them to work - mine are brown, but would never look dressy enough to wear to work, unless Fridays were extremely casual.
posted by LionIndex at 10:29 AM on June 20, 2011

Seconding Keens. Also take a good look at the comparable Teva models, like the Dozer III.
posted by MansRiot at 10:43 AM on June 20, 2011

Just came here to recommend the Dozer III's that MansRiot linked. I got mine at REI a couple of weeks ago. I haven't tried running in them, but they're great in the water and dry really quickly. The closed toe is pretty rugged, I've banged it off a few things that would have had me cursing and swearing in my previous sandals. They are supposed to keep the stink down and I haven't noticed any so far, but I've only had them two weeks. They do have a velcro closure for the top of your foot in addition to the elastic draw strings. Haven't tried to replace the strings but I've never had an issue with the velcro on any of the previous Teva gear I've owned. This is the first time I've owned this particular model, but a pair of Tevas usually lasts me 18 months, I wear them everywhere in evenings and weekends and am constantly in and out of water in them.
posted by IanMorr at 10:51 AM on June 20, 2011

I have seriously sweaty feet and I have no problem with the fivefingers - that said, you probably want to stay away from the leather-upper ones. You can get socks that work with them, as well - I haven't tried it, but some of my fellow converts have and find them successful.
posted by restless_nomad at 10:58 AM on June 20, 2011

I have both the normal KSO (with mesh upper) and KSO Trek (with kangaroo leather upper). I never wear socks with them, and my feet never have issues with sweating. I think my feet stay cooler in the leather upper one, and there's no problem with them becoming stinky, aka "five finger funk." The normal KSO's I have to wash every week. The KSO Trek's I've had for 2 months, haven't washed them, no smell.

You also may want to check out Merrell's Barefoot line of shoes. They have vibram soles and are more normal-shoe like, but very light.
posted by Nerro at 11:44 AM on June 20, 2011

They're less technical, but have you considered espadrilles? They breathe really well, and in a dark color can be great for a casual work environment where actual sandals may be a little too casual. This guy is wearing simple, dark espadrilles with a blazer and I think it totally works.
posted by joshuaconner at 12:16 PM on June 20, 2011

I own a pair of Clark's Vivos which I love for their light-footedness and flexibility. They have some light, breathable models. I got some that looked mroe like regular shoes so I can wear them for occasions too formal for my beloved Vibram FiveFingers.
posted by cross_impact at 12:47 PM on June 20, 2011

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Follow-up: how easy is it to find these shoes to try them on in the US, specifically California (between Los Angeles and San Francisco)? Or should I find some place that honors returns within X days?
posted by filthy light thief at 4:13 PM on June 22, 2011