Comfy summer shoes for lots of walking? - update post 35

[ang79]

We're going on vacation in about a week and a half. Part of our time will be spent in Washington DC at the museums and the zoo, so probably a good amount of walking for 2-3 days. Any recommendations for cute and comfortable summer shoes for lots of walking? I know I should probably just wear my sneakers but I hate wearing socks and lace up shoes in the summer, I'd rather be barefoot and wearing sandals! Also, good places to look for deals? I looked at TJ Maxx and Ross tonight but didn't find any in my size that fit the bill. I could try Marshalls in a neighboring town next week. Any good online etailers with fast shipping and good deals?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Merrell sandals work well. I have good luck with Toms too. I've done full day sightseeing in them.

[AnnieW625]

I find Crocs Athens flip flops to be really comfortable. Wear them a lot around the house before your trip though to break them in.

[mikala]

I've had good luck with Merrells too and have worn them on several trips. I also like orthoheels but the styles seem hit or miss for comfort.

I'm one of the unfortunate few that can't stand crocs sandals because they stick to my feet and rub blisters when it's hot out, so ymmv if you're new to them.

I'd definitely take more than one pair so you can alternate and mix it up a little if you start to get sore spots.


Eta:I've found some great deals on amazon lately. The prices are generally cheaper than zappos, free returns on amazon supplied, quick shipping with prime.

[ang79]

I find Crocs Athens flip flops to be really comfortable. Wear them a lot around the house before your trip though to break them in.

I ordered a pair of Athens a few weeks ago and had high hopes for them but they were very loose and big on my feet. I ordered my normal size 7, do they run big?

I do have a pair of Crocs Malindi coming, I had this style a few years ago and liked them. So those may work, though now sure if the ballet flats w/ shorts is a good look for me!

[ang79]

Any recommendations for which Merrels? I've never tried those before. Are they true to size? Unfortunately I no longer have Amazon Prime, though I suppose I could sign up DH's account for a trial.

[crl]

Any recommendations for which Merrels? I've never tried those before. Are they true to size? Unfortunately I no longer have Amazon Prime, though I suppose I could sign up DH's account for a trial.


I have this style of Merrell sandals: http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/30836W/74378/Womens/Jacardia?dimensions=0. Mine are three years old and I bought them to wear at WDW. They were comfortable for all day walking. Mine have stretched though and are too loose now.

i definitely advocate two or three different pairs of shoes for vacations with several days of walking.

Catherine

ETA. I have had very good luck with Keen Newports for a lot of walking.

[gymnbomb]

If I were doing that much walking, I would definitely wear my tennis shoes. However, my most comfortable sandals are my flip flops from Clarks (similar to these http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/breeze_sea/26065504) that have a supportive sole that's shaped a bit more like a tennis shoe sole than a flat flip flop sole, and my Keens (similar to these http://www.zappos.com/keen-newport-h2-gargoyle-sap-green?zfcTest=fcl%3A0).

[ang79]

If I were doing that much walking, I would definitely wear my tennis shoes. However, my most comfortable sandals are my flip flops from Clarks (similar to these http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/breeze_sea/26065504) that have a supportive sole that's shaped a bit more like a tennis shoe sole than a flat flip flop sole, and my Keens (similar to these http://www.zappos.com/keen-newport-h2-gargoyle-sap-green?zfcTest=fcl%3A0).

Do the Clark flip flops run true to size? I found the greystone color for $29 at shoebuy w/ discount code.

[SnuggleBuggles]

As much as I love flip flops, even the best one wouldn't get my vote for sightseeing.

[Twoboos]

I had a pair of Merrill flip flops and Crocs flip flops for our trip to DisneyLand. They are both super comfy and were perfect for all day walking.

The styles are a couple years old now so I'll see if I can find something similar...

ETA: The Merrells are the Siren Thong Sport. The Crocs were some kind of "exercise recovery" flip flop that you were supposed to wear after working out. I never believed this claim but they were too comfy to pass up! ;)

Also, I think Clarks do run TTS.

[gymnbomb]

Do the Clark flip flops run true to size? I found the greystone color for $29 at shoebuy w/ discount code.

Yes, I'm a 6 in just about everything and the 6's are great for me. There's a little room front to back (enough to not look too small, but not enough to look too big) and the straps are just right.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Merrell's:
mine are old and discountinued but similar to these:
http://www.zappos.com/merrell-jacardia-dark-earth?zfcTest=fcl%3A0

[ang79]

Also found some Keen Whisper's for around $50, are they as comfy as the Newports? I also see that Kohls has a variety of Croft and Barrow sport sandals on sale, so I may run by there tomorrow and try them out. I realize quality wise they won't be as great as Keen's but the price is much better for the budget right now!

[hillview]

Personally I go with sneakers. I used to try and wear something not sneakers but with loads of walking for several days I just do sneakers now to avoid sore feet and buying new shoes. I have some cute kicks that I wear in cool colors :)

[ang79]

Personally I go with sneakers. I used to try and wear something not sneakers but with loads of walking for several days I just do sneakers now to avoid sore feet and buying new shoes. I have some cute kicks that I wear in cool colors :)

The problem w/ wearing my sneakers is that I had a ganglion cyst on my foot and it was drained and then injected w/ steriods earlier this week. So the area is still tender and a bit swollen and it runs right along a nerve that goes along the side and back of my foot. I just put on my new New Balance sneakers to try to wear around the house to break them in and they are uncomfortable on that foot where the procedure was done. I'm sure it will be fine in a few days, but then I'll have brand new sneakers to wear on vacation (my old ones are pretty beat up and used for yard work now). I've been wearing sandals all summer, so its uncomfortable to put on tighter shoes on the foot where the cyst is. I hate getting old!

[mikala]

Merrell's:
mine are old and discountinued but similar to these:
http://www.zappos.com/merrell-jacardia-dark-earth?zfcTest=fcl%3A0

I think my Merrell sandals are an older version of this too. It looks like crl linked to them too.

[gymnbomb]

Also found some Keen Whisper's for around $50, are they as comfy as the Newports? I also see that Kohls has a variety of Croft and Barrow sport sandals on sale, so I may run by there tomorrow and try them out. I realize quality wise they won't be as great as Keen's but the price is much better for the budget right now!

I actually have 2 different kinds of Keens and they are both comfy. I think this may depend more on your personal preference as to number/thickness/style of straps? For me (and my Mom and her friend) the Keens do run a tiny bit small. They both went up half a size. I got my regular size after trying them on, but could have also gone up half a size -- this probably depends on if you'd prefer yours to be a little snug or a little loose.

[Indianamom2]

Ok these are ugly, I fully realize it, but I needed some VERY comfy sandals that were waterproof for 8 days at Disney in the fall. After trying on a ton of cheap to very expensive sandals, these easily felt the best. But again....not stylish. http://www.naturalizer.com/en-US/Product/EC0210606-3011025/Naturalizer/Grey+Lthr_Yellow/Bzees+Beach.aspx They feel fantastic on. I can't stand socks/tennis shoes in the summer, but these have all the support of tennis shoes and are more of a sandal look.

[mm123]

I tried on a few Merrels last summer, and for some reason, none seemed to fit me properly.

I ended up getting these Teva Tirra sandals in brown: http://www.amazon.com/Teva-Womens-Tirra-Sandal-Algiers/dp/B005671ROA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375552280&sr=8-1&keywords=teva+tirra

I got them last summer, and I LOVE them. I've worn them almost every day this summer and last, and they're still in perfect shape. You can get them wet easily, and I've walked all day in them many times. Super comfy- highly suggest them!

[Sweetum]

such a timely thread. I have feet issues and will be mostly in sneakers but I am thinking it would be nice to carry some good sandals as well. Is there is a BnM store where I can try all of these at the same time?

[twowhat?]

I would much rather wear sandals than sneakers for lots of walking - my feet get sweaty and hot in sneakers, and there are just more places to rub. I wore these sandals (I got them in "chocolate chip) every day for 5 days at disneyland and they were AWESOME. I like that they don't look as chunky so you could throw on a skirt and still look good. And my feet just do so much better when they are well-ventilated:

http://www.zappos.com/teva-zirra-black?zfcTest=fcl%3A0

eta: just realized mm123 recommended the same sandals in the same color! :)

[SnuggleBuggles]

such a timely thread. I have feet issues and will be mostly in sneakers but I am thinking it would be nice to carry some good sandals as well. Is there is a BnM store where I can try all of these at the same time?


I'd hit REI or the Walking Store (Company?).

[gymnbomb]

I also really wanted these which I thought would be comfortable: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63392?feat=503004-GN2&page=women-s-vacationland-sport-mary-janes
Unfortunately they run large and don't come in a small enough size to fit me...

[AnnieW625]

I ordered a pair of Athens a few weeks ago and had high hopes for them but they were very loose and big on my feet. I ordered my normal size 7, do they run big?

I do have a pair of Crocs Malindi coming, I had this style a few years ago and liked them. So those may work, though now sure if the ballet flats w/ shorts is a good look for me!

My feet are pretty wide so maybe they do run a little big if you have a narrow or medium width foot. I get the women's 10/men's 8.

[KLD313]

Fit Flops. I walk three miles in them several times a week.

[westwoodmom04]

Fit Flops. I walk three miles in them several times a week.

I wear fit flops or jambu sandals, like these, http://www.sierratradingpost.com/jambu-cinnamon-sandals-leather-for-women~p~5038w/?utm_source=GooglePLAs&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Jambu_Cinnamon_Sandals_-_Leather_For_Women&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLEP3&codes-processed=true. Despite the wedge, they are extremely comfortable, wore them for a 7 day disney trip.

[ilfaith]

I am not a "comfort shoe" gal...but for our trip to Israel, i knew I would need something comfy for hiking and also water resistant.

I wanted the Merrell Jacadi shoes, posted above, because I thought they were actually kind of cute...but they were too wide for my feet, and the straps were not adjustable.

I ended up with Teva Tirra sandals. I got them in the taupe, but I think the colors are fun, alas, they didn't have them in the store. They proved to be extremely comfortable, and we did a lot of walking.
http://www.teva.com/womens-tirra-strappy-water-sandals/4266,default,pd.html?dwvar_4266_color=GRN&start=5&cgid=women-sandals

Honestly, if I were going to be in a city like DC or NY (rather than hiking up Masada), I would probably go with something closer to the Jambu sandals or these Naot shoes
http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-paris-black-madras-leather?zfcTest=fcl%3A0
http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-united-metal-leather?zfcTest=fcl%3A0
http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-ashley-black-patent-leather?zfcTest=fcl%3A0
but I am pretty accustomed to walking around in heels.

These are my all-day Disney shoes
http://www.skechers.com/style/37416/rumblers-home-run/brz#Color=BRZ

[Kindra178]

I would much rather wear sandals than sneakers for lots of walking - my feet get sweaty and hot in sneakers, and there are just more places to rub. I wore these sandals (I got them in "chocolate chip) every day for 5 days at disneyland and they were AWESOME. I like that they don't look as chunky so you could throw on a skirt and still look good. And my feet just do so much better when they are well-ventilated:

http://www.zappos.com/teva-zirra-black?zfcTest=fcl%3A0


eta: just realized mm123 recommended the same sandals in the same color! :)


I like these as well as this Keen model:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Keen-Womens-Rose-Sandals/1582902.uts?productVariantId=3305382&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03557164&rid=40&channel=GoogleBaseUSA&mr:trackingCode=8047E853-E66B-E211-BA78-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=30750386471&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=57899325191&gclid=CL6x-qq_4rgCFZE7MgodYH0A7w

Finally, I love anything with a cork sole. Think Sandals are my favs for walking.

[arivecchi]

I tried on a few Merrels last summer, and for some reason, none seemed to fit me properly.

I ended up getting these Teva Tirra sandals in brown: http://www.amazon.com/Teva-Womens-Tirra-Sandal-Algiers/dp/B005671ROA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375552280&sr=8-1&keywords=teva+tirra

I got them last summer, and I LOVE them. I've worn them almost every day this summer and last, and they're still in perfect shape. You can get them wet easily, and I've walked all day in them many times. Super comfy- highly suggest them! good to know! Just got these for camping but have not used them yet. They actually look nice with a good pedi! I got the brown ones too!

[smilequeen]

Fit Flops. I walk three miles in them several times a week.

This. I wear them at Disney, no problem. Any time I have to walk around a lot in summer. I get the blingy styles. I can not make myself wear utilitarian comfort shoes or tennis shoes with anything but workout wear. I just can't. It's not my style. Fit Flops are incredibly supportive. They are the most popular comfort shoes in my circle for sure. Even the fitflops are not totally my style. I'd rather wear the cute yellow box flip flops or a wedge, but not for all day walking.

These are what I wear the most this summer

http://www.zappos.com/fitflop-lunetta-black?zfcTest=fcl%3A3

[mackmama]

I live in my Merrells (Encore MJ style). Sooooo comfortable.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0016CBIVG

[ang79]

Thanks for all the input ladies! I signed up for Amazon Prime trial and ordered a pair of the Teva Tirra's to try out, hoping they fit, my feet are picky!

[Nooknookmom]

My toms work great but I do get sweaty. I LOVE my teva mush flip flops for walking. Mephisto makes a great comfy more "elegant" flip flop that is won.der.ful!!!!

[ang79]

Update - got my Teva Tirras in Decadent Chocolate (which is more of a purply brown) today and wore them around the house awhile this afternoon. First on they were very comfortable. After a bit though the ankle straps seemed tight and even after re-adjusting the straps the straps were a bit uncomfortable. For those that have the Tirras, do the straps soften up and become more comfortable after some time? Not sure if they just need some breaking in or if the fit is just not right for me. Thanks!

[twowhat?]

Update - got my Teva Tirras in Decadent Chocolate (which is more of a purply brown) today and wore them around the house awhile this afternoon. First on they were very comfortable. After a bit though the ankle straps seemed tight and even after re-adjusting the straps the straps were a bit uncomfortable. For those that have the Tirras, do the straps soften up and become more comfortable after some time? Not sure if they just need some breaking in or if the fit is just not right for me. Thanks!

It only took me a couple of hours of wear for the straps to stretch a bit and be super comfortable. So, I'd wear them around the house for a couple of hours and if after then they are still hurting, send 'em back! Also, if the straps happen to hit or rub on your ankle bone, that is unlikely to change and I would say that the fit just isn't right for you. Hope they work out!

[wendibird22]

Late to this thread. I know you ordered the Tevas but it you end up returning them try Birkenstock. They are my go to sandal for all day on my feet. I have two pair (a basic 3 strap and the Granada) and I just ordered the Mayari in silver which should arrive today. My 3 strap version on the original footbed (less padded) and I much prefer that to the padded footbed. My 1st pair of Birks I got my Sr year of high school for a Europe trip and they lasted me until about 2yrs ago (so ~18yr) when the cork had really split badly. I wear them with shorts, capris, and cotton dresses. Amazon has some great prices and some styles of them have the 25% sandal coupon deal.

[mm123]

Update - got my Teva Tirras in Decadent Chocolate (which is more of a purply brown) today and wore them around the house awhile this afternoon. First on they were very comfortable. After a bit though the ankle straps seemed tight and even after re-adjusting the straps the straps were a bit uncomfortable. For those that have the Tirras, do the straps soften up and become more comfortable after some time? Not sure if they just need some breaking in or if the fit is just not right for me. Thanks!


It was about two years ago when I got them, but from what I remember, my Teva Tirras were super comfortable from the start, but I think the straps have gotten a bit less stiff over time.

[ang79]

Thanks ladies. I wore them around the house cleaning, cooking, playing w/ the girls all afternoon. I made sure that I left the ankle strap a bit loose (which meant that there was extra velcro showing on the end and I ended up getting a bit stuck to my carpet!) and they felt pretty good. Took them off a few hours later and I had a very small pink area on the front of each ankle, but it didn't really hurt, though I may use a bandaid in that area if it continues to irritate in the next few uses. Think I'll keep them, as we leave for our trip on Tuesday. I'll keep wearing them this weekend to break them in more. I think I'm just not used to having a strap around my ankle, as I pretty much live in flip flops or slide sandals all summer.

[twowhat?]

Thanks ladies. I wore them around the house cleaning, cooking, playing w/ the girls all afternoon. I made sure that I left the ankle strap a bit loose (which meant that there was extra velcro showing on the end and I ended up getting a bit stuck to my carpet!) and they felt pretty good. Took them off a few hours later and I had a very small pink area on the front of each ankle, but it didn't really hurt, though I may use a bandaid in that area if it continues to irritate in the next few uses. Think I'll keep them, as we leave for our trip on Tuesday. I'll keep wearing them this weekend to break them in more. I think I'm just not used to having a strap around my ankle, as I pretty much live in flip flops or slide sandals all summer.

Oh yikes I just realized that I responded as if you had gotten the Zirras, not the Tirras!!! I realized it when you said "velcro" and I thought "wait a minute...mine don't have velcro." So sorry!!! I bought both the Zirras and the Tirras to try and ended up keeping the Zirras as the Tirras felt too chunky. Hope they work out for you - it sounds like they will.

[ang79]

Oh yikes I just realized that I responded as if you had gotten the Zirras, not the Tirras!!! I realized it when you said "velcro" and I thought "wait a minute...mine don't have velcro." So sorry!!! I bought both the Zirras and the Tirras to try and ended up keeping the Zirras as the Tirras felt too chunky. Hope they work out for you - it sounds like they will.

No problem :) I thought about trying the Zirras, but wasn't sure that I would like how the straps attached w/ the little buckle/slide thingy. I think the Tirras will be find for sightseeing as well as any future camping and water activities I may need them for :)

[fivi2]

Thanks ladies. I wore them around the house cleaning, cooking, playing w/ the girls all afternoon. I made sure that I left the ankle strap a bit loose (which meant that there was extra velcro showing on the end and I ended up getting a bit stuck to my carpet!) and they felt pretty good. Took them off a few hours later and I had a very small pink area on the front of each ankle, but it didn't really hurt, though I may use a bandaid in that area if it continues to irritate in the next few uses. Think I'll keep them, as we leave for our trip on Tuesday. I'll keep wearing them this weekend to break them in more. I think I'm just not used to having a strap around my ankle, as I pretty much live in flip flops or slide sandals all summer.

I have Tirras that I wear occasionally (to the lake and such - maybe 2 x a month for a year ish) and they strap is always slightly uncomfortable. It doesn't leave a mark or cause any irritation, it just hits me in a weird spot. I can deal with it as infrequently as I wear the shoes, but I think it would bug me if I wore them more often.

[arivecchi]

I've been wearing my tirras all weekend and love them. Have worn them around town, in water and in sand. No issues with the straps. 33683369

[ang79]

Update again, in case others are looking at the Teva Tirras. I wore them to the park and chased kids for about 2 hours on Friday and today I wore them to a water splash kids event at our church for about 2 hours. Both times they were very comfortable. Today they even got wet and didn't rub or have any discomfort and dried fairly quickly. I do notice that when I first put them on that I have to be careful to not strap them on too tightly, or else I'll soon be readjusting the straps. After I loosen them a bit, I'm fine in them. It still feels a bit weird for me with the ankle strap as high as it is, but I think most of that is just because I'm not used to straps around my ankles in general, as all my other sandals are either thong or slide styles.

[arivecchi]

I agree that it's better to leave the ankle strap a little loose. Not too much though.