Walking/Hiking Sandals

[Sara Emily]

I just finished reading an article in the latest issue of "Health" Magazine in which several foot doctors rate leather sandals specifically designed for exercise. This is a new thought for me, and might be advantageous during the summer months of hot, humid, south Georgia.

Have any of you actually tried them during your walking/hiking excursions? If so, what did you think? I am curious and would like some REAL people to share the inside scoop! Thanks!

[SusanT]

I haven't tried these for hiking but I don't think I would for strenuous hiking because of 1) ticks - they're really bad around here and other bugs 2) snakes 3) ankle support. I like the support that hiking boots give while doing a pretty challenging trail.

I would wear them for just walking around the city.

[Vanessa]

I prefer hiking boots. First because I feel more secure (my feet and ankles)having also my toes covered etc I prefent cuts, bruises, bumps, little rocks or sand getting in my shoe. Although sandals are great they don't offer as much protection. its hot in the summer but even for gardening I prefer sneakers. My hiking boots are light hikers e from LLBean & they are great

[aggie94]

I've never hiked in sandals before. Here's my reasoning, although it might be a little gross. You generally wear sandals without socks (if you're wearing socks with them, it sort of defeats the purpose of a sandal, IMO). When you're out hiking in leather sandals and your feet are sweating, they'll get slippery. Plus, they'll start to smell pretty bad after awhile (both your feet and the sandals). My sandals are for walking around town -- for hiking, I prefer a light boot. REI has a great selection, and very knowledgeable salespeople. Also, there are some great socks that you can get to minimize the "sweaty-foot-in-boot" problem if you're hiking in the summer in a hot, humid area.

[This message has been edited by aggie94 (edited 05-03-2001).]

[KarenW]

I spent a week hiking in sandals last summer. I went on a white-water rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. Somehow I had imagined the trip would mainly be spent on the raft, but we hiked every day. Because the trip was open to all ages I also figured the hikes really couldn't be all that strenuous. I was very, very wrong--the hikes were quite tough and many people didn't take the daily hikes. I had brought along gym shoes and a pair of Chacos sandals. Because we were frequently in water (even on the hikes), I never used the gym shoes and wore the sandals all week. I never had an issue & really never felt like I needed anything more. We frequently had to climb on narrow ledges and over large rocks. I did notice that some of the people that wore non-sports-type sandals found the straps were stretching out from the constant wet/dry treatment. Mine held up great and I would definitely use them for this type of activity again. Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by KarenW (edited 05-03-2001).]