It Is Time For Sandals ~ The Walking Sandal Review

No doubt most of us have a pile of sandals, and end up only wearing one or two pairs. We don’t want our favourite ones to wear out, but of course they are the first to bite the dust, because we wear them so often.

Over the years, our feet change, and the maker’s of our favourite sandals also change. For years, my favourite brand was Mephisto sandals. Years ago, they were made in France. Then they shifted to Portugal. Now it is possible to get Made in China Mephisto, which does not even resemble their original brand, except maybe in pictures. 

Some of the Mephisto shoes and sandals are still very good. The Mobile line has many features to make them comfortable for walking.

Another brand some people swear by, are the Finn comfort sandals and shoes. These also come with a hefty price tag, although you can buy new or near new on Poshmark, and Etsy. They are hand made in Germany, and have orthotic footbeds.

For some people brands like Merrell, Rockport, Naot, Keen, and Clarks have certain styles they can wear well. Personally, I don’t have much luck with those brands. I have found that Naot sandals, rub the bottom of my feet, so there is something about the footbed that does not suit my feet. 

Our feet are highly individual and unique. Many people have old injuries, or bunions, cracked heels, and various other problems that complicate the selection process. I have a brutal achilles heel injury that has worsened over time, making the injured foot smaller, and weaker than the other foot. Certain shoes and sandals cause the achilles heel to blister. 

I have also noticed my feet are more sensitive, which is likely due to the fact we lose the protective fatty pads on the bottom of our feet as we age. I look back at some of the heels I used to wear, and wonder why. 

Some people swear by orthotics, especially for conditions like plantar fasciitis, because they support, and stabilize the mechanics of the foot, helping to reduce pain and flare-ups. I have seen people really suffer from that condition, sometimes making it very difficult to walk. 

There are a few shoe and sandal brands that market them as “barefoot technology”. This just means they are flimsy, and without much cushioning, or arch support. They claim the thin sole connects people to the ground, and your brain has a better sense of balance because your feet can feel the ground.

Personally, I don’t buy it. It is true that the sense of balance diminishes with age. There are many reasons for this. The most common one is due to disturbances in the middle ear, leading to vertigo. Other causes can be related to the brain, to dopamine, vision, and old injuries. 

The best footwear is what fits your feet without constricting your toes, or causing blisters. For those who do a lot of walking on concrete, the shoes need to have some cushioning to protect your feet and joints. 

Birkenstocks are great for casual summer comfort, and urban walking. One thing I find annoying is when small bits of gravel get into the bottom of your sandals as you walk, forcing you to stop and shake the rocks out.

I also find that although sandals without a back strap are easy to slip into, they provide less overall stability. You are more likely to twist an ankle if you are wearing sandals, or mules without a secure back. They are fine for short distances on flat terrain, but not for walking long distances. 

The absolute best sandals (in my opinion) for walking in all conditions, are the Ecco Yucatan, which are available for both men and women. You can get them wet, without any issues. 

If you tend to rotate your ankles when you walk, you will notice that even after one season, the heels on one side of your sandals start to wear down, and become lopsided. This is not good for your gait as it worsens, and also makes the shoes or sandals look worn out. In some cases the heels will become uneven after just a few miles. This does not happen with the Yucatan sandals.

Many comfortable sandals have a cork footbed, which is good for shock absorption, especially on concrete. But cork tends to wear down, so they don’t last as long. Cork will also crack or warp if you get them wet, and will eventually become lopsided in the heels, if you tend to rotate your ankles when you walk. 

The Ecco Yucatan sandals have rubber soles. It is like having tire treads as your foot sole. They don’t have a cork footbed like so many sandals do. They have a contoured footbed, and a back strap to hold your foot securely in place.

After walking many, many miles in the Yucatan sandals, the heels, and soles do not show any wear at all. It is the first, and only brand I have tried over the years, that do not show any wear on the heels, or soles, after a summer or two of steady walking. 

You can adjust the straps for width, and also the back strap for length. They do not get small rocks in the footbed as you walk, and don’t seem to change shape if you get them wet. I believe they can be worn on a variety of terrains, so they are really quite versatile. 

For overall foot comfort, and for those who walk a lot, travel, or have foot conditions that are worsening with age, the Ecco Yucatan, and the Mephisto Mobils line seem to be among the best. Many people have good things to say about the German made Finn sandals as well. 

One thing to note, is that each and every brand has a full range of styles. So when you find the one that works for you, hopefully they will keep making them year after year.

Walking is something we take for granted, until we can’t walk, or have discomfort while walking. I could not even count the number of times my feet were severely blistered, especially when travelling. 

Those experiences make me realize what a blessing it is to be able to walk without pain, or discomfort.

When the weather gets nice, and the birds start chirping, one of the joys of life, is to be able to get out for a walk. It is one of the simplest pleasures in life.