Sandals for fast walking

May 13, 2021 4:03 PM

Due to SI joint issues, I can't run or do any machine cardio anymore. But I can walk fast. Previous questions from others helped me find walking-fast shoes, can you suggest walking-fast sandals?

Lots of previous sandal-recommendation questions here but with a focus on comfort and walkability and/or workplace appropriateness. Of course I want comfort, but I also want to be able to walk very quickly and also not have my feet overheat, which is what's happening with my otherwise-great shoes. I wouldn't be wearing these to work.

What kind of sandal am I looking for? Even pointing me to brands would be great.

Must:
- Have ankle strap
- Have arch support
- Be available in simple black or brown
- Be easily available in Canada

Shouldn't, if possible:
- Have lots of stitching, straps, velcro, and/or buckles
- *Look* sporty or hiking-y, though well-hidden velcro is okay if it's really important
- Have that little part that goes between the toes
- Require a lot of time to break in

Not picky about material but I think that anything made out of plastic runs the risk of blisters.

Budget up to around $150CAD if they're the kind that will last more than a couple of years.

Thank you!

posted by reader to Health & Fitness (15 answers total)

Response by poster: Sorry, should add - women's, and if possible available in half-sizes.
posted by reader at 4:05 PM on May 13, 2021

these are my walking sandals, no idea if avail in Canada but probably are
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:10 PM on May 13, 2021

I do a lot of walking, especially since Covid put my daily gym visit off-limits, and I wear these and these for my 10K+ steps every day. I found both pairs instantly comfortable and have never gotten blisters from them. But I don't typically have arch issues, so I can't comment about that.
posted by DrGail at 4:26 PM on May 13, 2021

I switched from chacos to bedrocks this summer (I hate the new chaco grip soles!) and broke the bedrocks in with a 30 mile hike. Only one blister and I attribute that more to the sand and water irritation. Super comfy, but they do look like athletic/casual sandals.

I know you said no thong strap, but before these, I was really against them as well.
posted by coldbabyshrimp at 4:52 PM on May 13, 2021

My partner has SI pain and they really wanted me to recommend chacos too. YMMV on the sole- they come in cute patterns too, definitely check out the monochrome line or the custom options. They're pretty the only shoes they wear.
posted by coldbabyshrimp at 4:55 PM on May 13, 2021

Teva Tirra fit all your musts but do hit the velcro shouldn't as well. I don't know if you will think they appear really sporty/hikingy but I think they can look quite dressy if you get the right color. There is a little bit of breaking in; not in the footbed or heel, but to build up tolerance so that the straps don't rub too much on the top of your toes or ankle. They are my absolute favorite footwear - they're super comfortable and are able to do long distances and various terrains with ease.
posted by vegartanipla at 4:56 PM on May 13, 2021

I'm also a Teva Tirra wearer and I find them extremely comfortable. In the past I really liked Merrells sandals in large part because of the arch support, so I also wanted to mention those. I think I switched to Tevas because they were available from MEC and there were no Merrell styles I particularly liked that year.
posted by pierogi24 at 5:05 PM on May 13, 2021

I love my Chacos. They are super comfortable and adjustable and have great arch support. They run a little big - I’m usually a 7.5 or 8 in women’s shoes and I wear a 7 in Chacos. Or a kid’s 6 - if your feet are in the right size range their kids’ sandals are basically the same and quite a lot cheaper.
posted by Kriesa at 6:56 PM on May 13, 2021

Keens. I have five pairs.
posted by Oyéah at 7:59 PM on May 13, 2021 [2 favorites]

I've been in Ecco sandals all summer for over a decade now. They're exceedingly comfy and utterly adjustable. My first pair bought 12 years ago still lives in the dacha, just isn't quite as presentable. Their basic Yucatan model is rather sporty-looking, but they have less obviously hiking sandals too - I bought Cruise II last year in beige and have worn them with skirts and dresses, and there are similarly discreet men's sandals.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 12:59 AM on May 14, 2021 [1 favorite]

I don't like ankle straps but I do like fast and all-terrain walking and I love my birkenstocks! They do plenty of ankle strap ones, lots without thongs.
posted by london explorer girl at 2:03 AM on May 14, 2021

I highly HIGHLY recommend barking dogs shoes for all comfy shoe related questions. they have sandal sections. Many of the shoes are utilitarian-looking but there are some more stylish ones in there too.
posted by genmonster at 4:59 AM on May 14, 2021

I have had these leather sandals from Merrell (Merrell Roam Cross Lace) and they're phenomenal. They're more solid than typical sandals (they cover more of your foot) which is good for me because I have hypermobile ankles, and any sort of sliding around in shoes at all is a disaster.
posted by FirstMateKate at 7:07 AM on May 14, 2021

Response by poster: Thanks all! I ordered a pair of the Teva Tirra just because they were readily available on Amazon. If I don't like them, I'll return them and come back to the list to look into the other suggestions. Will report back for posterity!
posted by reader at 2:32 PM on May 14, 2021

Chacos. They are the default summer footwear in NW Montana. People hike and walk fast in them. They are much better made than Tevas.
posted by ITravelMontana at 8:23 PM on May 16, 2021