Outdoor sandals

July 16, 2005 9:50 AM

I'm looking to get some new sandals with the intention of going hiking/camping/rock climbing/etc in them. I already know of Tevas, but even those have multiple variations so I turn to y'all's experience and suggestions of specific sandals to buy for outdoor use. I'd like to stay under $100, but I understand it might not be doable.
posted by jmd82 to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (17 answers total)

I've had a pair of Chaco Z/1's since I was in college (i.e., seven or eight years now), and they rock my world. Other than having to replace the sole a couple of times and the teensiest bit of wear on one of the straps, they still look like they're in mint condition.
posted by Johnny Assay at 10:05 AM on July 16, 2005

seconds for the Chacos. i have a pair i bought last year and loved them, just make sure you the tension right on the straps, otherwise they chaef. also for hiking and camping, get the Terreno sole, much more rugged.
posted by ShawnString at 10:15 AM on July 16, 2005

I have a pair of Keen Newport H2 sandals that I love, but they're meant more for use around water, not so much for hiking (although they're very sturdy and your toes'd be well covered). They have other styles, though, that might be better suited to your purposes.
posted by tiny purple fishes at 10:23 AM on July 16, 2005

3rd on Chacos. Best sandals avavilable. >LOVE them< I had mine 4 summers and wear them EVERY DAY ALL DAY from May to September. They don't stink, and they still look new!
posted by BrodieShadeTree at 10:25 AM on July 16, 2005

As an owner of both Chacos and Keens, I must say they both rule. Chacos are made in Colorado, and Keens in China, if that matters to you.
posted by zsazsa at 10:57 AM on July 16, 2005

I strongly recommend Keen. The closed toebox is comfy and protective, yet the sandle breathes wonderfully. I had foot surgery the other day, and I showed up with my Keen(s) on my good foot. My doctor, the podiatrist, said he wore them himself. I have a pair of Newports and a pair of Hood Rivers, and they are both as comfy as can be. (I am considering a pair of Keen's "urban" boots if I ever get tired of my Rossi's, which hasn't happened for the past 5 years.)
posted by dontrockwobble at 12:02 PM on July 16, 2005

I own both a pair of the chaco z1s with a Terrano sole and the original Teva Guide Sandals (link goes to the current version of this sandal, what they are now calling the guide is different). The chaco's look much cooler, and are great for easy 3rd class terrain, but do not cut it for serious 4th class approaches and descents. The Teva's are more adjustable for a secure fit in exposed terrain and chafe less on long sockless approaches.
posted by Manjusri at 12:42 PM on July 16, 2005

I had a pair of Teva's like the one's Manjusri links to. They easily give chaco's a run for their money, and I think they may eeek out a win. I haven't work chaco's except for in the store, but they didn't feel as good as my (worn in) Teva's. I WOULD RECCOMEND ANY OTHER Teva sandals except those!! Just say "no" to velcro!

I haven't worn keens, but I want a pair real bad.
posted by zpousman at 1:05 PM on July 16, 2005

Keens are really good. I like the protected toe and the molded foot bed and the many styles. Alps were the old standby when I was a raft guide, and they were great, better in my opinion than Tevas or Chacos. They felt better on the foot and the strapping was not as cumbersome. I'm not sure if they're still made. You should easily get in under 100.
posted by OmieWise at 2:17 PM on July 16, 2005

I've worn my Keens rafting on the Rio Grande during an unusually high water period and they were great. I've also hiked the volcanos with them. I don't think you can go wrong with them.
posted by FlamingBore at 2:25 PM on July 16, 2005

I hate Tevas. Velcro sucks, and so does every pair of Teva-style sandals I've ever worn.

I love Chacos. I like the ones without the toe straps best. The insoles are very prominently shaped, and take about 5 miles of walking to feel completely natural. They're great in water, but Keen sandals are even better for that.

I'd be wearing them now if a bear/moose/possibly elk hadn't chewed the strap on the left one all to hell last summer. I need to send it back to Chaco, they'll fix it for ~$15. I'm just lazy.

I was lucky, a week after my Chacos got torn up (I was still wearing them taped to my feet) I found some awesome old Huaraches in an attic and they fit me perfectly.
posted by blasdelf at 9:45 PM on July 16, 2005

This thread prompted me to buy a pair of Keens today. I put them on this afternoon and have not yet taken them off, I think I'm in love. They are "sandals" in the same sense that the Batmobile is a "car".
posted by cali at 11:27 PM on July 16, 2005

I have a pair of Keen knockoffs - B.U.M. kids sized. They make my feet a little bit hot, but otherwise they're great. Very comfortable, fexible, easy to walk/dance in. The soles on mine have pretty good traction on boat decks. I just got them and I'm curious to see if they make my feet smell, the way Tevas do.

I also swear by Tevas, but they have less protection, and are more apt to chafe. Tevas do let your feet dry out if you're in a lot of water. No problem with the velcro, except for how much my dog likes to chew it.

I have arthritis in my feet, and both Tevas and (fake) Keens work well and are comfortable for me.
posted by theora55 at 7:35 AM on July 17, 2005

I have a rare pair of Tevas without velcro. Velcro does suck. But these ones have nice little snap buckles.

I've never heard a bad word about Chacos. I've heard lots of complaints about Tevas.
posted by five fresh fish at 7:59 AM on July 17, 2005

Response by poster: Actually, I've heard a lot about Chocos from outdoors people before and that they are better than Tevas (usually) but coudn't remember their name. I'm looking for more of an open-sandel style than the Keens, so off to get a pair of Chocos! Thanks!
posted by jmd82 at 10:12 AM on July 17, 2005

Why the hate for the velcro? I have no complaints with my Tevas that have it but if there's a better solution I may switch.
posted by smackfu at 8:08 AM on July 18, 2005

Velcro sucks in water. It loses most of its holding power.
posted by five fresh fish at 9:20 AM on July 18, 2005