It is summer: updated sandal discussion?

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Neil Doran

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Jun 6, 2019, 11:23:01 AM6/6/19
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Just read the thread from 2014 - 2016...is it time for an updated sandal discussion?

It's officially summer here in the low foothills, and I'm back to riding in sandals. My 3-year-old Chacos (with toe loop) are still going strong, and at this rate they may never die, but I really don't care for the toe loop.

One option is new Chacos without toe loop (had 'em, loved 'em, took about 10 years to disintegrate). 

Also been eyeballing the Bedrock units for a couple o' years now...kinda like that I could go check them out in person in Richmond and try 'em all on. They look thinner (and lighter) than Chacos (good!), but wondering if the toe thong might bug me as much as the Chaco toe loop.

What are people wearing these days? My ideal use is on the bike and around town...bonus points if they would be good for wet-wading while fishing, and especially if they were light enough to act as camp shoes while backpacking (I find the Chacos weight-prohibitive for this purpose).

Drw

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Jun 6, 2019, 11:40:31 AM6/6/19
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I prefer the bedrocks to the chacos. The sole is much thinner but still plenty adequate for all sorts of activities. I also find the rubber material and less strap coverage of the bedrocks make them more comfortable for me.

Robert F. Harrison

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Jun 6, 2019, 11:54:40 AM6/6/19
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I still wear Tevas. Based on the suggestions (Bedrocks and Chacos so far), I'd opt for the Chacos with no toe loop. I generally wear socks with sandals (yeah, I know), especially on long rides where the straps can rub on skin and create problems. With that bit between my toes socks would be out, unless I switched to tabi style socks (with a toe)...which is a thought.

The Tevas I use tend to last a couple of years. They'd probably last longer if I didn't wear them for everything else as well...which reminds me...I need to order a new pair.:-)

Aloha!

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Steven Seelig

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Jun 6, 2019, 12:44:36 PM6/6/19
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I'm mostly an urban rider with sandals, so my rides are more like 20 miles and under.  I'm a big fan of these Keen Arubas because they have no back strap to chafe.  Since pedaling without clips is pretty much a forward motion, having just the front part as coverage, and pretty solid coverage at that, works well for me.

I tend to wear these all the time during summer.  I would say the tread lasts a year or so.  After awhile the mid part of the sole tends to get softer and softer so that when you step on a rock you can really feel it.  

Steve Seelig, DC


On Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 11:54:40 AM UTC-4, Statrixbob wrote:
I still wear Tevas. Based on the suggestions (Bedrocks and Chacos so far), I'd opt for the Chacos with no toe loop. I generally wear socks with sandals (yeah, I know), especially on long rides where the straps can rub on skin and create problems. With that bit between my toes socks would be out, unless I switched to tabi style socks (with a toe)...which is a thought.

The Tevas I use tend to last a couple of years. They'd probably last longer if I didn't wear them for everything else as well...which reminds me...I need to order a new pair.:-)

Aloha!

On Thu, Jun 6, 2019 at 5:23 AM Neil Doran <neil....@gmail.com> wrote:
Just read the thread from 2014 - 2016...is it time for an updated sandal discussion?

It's officially summer here in the low foothills, and I'm back to riding in sandals. My 3-year-old Chacos (with toe loop) are still going strong, and at this rate they may never die, but I really don't care for the toe loop.

One option is new Chacos without toe loop (had 'em, loved 'em, took about 10 years to disintegrate). 

Also been eyeballing the Bedrock units for a couple o' years now...kinda like that I could go check them out in person in Richmond and try 'em all on. They look thinner (and lighter) than Chacos (good!), but wondering if the toe thong might bug me as much as the Chaco toe loop.

What are people wearing these days? My ideal use is on the bike and around town...bonus points if they would be good for wet-wading while fishing, and especially if they were light enough to act as camp shoes while backpacking (I find the Chacos weight-prohibitive for this purpose).

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Neil Doran

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Jun 6, 2019, 1:14:32 PM6/6/19
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Statrixbob - I am also the occasional fan of socks n' sandals, especially during S24Os or similar applications! The toe strap version of Chacos can accommodate that (just don't use the toe loop), but it messes up the adjustment.

Steven, those Arubas look nifty! Great toe protection with Keens, very good for being in the river. I am a huge fan of slip-ons of all types, and these look great for riding. But I think I would miss the security of the heel strap for any sort of trail walking.


WETH

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Jun 6, 2019, 2:46:24 PM6/6/19
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Keen Newport leather sandals: https://www.keenfootwear.com/p/M-NEWPORT.html
I live in these from May through September. Socks fit nicely as well.
Best wishes,
Erl

Jeff Lesperance

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Jun 6, 2019, 5:11:33 PM6/6/19
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I wear Keen Newport sandals - I have a pair in leather and a pair with the nylon straps (I think it's the Newport H2 model). I like these for cycling/adventuring because they have good toe protection, can be adjusted fairly easily for fit, and they have a decent tread for hiking when cycling-based adventures turn into a different type of foot power. 

I've worn the leather and the nylon ones in a few rivers and streams and they both dry out just fine and I've appreciated the stable footing and the ability to snug them down so that they won't get pulled off my feet. On the downside, they are bit clunky and heavy - it's not noticeable on the bike, but in comparison to many other sandals that trend toward minimalistic designs, these are a bit hefty.

I wear them year round in the DC metro area - when it gets cold, they get paired up with wool socks of varying thickness as appropriate, and being that they are a bit closed compared to other sandals, they pair fairly well with socks.

-Jeff
Silver Spring, MD

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Eric Myers

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Jun 6, 2019, 5:12:38 PM6/6/19
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I prefer the Keen Clearwater sandals, they're about half the weight of the Newports: https://www.keenfootwear.com/p/M-CLEARWATER-CNX.html

-Eric

Mark in Beacon

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Jun 6, 2019, 9:44:23 PM6/6/19
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I get into sandals as soon as the weather warms up, and I do as much of my riding in them as possible. I rode D2R2 the last two years in sandals, but did not see anyone else. Maybe it's more West Coast. I tried Merrells for two seasons, both broke at the same place, so I will use the last credit for some non sandal Merrells. (This year's versions are also kinda ugly.) I recently ordered the Bedrocks in the 3D? I think they call it? Took a  bit to get used to the thong thing, but I  like these so far.

On Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 11:23:01 AM UTC-4, Neil Doran wrote:
Just read the thread from 2014 - 2016...is it time for a?
Message has been deleted

Fullylugged

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Jun 7, 2019, 5:25:54 AM6/7/19
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Like Jeff, I have both the leather and nylon versions of the Keen sandal. Like them both on rides under 25 miles. For longer rides or hilly ones where I ill be pushing hard on the pedals, I use Keen Cycling sandals. These have a firm cycling sole and accept cleats if you clip in. I have ad cleats in and out of mine, and have decided on none as my best option. The hard sole protects my mid-foot muscles from cramping on super hard efforts up steep climbs or fatigue over long distance. They have a narrow heel to avoid pedal rub. All the sandals are nice in rain as they allow water to escape so you don't get squishy feet.

https://www.keenfootwear.com/p/M-COMMUTER-4.html

Mark in Beacon

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Jun 7, 2019, 6:44:37 AM6/7/19
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My thing with the Keen Commuters is they are more like well-ventilated shoes than what I consider sandals. A good summer choice though, especially if you seek the extra protection.

Shawn Granton

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Jun 7, 2019, 7:50:17 PM6/7/19
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I'm a big fan of the Keen sandals, as I like having something with closed toes. I've had a pair of the Keen Rialto sandals the past couple years: waterproof, and also made (mostly) here in Portland, Oregon:

Best,
Shawn

Jonathan D.

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Jun 8, 2019, 12:45:10 AM6/8/19
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I second the Bedrock and Keen CNX. The bedrocks feel more like barefoot and are really comfortable. They are light and feel like flip flops without the flop. Chicos feel like bricks in comparison to me. Chico’s also have a big arch which doesn’t work for me. If you like an arch I would get Chacos. Chaco also makes great flip flops.

The Keen CNX are just half the weight of the Newport and are great.

Paul Burns

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Jun 9, 2019, 9:42:45 AM6/9/19
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Of the bedrocks, which is best?

Thank you

Drw

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Jun 9, 2019, 12:43:58 PM6/9/19
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They really only have 2 models. An essentially barefoot trail running sandal and the cairn. i think It’s worth upgrading to the higher level cairn if you are gonna be hiking in them and getting them wet. If they are mostly just for biking and walking around, the normal cairn is probably more than adequate.

Michael Rivers

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Jun 9, 2019, 1:55:44 PM6/9/19
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Bedrock Cairn

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