Walkers choose walking sandals or trail sandals for both short and long distance walks. As with any walking shoe, it is important to find a good fit and to test the walking sandals at shorter distances and with or without socks. Look for stability, motion control, and cushioning features needed for longer walks. Some designs have a closed toe for more protection against rocks and roots, while others are open-toed as with traditional sandals. Popular brands of walking sandals include Teva, Bite, Keen, and Birkenstock.
1. Teva Trail Wraptor
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The Teva Trail Wraptor has many features of a well-designed athletic shoe, with medial posting, cushioning, and flexibility. The patented Wraptor™ strapping system secures and cradles the instep and arch shank of the foot. One drawback is that the straps are not as quick-drying as some wearers would like.
2. Keen Newport Sandals
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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.
3. Keen Taos Trail Sandal
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The Keen Taos is a hybrid - it's ventilated like a sandal but also enclosed enough to be a trail shoe. The patented toe protection keeps your tootsies safe. It has a sole designed to cushion and support on the trail. The bungee lace capture system secures your foot to the footbed. You can wear your orthotics with them.
4. Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandals
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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.
5. Ahnu Tilden Multisport Sandal
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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.
6. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
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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.
7. Teva Open Toachi
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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.
