Top 9 Walking Sandals

The Keen Newport gets excellent reviews from wearers, for everything from hiking to all-day city touring. The straps are waterproof leather, so you can wear them in a variety of conditions. It has an enclosed toe to provide protection against rocks and roots, and an adjustable lacing strap.

The FitFlop Hyka has secure ankle straps so you can get a good heel plant with your walking stride. They straps have soft suede over all of the expected pressure points. I love taking FitFlops on vacation where I expect a lot of both walking and standing. The microwobbleboard in the sole helps relieve pressure points.

The Chaco Z/2 Unaweep has minimalist straps, yet wearers report love the arch support and traction. It has an anatomic footbed that provides motion control. Wearers report the Vibram sole seems to last forever and the webbing still looks great after years of wear.

The Ahnu Tilden sandal is lightweight and has a flexible sole. The toe guard looks like it will do its job. You can adjust the fit easily with the single-pull lacing system. I was a little concerned about the design of the strap at the back of the heel - it seems to me that it might rub some of us wrong and give a blister until you have gotten used to it.

Birks are highly favored by their many converts for city walking. Many Birkenstock-lovers wear no other shoes. The deep heel cup is the reason, it provides a "barefoot experience" that may take some getting used to, but once converted, few look back.

For those who want their toes to breathe free, the Open Toachi has no toe cover. Its overall design is minimalist. There is a Toachi version that does have a toe cover. The sole is flexible for easy walking. I liked the cover on the heel strap, it looks like it wouldn't chafe.

Dr. Andrew Weil has worked with Orthaheel to produce a line of sandals with footbeds that provide arch support and motion control. The designs include flip flops and slides. Unfortunately, none of them have a heel strap so you can get a proper walking push off.

I can't force all walkers to wear sandals with heel straps, even though I think that is absolutely necessary for a good walking stride. No, many other walkers want something fashionable. Even, horrors! Flip flops. OK, if you insist on wearing flip flops, at least get a brand that has good foot support. Orthaheel sandals have motion control elements and arch support. If you overpronate but still want to slide into a pair of flip flops, look into these. Maybe you still won't be walking right to suit my tastes, but you won't be completely ruining your feet and gait.