I always think of Birkenstocks as the hippie sandals. They got real popular with free spirits in the late 60’s and 70’s.
I had a pair in the 80’s that lasted the whole decade. I’ve only had to buy maybe four pairs in my life.
I’m not much of a sandal wearer, but I had some Tevas. Nylon straps, very durable, very comfortable. wore the velcro out in about 8 years, never replaced them. Now see that Teva makes sneakers, thinking I might look into a pair of them.
And they were big in Albuquerque too, which is one of the places where old hippies go to die.
OK, I swung by Dick’s yesterday, and they had a pair of Tevas for only $60. We’ll see how they go.
I’ve had the same pair of Mossimo Supply Co. sandals for close to a decade and plan to get another pair soon.
I wore my Tevas for many years without a problem till the soles wore through. I only had to replace the velcro on the ankle strap every couple of years.
Chacos are the unofficial sandals of Peace Corps volunteers, and that’s a group of people who really know their sandals. I think their styles look a little nicer than Tevas, though to be honest I think you’ll get the same wear from Chacos, Tevas or Keens.
I can recommend Tevas; they are solidly-built, minimalist sandals. You will tire of them before they wear out. I know a number of people who highly recommend Chacos, though, if for no other reason than the use of latches instead of Velcro. If I were to buy a new pair tomorrow, I would probably go with Chacos.
Not latches, but buckles with nylon straps threaded through them. No hook-and-loop to catch sand and cat hair, nothing to fail.
Oh and you can customize Chacos.
Stupid question…do you have to loosen the adjustment and redo it when you put Chacos on or take them off? Or does the strap flex enough to slip it on?
I see that the OP has gone and bought some Tevas, so I’m not just late but actually too late to this thread; sorry about that.
I have 2 pairs of Keen Newport H2 sandals that are both 8 years old. I have replaced the lacings on both (no charge; Keen just sent me new ones) and other than that, 1 pair looks new, the other has some minor abrasions from river rocks.
I also have 2 pairs of their Owyhee sandals. 1 pair is 3 years old, the other is 2 years old. Both look and feel brand new.
I do not wear shoes except at work or for specific activities; I wear sandals. Since getting them, the Owyhee have been my go-to for normal wear. I wear them like most people wear sneakers. They are comfortable and hold up well even for heavy walking activities. They freaking ROCK in the river. Here is Keen’s page for men’s sandals.
If you want a more casual sandal, I can highly recommend (and have many times over the years here on the SDMB) Kino’s Sandals. I’ve been wearing the Lilly for more than 30 years now and will likely continue to wear them until I die. They are hands down the best cheap shoe of any kind that I have ever bought: one pair lasted me nearly 19 years of continual daily use.
Chacon, without a doubt. They resole and re-web them when needed, have Vibram soles. Love them.
Once you’ve set the straps to a comfortable setting, you only have to slide the buckle to remove the sandals. With wear, the straps will lock in place once you get a little debris in the channel cuts in the midsole. At that point, you have to actually clean out the channel to break the straps free for adjustment. Chaco mentions this in their FAQ.
That is so cool. 
I like the Reff Brazil" brand-the leather ones are the best. However, they are difficult to find.