Last Updated on June 25, 2022 by Ecorf
If you love hiking or backpacking, you should get perfect travel shoes that can make your life easier when you are out in the jungle. Many travel shoes come in the form of sandals and there are many advantages to these. While there are many types of travel shoes, Chacos is very popular among different travelers.
Apart from its popularity, Chacos ranges are high while other brands are relatively cheaper. Many people attribute the high price of Chacos shoes to their longevity. Therefore, you can also consider shoes like Chacos but cheaper.
You might not use your regular boots when hiking in summer which entails that you should get the best replacement that is suitable for the weather. As such, this post gives you tips and suggestions that you can use to get the best travel sandals. A selected few products are also reviewed to give you a clear picture of what you should expect to buy.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Travel Sandals?
To enjoy your backpacking adventure, you should choose the best shoes that will satisfy your needs. For instance, you can consider if the sandals are comfortable, fashionable, compact and durable such that they can help you to get through thick and thin. Other factors to consider are highlighted below.
Brand
It can be observed from different reviews by the wearers of Chacos shoes that this is probably the best brand that is designed to satisfy the needs of different travelers. However, Chacos sandals are expensive compared to other brands like Tevas which are cheaper.
You should also note that there are different brands and these are characterized by different features that can appeal to the interests of various people. To better understand how a particular product performs, you can utilize customer reviews to get an insight about what other users say about it.
Before buying your preferred travel sandals, you must visit reputable sites like Amazon to check reviews of customers. These are the people who have first-hand information about the brand and product and their reviews can help you to make informed decisions. It is important to know what other people say about the product before buying it.
Are the Sandals Water-Resistant?
Backpacking is not like strolling in the park since you pass through different types of places. Other activities like fishing and boating require you to wear water-resistant shoes in order to maintain them in good shape. This entails that you should pick travel shoes that are water-resistant to enjoy a comfortable adventure.
Sandals that are water-resistant can quickly dry in the event that they get wet along your way. This is good for your feet to prevent the development of water-borne diseases that may affect you at a later period. Moist in your shoes can also cause discomfort and undesired odor.
Style of the Sandals
Other sandals are designed for multiple purposes even if they are specifically meant for hiking and other related activities. Therefore, you must carefully consider the design of the sandals to ensure that you can also use them for other purposes.
Many sandals feature ankle straps that are designed to hold your foot in place as well as to increase their versatility. These types of hiking shoes are beautifully designed such that you can also wear them casually, even if you are not backpacking or hiking.
The other important aspect that you should consider is whether the sandals are easy to put on or take off. You should get something that makes your life easy while you are in different places. Hiking is generally arduous so you should not complicate your life by buying something that will not satisfy your needs.
Lightweight and Compact
Backpacking and hiking involve a lot of walking so you should make sure that the travel sandals that you choose are lightweight and compact. It might be impossible to travel long distances while wearing regular camping boots and this is the reason why you should choose sandals that are light.
On top of that, you should also ensure that the shoes that you get are durable and ideal for packing. Hiking involves traveling in different types of terrains and some of them are rough. Therefore, you should make sure that the sole is good for walking on different types of surfaces. It must give you good grip even on slippery terrain.
It is also essential to check if the materials on the top of the sandals are durable. Whilst some sandals are relatively cheaper than the revered Chacos brand, it does not necessarily mean that they are of poor quality. Therefore, you should check if they are durable to avoid walking barefoot in the midst of your trek.
More importantly, you should be clear about how you want to use your travel shoes. If you are into backpacking, then you should consider brands that are affordable and compact at the same time. All the same, you know the nature of your destination so you are in a better position to choose something that
Review of Different Travel Sandals?
There are different types of cheaper travel shoes and these have different features and specifications that make them unique. The following are some of the sandals that you can consider though your final verdict is a matter of personal preference.
ECCO Men’s Yucatan outdoor offroad hiking sandal
The sandal is made of attractive leather and textile which is also lightweight. The sandals consist of one sidebar together with three-point adjustability as well as neoprene lining that is designed for comfortable and soft fit.
The footbed is also soft and it consists of interior microfiber for perfect stability and cushioning. The injected PU midsole foam also helps to provide outstanding comfort and cushioning. The other handsome feature includes durable grip and traction designed for varied terrain.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Durable material
- Quality aeration of feet
Cons
- Expensive
Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal
Teva footwear is designed for a variety of outdoor activities that range from hiking, backpacking athletes and other related things. The sandals are made of 100% polyester which is strong and durable. The sandals also consist of open-top design consisting of straps for quality aeration of the feet.
The other important element about the sandals is that they are made of a material which dries quickly. On top of that, they have a rubber sole for good traction to offer you maximum safety when you are walking in rough terrain.
Pros
- Durable rubber sole with good traction
- 100% polyester
- Affordable
Cons
- Open top, might not offer maximum protection to your feet
KEEN – Men’s Rialto H2 Sandal for the Outdoors
Keen Men’s Rialto H2 sandal is designed for outdoor adventure and it is ever ready for any activity. The sandals are also made of water-resistant upper leather and synthetic material that helps to keep your feet dry during your adventure. The sandals also consist of hydrophobic mesh lining to enhance their durability and compactness.
The sandals also boast of quality traction that helps to give you maximum support in different types of terrain that may be dangerous. The other wonderful feature of these sandals is that they are odor-free and they consist of probiotic technology that helps to provide a natural way of controlling odor.
The sandals are made in the USA, Portland, Oregon from finest materials that are sourced from different parts of the globe.
Pros
- Closed-toed for maximum protection
- Lightweight
- Good traction
- Washable and quick-drying
Cons
- A bit expensive
Birkenstock Arizona Unisex Leather Sandal
The sandals consist of suede material on top which is durable. The shoes also boast of synthetic sole that is specifically designed to give you comfort. The sole offers you maximum support and it responds according to the shape of your foot. The sandals are also lightweight, flexible and boast of shock-absorbing capabilities.
Pros
- 100% leather
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for rough terrain
Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Mesh Sandal
The shoes are lightweight and ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. The other advantage is that the sandals consist of 100% textile and synthetic sole for maximum comfort. The sandals are water friendly and are ideal for rocky beaches and there are also flexible for casual wear due to their enhanced traction.
Pros
- Easy to wear/take off
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slippery on wet surfaces
Conclusion
When walking in steeper, less predictable or slippery terrain, you must use sandals that offer extra protection and security to prevent unprecedented falls. You must also choose sandals that are versatile and water-resistant such that you can use them anywhere, anytime.
From the products reviewed above, KEEN – Men’s Rialto H2 Sandal For Outdoors is the best pick since it consists of features that make it perfect for different terrains. However, you must also carefully check other products before making the final decision to buy any type of camping shoes.
