AMC Outdoors, June 2007
Selecting the right adventure sandals.
After a long hike, your feet can feel pulped like an orange. Beaten by rocks, bruised by miles of rugged trail, they beg for a breather at day’s end in a pair of comfortable sandals. Or perhaps your sandal-clad feet spend time on river jaunts, wading through turbulent waters from swimming hole to trout-filled pool. Whatever your needs, from outdoor adventure to walking around town, the right pair of sandals should stay securely, and comfortably, attached to your feet in the conditions you expect to use them in.
BEAT TOE JAM In a properly fitting sandal, your feet should almost, but not quite, reach the front edge when you are standing up. On a downward incline, make sure that your toes do not extend over the lip and into the stub-zone. In a closed-toe sandal, your feet should not jam against the end, which can blacken your toenails. If you plan on wearing socks, make sure the extra bulk doesn’t push your toes too far forward. But sandals shouldn’t be too large either; any extra lip in front is more likely to catch on obstacles and cause you to stumble. Lastly, closely evaluate the straps for fit. They should not pinch or cause friction that might lead to blisters; pruny, water-soaked feet are especially vulnerable.
STRAP IN SYSTEMS Manufacturers employ a variety of strap designs to lash sandals securely to your feet. Velcro straps are easy to operate and often less expensive, but are usually the first thing to wear out. Fast-moving water can rip them open, especially once their grabbing power is diminished. (A small rubber band threaded over the end of the straps can help prevent this.) Other styles use buckles or clips to attach the straps, a more secure and durable option. Some manufacturers, notably Chaco, use a continuous strap system that threads through the footbed. These are nice and adjustable, but tend to tighten as you wear them and can get jammed with sand and grit; a squirt of WD-40 will help loosen them up.
SUPPORT YOUR EFFORTS The squishier the footbed, the more cushioning it will offer your feet, but the faster it will flatten with use. Some sandals feature a raised arch in the footbed, nice if you plan on hiking in them with weight on your back. The stiffer the sandal, the more support it will offer over uneven terrain. To test a sandal’s "torsional rigidity," hold it in both hands and twist lengthwise; the less it flexes, the better. Some newer sandals offer a more rigid shank that runs from the heel to the ball of your foot, nice for increased stability.
WEIGHTY MATTERS Sandals can vary wildly in weight, from as little as a few ounces to two pounds or more per pair. If you’re backpacking, look for a pair that weighs less than one pound. The sandals du jour for long-distance hikers seem to be Crocs, ultra-light clogs (12-16 ounces) that earn rave reviews for comfort—and scathing critiques from fashionistas. A pair of lightweight flip-flops can be great for around camp, but are bad for just about everything else.
ON YOUR TOES A few other things to consider: Leather sandals should be avoided for water use; the leather will rapidly dry and crack unless treated regularly with a conditioner. Split-toe sandals separate the big toe and often provide a more secure fit, but make wearing socks difficult, though you can always go camel-toe in a pinch. Lastly, evaluate how easily a small pebble can be shaken out from beneath your foot. Few things are as maddening as grit on your sole.
- Matt Heid is Senior Editor of AMC Outdoors
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