So my two-year search for a decent pair of sandals has come to an end.
The length of the search is due in part to my demanding feet, which won’t wear just any shoe without bursting into nasty cramps, and my demanding fashion sense, which makes me not want my feet to look like those of a Hobbit. I’ve loved and worn both Birks and Tevas, but neither do the job for me for various reasons to do with the fussiness of both my fashion sense and my feet. (I spent last summer in cheap bamboo flip-flops, which are great but rather dangerous on my bike. I survived one summer but I’m not going to push it.)
There are three stores in my city that sell Chacos, and one of them had my size (9W) and my chosen style (in black). They are great because they are totally fully adjustable (so they fit perfectly), the sole is sturdy (arch and heel support, etc), and they look fabulous. I feel I need to get a pedicure to truly do them justice.
I’ve never been this happy with a pair of shoes in all my life. Ever. I was so happy that I wrote to the store where I bought them to thank them for having my size (which the other store that carries them doesn’t have - they don’t do widths, us wide-footed women often have a very narrow selection).
I want to tell everyone in the world, even though I know nobody cares. My co-workers, for instance, couldn’t care less. Even my friends get bored after the third or fourth showing. And the dog isn’t any good at feigning interest any more, once I stopped him from chewing the buckle, he wandered away.
So I subject you all to my sandal-related gushing. ::shows off Chaco-clad feet::
I’m seeing a physical therapist for my Anterior Compartment Syndrome, and I mentioned that since I’m going to Belize later this summer, I’d like to get some good sandals that support my arches well. She suggested Chacos, which I then found over at REI.
I’m wearing them right now. Very, very comfortable.
I have two pairs of Chacos and I really like them. They are pretty much indestructible. I looked at their web site and there are a few new styles that I would love to have.
I bought them in Hawaii. The sandals I had brought with me were not up to the task of stumbling on lava rocks. Then I saw the Keen sandals with their heavy-duty toe protectors. I bought a pair and I’m in love with them. You can hike in them in hot weather without stubbing your toes, and you can get them wet in the surf without harm (they also protect your toes against coral reefs).
Admittedly, they’re not as cute as the Chacos. But you can’t beat 'em for rough hiking in the summertime.
Ooooh! I’m coveting. Right now, at my computer, I’m coveting your sandals.
I’m in dire need of decent sandals, but I’m really scared by the price tag. I have this really weird blistering/chaffing problem with Birks and birk knock-offs, in that the corkbed chews my inner foot and arch to bits. It’s fine for the first hour or two, and then my feet start to burn and blister. I’ve tried toughing it out and continuing to wear them for a whole summer - no better. It just won’t callus over in a really useful manner. So while I’m extremely covetous, I’m also too shoe-shy to spend $100 on a pair of sandals that might chew my feet to bits. I see they’re not cork, which makes me hopeful, but they’re still that contoured shape which doesn’t seem to work for my foot. I wish I could find a used pair and try them out for a few days.
