casual sandals/flipflops

[Sam]

Olukai Hiapo? Chaco?

need some support. I have a like new pair of Donald Pliner in black leather and they have no support. gonna ebay them. Same with some Tommy Bahama in a cotton brown strap.

I like the look of Hiapo but locally they had an 8 and it was so small. I read that they run small and I usually wear a 9.0 American/42 , and they have no half sizes. Also, those pods on the bottom. They wear out that fast?

[Pureslab]

I wear Keen and have a pair of a Chaco flips

Both great quality - the Keen are great sandals

If you want good support buy a pair of Birkenstocks

[Obsessed]

if you want good support buy a pair of birkenstocks

+1

[Walter Sobchak]

I've always had nice luck with Chacos and Birks. Right now I have a pair of Birk-a-likes (that's my terminology) from Born (Born makes great shoes, BTW) that are very nice. The footbed is leather and plush, but has some mesh to keep from sweating and getting funky like Birks, they're super comfortable, and they somehow make my feet love them.

Good Luck.

[Lynchmeister]

Back in 2001 while visiting a German friend, I picked up two pair of Birkenstocks for 70DM a pair (about $35.00!). Last year (after seven years of abuse), while out walking my dog, the right sandal literally exploded. I was devastated, as you can imagine, but luckily I had that second pair that hadn't even been worn yet. They're currently covered in mud in my garage and eagerly awaiting whatever I can throw at them for the next 10 or so years.

Comfortable. Durable. Fashionable. Hard to go wrong with Birks.

[strat1117]

Yesterday I was with my brother-in-law who was wearing a nice, sturdy looking pair of sandals by a company called Earth (I don't know if they are a rebirth of Earth Shoes -- remember those -- but they did have a negative heel). He got them in Florida, but it is my intent to go find a pair for myself.

[mmack66]

I've always had nice luck with Chacos and Birks. Right now I have a pair of Birk-a-likes (that's my terminology) from Born (Born makes great shoes, BTW) that are very nice. The footbed is leather and plush, but has some mesh to keep from sweating and getting funky like Birks, they're super comfortable, and they somehow make my feet love them.

Good Luck.

What style are they? The Lennox?

[mretzloff]

For flip-flops, I prefer Rainbow. They'll last forever and they conform to your foot. I've had mine for over five years. They've gone through sand, water, dirt, etc. and still look great. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty.

[RoyalKooparillo]

I pretty much live in flip flops for most of the year. My take:

Chaco's give nice support, but they are have a very thin, hard rubber sole, and they fit narrowly in the heel. The leather flips get very slick when wet. If you went the Chaco route, I'd go for one of their hybrid backless sandals like the Zong. They have better support, thicker sole, and the added bonus of a little more security.

Birkenstocks also give great support, and they conform to your foot over time, but if they get wet the cork will start to disintegrate. The more they get wet, the more likely they are to fall apart. Great for your feet, though.

Earth shoes are butt-ugly, but they give decent support as long as you can handle the negative heel. I cannot.

Born sandals are comfy, more cushion than support, per se, and are heavy.

Reefs are pretty good for a little while. But they use cheap quality open-cell foam rubber that breaks down quickly. If you're lucky you can get a couple of years of use out of them, but by the end of that time the rubber will have broken down to the point that they're really bad for your feet. Quality control is mediocre at best...you might get a sandal that lasts a couple of years or a couple of months. Gimmicky flip flops, but can be pretty comfy for a while.

By far, the best flip flops I've used over the years have been Rainbows. The multi-layer leather versions are darn near indestructable, and as you wear them they conform to the bottom of your feet. If you wear out a layer before any of the other layers, they will replace your sandals for free. The wonderful thing about these sandals is they get better every time you wear them. So, after a year or two, you have sandals that haven't worn out, but instead fit your feet like foot-gloves (socks? No.). Only thing to note is that the leather can get a little slick when wet (same with all smooth leather sandals). I've have a buddy that has had the same pair of Rainbows for ten years, he wears them daily, and they are still going strong! After wearing various flops for decades and selling boatloads of them when I worked in a gear shop, I can safely say these are the gold standard.

Usual disclaimer, no affiliation with any of these companies, just a die-hard flopper to the core.

[mretzloff]

If you wear out a layer before any of the other layers, they will replace your sandals for free.

They'll also replace the thong of the sandal, should it ever come out.

[letterk]

For flip-flops, I prefer Rainbow. They'll last forever and they conform to your foot. I've had mine for over five years. They've gone through sand, water, dirt, etc. and still look great. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty.

Rainbows are the ONLY flip-flop I will buy. I've had my current pair for about 7 years and they're still going strong. Comfortable, supportive, and durable.

[TimmyBoston]

Rainbow.

[Fnord5]

Reefs.
http://hackedgadgets.com/wp-content/FANBRN.jpg

[Mejnoon]

Another vote for Rainbow...most comfortable footwear on the planet imo. I'll say this though...I wear the single layer Rainbows, and I buy a new pair pretty much yearly. I can probably get 18 months max out of a pair. They're more durable than anything else I've tried, but with heavy use the leather will wear out.

[Sam]

I want leather. My birks are too hard on the arch and heel. I needed the soft footbed and got the hard ones. Anyone want a deal on them, or tommy bahama, let me know

I am between the Rainbow in leather and the Olakui

[Mejnoon]

I want leather. My birks are too hard on the arch and heel. I needed the soft footbed and got the hard ones. Anyone want a deal on them, or tommy bahama, let me know

I am between the Rainbow in leather and the Olakui

You won't regret the Rainbows:wink:

[Walter Sobchak]

What style are they? The Lennox?

I'm not sure what style they are, but they're not Lennox. Although the Lennox does have a similar looking footbed. I just took a quick look at the Born website, but it looks like they don't make my style anymore.

Mine look just like Birk Milanos (which was always the Birkenstock style of choice for me) but they have really nice dark waxed leather straps, and the heel strap has a bit of lycra so you can slip them on without stretching the leather. The footbed had a lighter colored calf-skin, so they're sort of two-toned. But essentially, the basic style is an upscale copy of a basic Milano.

[MotoMike]

Back in 2001 while visiting a German friend, I picked up two pair of Birkenstocks for 70DM a pair (about $35.00!). Last year (after seven years of abuse), while out walking my dog, the right sandal literally exploded. I was devastated, as you can imagine, but luckily I had that second pair that hadn't even been worn yet. They're currently covered in mud in my garage and eagerly awaiting whatever I can throw at them for the next 10 or so years.

Comfortable. Durable. Fashionable. Hard to go wrong with Birks.

I heartily concur. I am on my second pair of Birkenstock Arizonas in about 25 years. I didn't get the killer deal that you did LynchM, but considering how well they last, and the good support they provide, they are still a bargain. I will be due for a new pair in a couple years though.

for wet conditions, I wear Keens.

[Austin]

Reefs.
http://hackedgadgets.com/wp-content/FANBRN.jpg

My son has those. He showed me the bottle opener the other night while sipping Shiner Bocks on the patio.

[blary54]

Hmm no one mentioned Teva. Ive always had good luck with them. For flip flops I love the Teva Mush...very comfortable.

[RoyalKooparillo]

Reefs.
http://hackedgadgets.com/wp-content/FANBRN.jpg

Just make sure you haven't stepped in a pile of dog **** before opening your beer! :eek:

[jones2289]

I have these Sperry sandals in a different color, and have been very happy with them. I didn't purchase them from Amazon, but it was the site I found with the best picture.

http://www.amazon.com/Sperry-Marlin-Madras-Flip-Flops/dp/B0025XLFCW

[brian1g]

I have been wearing oakley sandals for the the past few years and i love them.

Having said that im going to give rainbow a try next since everyone seems to love them.

[nodns]

I've always had nice luck with Chacos and Birks. Right now I have a pair of Birk-a-likes (that's my terminology) from Born (Born makes great shoes, BTW) that are very nice. The footbed is leather and plush, but has some mesh to keep from sweating and getting funky like Birks, they're super comfortable, and they somehow make my feet love them.

Good Luck.

I call them Berkinmocks, but Yeah, +1 on the Borns!

[DS/B MCS]

I've been pleased with Keen, Birkenstock, and Rainbow

[Sam]

Jones, I went with these in a amaretto woven strap

http://www.shoebuy.com/sperry-top-sider-largo-thong-woven/243518

The sperry's felt good when I went into Macy's. Casual and yet dressy if that can be said about a sandal. I liked the plaid but fewer choices to wear with it as far as shirts (would look great with khaki shorts).


Good thing, it was $20 off with the paypal coupon

[joe2golf]

I've had Teva, Birks, Alps, Rainbow, Reef and Chaco. My favorite pair is the Olukai. I think they have the best combination of soft rubber and arch support. I'd say the Rainbows are second but don't have nearly the arch and I think the leather is too slippery.

[jones2289]

Sam,

Glad you liked them and I could help out. I've had mine for about a year, and they seem to be holding up well. Hope you enjoy them!

[slcsteve]

Not cheap but absolutely the most comfortable, supportive sandals that I've ever owned .

Mephisto sharks

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/mephistowebstore_2057_38114711

Here are some reviews:

http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_348496_men_mephisto_shark_reviews#bz-model-reviewTitle

[Houndawg]

Back in 2001 while visiting a German friend, I picked up two pair of Birkenstocks for 70DM a pair (about $35.00!). Last year (after seven years of abuse), while out walking my dog, the right sandal literally exploded. I was devastated, as you can imagine, but luckily I had that second pair that hadn't even been worn yet. They're currently covered in mud in my garage and eagerly awaiting whatever I can throw at them for the next 10 or so years.

Comfortable. Durable. Fashionable. Hard to go wrong with Birks.

Is there a reason they are covered with mud? Is this a treatment or did you just step in some mud and haven't cleaned them off yet?

[knlgskr]

Zora's, St. Thomas USVI; Island Sandals, Maui, HI; Zora & Mike are also interesting individuals.

[Leche]

My current pair.
Double Stack Hemp (http://islandsurf.com/islandsurf/page/product/sku/302AHTS/p/Mens-Mens-Hemp-Double-Stack.html?Brand=Rainbow-Sandals&Department=Mens)
Rainbows are the best. My feet do better with the hemp than the leather.

[Sam]

Leche: that is the pair my daughter wants to get me. I was thinking of another taupe pair of Birk Arizona and she wants the double layer hemp Rainbows for me.

Steve: I have some Mephisto sandals that have the strap diagonally and then a toe loop. Yes, wear those and you will hate the Birks as the footbed is too hard. The Mephistos have rubber in their cork and it gives a bit more. Ill continue to get Mephistos when this pair runs out, but I needed something a little less expensive and went with the Sperry. I like the ones you showed, and had some Josef Seibels like that, but my wife hates the covering of so much of the foot, and says why not wear a whole shoe. If I do a NYC walking trip, Ill get that pair as the Seibels were perfect for that last time we went. Alas, they did not hold up well

[Leche]

Sam, you will be very happy with them. I wear sandals every day, I have even rocked them in the snow:eek:. They are comfortable, have arch support, and last a long time. The hemp is great, I personally like it better than the leather, as my feet can get sweaty.

[Obsessed]

I used to like Tevas a lot, but as I gained some weight I found that they didn't have enough arch support for me. Does anyone know if this has changed? I love my Birkenstocks but I need something I can get wet. (Any thoughts on sandals that can get wet, have good arch support, and a back strap would be appreciated, actually.)

Thanks!

[Sam]

Id get Keen or Chacos with the nylon if I needed shoes to get wet, like watershoe/sandals. I have some Birko's that are built like regular Birkenstocks but they are like rubber molded. Same sort of footbed and support but entirely waterproof as they look like the Croc material. They have no back strap though and I use them for beaching, washing the car on concrete or pebbles, the lake, etc. For wearing out in public and then being able to use at the beach, my next pair will be the Keens

[Left Coast DJ]

I like Oakley flip-flops.

[gone down south]

Birkenstock will repair pretty much any damage to their shoes at a good price. You can send them in get a pair so worked on that only the straps and buckles are original!

BTW, I'm rocking a pair of Keens right now. They show up on Steepandcheap.com every so often for about 65% off.

[REB]

Borns are outstanding....

[Sam]

The Sperry arrived and, since they were only whole sizes, wouldn't you know, a 9.5 is what I need. They felt great, just a tad too short and a little too narrow

Gonna try to find some Olukai, Rainbow to try on in town.

[Lynchmeister]

Is there a reason they are covered with mud? Is this a treatment or did you just step in some mud and haven't cleaned them off yet?

Just haven't cleaned them off yet. I'm working on getting two acres of mud to blossom into two acres of beautiful, manicured lawn. I was out moving sprinklers around and the next thing I knew, I was up to my knees in mud. :ohmy:

The birks now though, I'm happy to report, have dried out and shed the majority of the mud, so we're back in bidness. :biggrin:

[stripec30]

Just make sure you haven't stepped in a pile of dog **** before opening your beer! :eek:

:lol: I never looked at those type of sandals in the same light after taking microbiology.

[saltypete]

In Australia flip flops or as they are known here , thongs , have been part of our national dress for decades. I have a pair of double pluggers that I wear everyday. cost me 2 bucks at the supermarket.
There is a joke that asks, 'How can you tell if an Aussie is formally attired?'
Answer: He is wearing black thongs.
What do you call an Aussie woman in thongs?
Answer: The bride.

Pete

[Sam]

I tried on Chacos and they had too much support under my arch. I have a flat arch, and I need some support, but I dont need the support that makes my flat foot into a high arch. Rainbow felt wierd on me. I can see where the 20 somethings like them over flat ole flipflops.

The Olukai Hiapo felt like heaven and it should for $110.00. I tried on the Ohana and it was good but I need a 10 in them instead of a 9.

Do all leather footbeds make your feet sweat more or less?

In my Birks, it feels like my foot is forced to list to the lateral or outer side.

[thunder54]

I have worn Tevas in the past and wore Birks in college. I currently really love wearing Sanuk sandals. I have a pair of the Beer Koozies and SUV. My favorites are the ones made out of Indoor/Outdoor carpet. They mold to my foot real good and have really good cushioning.

[knlgskr]

Excellent thread, thank you one and all. So many sandals, so little time? Would this thread make a good sticky or something of that ilk?

[Satch]

Not cheap but absolutely the most comfortable, supportive sandals that I've ever owned .

Mephisto sharks

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/mephistowebstore_2057_38114711

Here are some reviews:

http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_348496_men_mephisto_shark_reviews#bz-model-reviewTitle


I have a pair of Mephisto Sandals (not sharks) which are the best I have owned that are a nice casual pair. They are expensive but after buring through a pair of Birkenstocks each summer I can cost justify them.

Depends on your use and requrements. I have a pair of Teva sandals for actual wet environs. I am looking to acquire a closed toe type when these wear out.


Satch

[Scentronic]

Ever hear of Vibram Five Fingers? I own four different pairs of these, and they are nothing short of incredibly awesome. The variety of reactions I get to them is very entertaining as well!

http://baumersfootwear.com/images/vibram_sprint_taupe.jpg

http://teenymanolo.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/five-fingers-of-fug.jpg

[Emmett]

Ever hear of Vibram Five Fingers? I own four different pairs of these, and they are nothing short of incredibly awesome. The variety of reactions I get to them is very entertaining as well!

http://baumersfootwear.com/images/vibram_sprint_taupe.jpg

http://teenymanolo.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/five-fingers-of-fug.jpg

Tried some on the other day and didn't really care for them. I expected the top fabric to have more lycra and was surprised that I needed to work them onto my feet like gloves onto hands, instead of them stretching to let me slip in. I also think they are made for people with long, attractive toes, a subset of the population that does not include me. :redface:

My vote is for Keens. Ugly as hell, but the most comfortable shoes I own.

[Scentronic]

Yeah, I'm sure it was hard for them to come up with a particular length and shape for the toes, but this is what they came up with! I have long toes, with the second toe longer than the first by a little bit, and I was afraid these weren't going to fit. But they do, and surprisingly well.

I do think that they should make two models - one for people with the second toe longer than the first, and one with the big toe being the longest.

I just spent the last five or ten minutes reading a couple of blogs with people's responses to these, and it is hilarious. Some people are so weird about feet! Personally, I love knowing that there are people out there who are seriously threatened by these. :biggrin:

[Obsessed]

I got a pair of Keen sandals, which I'd never heard of before reading this thread, and I like them a lot so far.

[The Nid Hog]

Ever hear of Vibram Five Fingers? I own four different pairs of these, and they are nothing short of incredibly awesome. The variety of reactions I get to them is very entertaining as well!

http://baumersfootwear.com/images/vibram_sprint_taupe.jpg

http://teenymanolo.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/five-fingers-of-fug.jpg

I've been thinking about buying a pair for kayaking. How do you like them? I thought that if they felt good in and out of the boat, I might give them a try for trail runs.

[chickpea]

I can't believe no one has mentioned Havaianas!

http://www.havaianasus.com/mens-sandals/brazil-logo.html?s=10906&from=intro

[Rudy Vey]

Mephisto!!

[Scentronic]

I've been thinking about buying a pair for kayaking. How do you like them? I thought that if they felt good in and out of the boat, I might give them a try for trail runs.

How do I like them?! Doesn't the fact that I have four pairs sort of tip you off?! :biggrin:

I would never take them off if I didn't have to!:biggrin: