I’ve had to give up running because of knee problems. So I’m walking more. And I’m going to be at the beach a lot this summer.
Ideally, I’d like to be able to use the same pair of sandals for walking, and for moderate workouts in the gym (weights and inclined treadmill).
Does such an animal exist?
I’ve looked at online reviews, but I haven’t managed to get my questions answered.
Suggestions welcomed.
Are you talking about free weights? Because if I were using free weights, I’d want more foot coverage than sandals of any kind are going to provide.
What’s comfortable is going to depend a lot on your foot architecture. I swear by Chacos, but I have super-high arches.
My last few experiences (5+ years ago) with Tevas were terrible. They drew blood. I’m not sure if they are still in business but unless they’ve really turned things around I’d avoid them.
What are you looking for in your sandals?
I too swear by my Chacos – specifically the Z2 model. I use these for walking, hiking, working out in the gym (weights, rowing machine, stationary cycle). I have had mine for 14 years. Specifically the Z2 model because it stays anchored on your feet well, especially in water. Heavy duty soles are great for hiking on rough terrain, rocks and lava and pumice. No top protection, of course, so I don’t use them in the brush, and when on volcanic paths you really have to watch out for protruding rocks, they are sharp and can easily cut you. I love those Chacos!
Seconded. In surf and streams those wimpy soles just flap back and don’t stay anchored to your feet, not like the Chaco Z2.
Yes Eva, free weights, but I used to work out barefoot.
Chacos sound interesting - I’ll check them out. Thanks to you all.
Um…
Yeah, dude.
Oh, and I am flat footed. Not just fallen arches, I mean FLAT footed. When I get out of a swimming pool and walk, my footprints are duck prints.
The Chaco arches are just like orthotics for me. Another plus.
I wear them everywhere, on light snow (wearing a jacket, okay), even in the office. Software engineering, business casual means shorts and sandals.
I have the Z2 tan lines on my feet. Alright, I’ll stop. Good luck, OP.
I had some Keens that were great for all-terrain, water, running in, and even shopping, but they only lasted a few months before expiring (but I’m really hard on footwear). So I’m not sure if they are worth recommending or not. The toes were covered in case of rocks or dropped weights.
Tom Scud swears by Keens, but he has super-wide forefeet. Keens are very wide in front and don’t have nearly as much arch support as Chacos. To each his own.
FYI, Chaco makes great shoes, too. I have two pair of sandals and 6 pairs of shoes! When I was getting physical therapy for my knee, all the therapists loved my shoes and didn’t know Chaco made more than sandals - there are also a few models of boots.
All kinds of sandals. I have something like the Newport. They must be going on 10 years old and have gone everywhere with me. And you don’t have the annoying big toe strap like many other sandals do.
Chaco sandals do have a cult-like following. They are no longer made in Colorado; the company was sold to Wolverine and production has been moved to China - reports of lower quality are trickling in. They have stopped using Vibram soles. It is possible to custom order Chaco sandals that are made it Michigan for $130 : Custom Chaco sandals.
Personally, I wear Teva Terra Fi and Keen Newport for hiking (on the rocky Appalachian trails of Pennsylvania) and cycling – very comfortable, I can try them on at local stores, and they are quite a bit less expensive than Chaco.
I have experienced this. I’ve had my Z2s resoled a couple of times through the years. It was easy to tell that things had changed from my original pair I bought in 2001. The offshoring may have been done in 2009 when Chaco was bought by Wolverine.
Unfortunate. I will hope my current Vibram soles last many years. When it comes time to resole them, my local cobler can put Vibrams on them.
Good to know!
Chacos aren’t cheap, that’s for sure. But putting them on is like putting on a well-broken in baseball glove. And they are iron tough.
Been wearing Chacos for ten years. I am very happy with them.
The first pair (from Colorado) lasted 5 years. Subsequent pairs from China and Malaysia have lasted two years each.
But, I wear them everyday, 365 days a year. I live in the tropics.
I will order the next pair from the Michigan store. Thanks for the link.
I have both Teva and Keen. Strengths and weaknesses to both. I find that Tevas are not great for the beach because the ankle strap captures sand which then turns into an abrasive. The Keen Newports are comfortable enough, but have no stretch, so they’re a pain in the ass to actually put on – enough so that I’ll often go with the Tevas just for convenience.
Huh. NEVER would have thought of that as a complaint. The ‘laces’ are elastic. The one thing I don’t like about the Keens - If you get a rock in um, you pretty much have to take them off to get the rock out. On the other hand, the do protect your feet.
Has anyone ever worn Keen Uneek Slide sandals? If so, can you tell me if they’re good for hiking? Or are they more for casual wear?
Question answered: their website has the sandals grouped by function.
Doh!