Sport Sandals

Recent Sport Sandal Reviews

Keen Newport

Is this a design classic, yet? Comfort, protection, durability—an archetype, of summer footwear. As a long-term Teva wearer, I was looking for a summer shoe with more protection and more grip for river and beach wear. I was already well acquainted with the broad-fitting Keen last and excellent, grippy, and tough sole unit, so the Newports were an easy choice. I knew that the rubber toe protector and extensive forefoot enclosure would be an improvement on former purchases when fording rivers or… Full review

Merrell Tetrex Crest Wrap

They work well enough but are a disapointing replacement for my old Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Sandals. Although they are sold as sandals, it would be more accurate to think of them as shoes with holes, because they are ideal for walking in water. Personally I like the style over conventional open-toe sandals because of the protection they provide, but I know some people who don't, particularly as they tend to get little rocks and things stuck in them more than the open-toe type. I bought these… Full review

Chaco Z/Cloud

This is Chaco’s original Z-1 Classic with a softer footbed. The sole is pretty good on both trails and wet rocks; the softer, more grippy rubber shows some wear over time. Good support and comfort for a sport sandal. This is one of my go-to sandals for walking on trails and the beach as well as on canoes and around the water. I have been wearing Chaco sandals for nearly fifteen years, still have a pair of their Z/1 Classics; I picked up the Z/Clouds about three years ago as a more forgiving alternative. Full review

Keen Zerraport II

Water shoe with great drainage and Keen’s well-known toe protection. I like Keens around boats and rocks because they keep my toes from getting mashed. This one has the added benefit of siped soles, good traction, and an open design that dries quickly. The midsole/sole is also thick enough for moderate hiking. Adjustability of straps is kind of limited. Keen‘s Zerraport II is a successor to their Zerraport, which in turn is a successor to the long-discontinued hydro guide. https://www.trailspace.com/gear/keen/hydro-guide/… Full review

Bedrock Sandals Cairn Pro II

The Bedrock Cairn Pro II allows adventurers to equip themselves with a quality sandal that’ll stand up to nearly any condition. With adjustable features and great color options, it’s easy to appreciate the supportive and eye-catching build of this product. MSRP: $120 Weight: About 9 ounces Color: 7 options Bedrock Cairn Pro II I’ve been lucky enough to own Bedrock sandals, Chaco sandals, Shamma Sandals, and Teva sandals. Each brand has strengths and weaknesses in the outdoors. But Bedrock’s… Full review

Teva Original Universal

I bought these in the late 1990s. I moved to Texas and I wanted a breathable footwear for school and for water sports. I purchased these and I have used them in every creek and stream in and around water in Texas. I am doing the same thing in any water in Virginia.   I bought these Tevas cause I knew Texas was hot and full of streams and creeks. I wanted something I could wear in the water and around and not mind if it got wet and torn up from the use.  They are a simple shoe—a two-piece rubber… Full review

Keen Solr Sandal

People who canoe, kayak, raft, stand up paddle board, boat, or hike in and out of the water will like Keen’s water-dedicated Solr. A gasket-style ankle, close fit, and smaller openings mean less sand/grit/stones get in, and a sole made of grippy rubber that is both textured and razor-siped maximizes traction. Plus, they are just plain comfortable for walking too, and the webbing is made from recycled plastic that dries quickly for a partially enclosed sandal. Photo above shows the top of the shoe,… Full review

Chaco Lowdown Sandal

The Lowdown Sandal is a lightweight take on the familiar Chaco design. It's very comfortable, though the strap system could be improved. The Lowdown is great for all-day wear, and a very serviceable camp shoe. I have long been a fan of Chaco sandals. I have a couple of pair of Classic Z-1 and Z-2 sandals, which have served me well for some years. However, I don’t usually take them into the backcountry, because they are so heavy and bulky. So, I have usually relied on an ancient pair of Teva sandals,… Full review

Keen Newport H2

Not what they used to be. Very poor quality control. I have been wearing Keen Newports since shortly after they were introduced in the early 2000s. I'm probably on my sixth or seventh pair at this point. The original pair of sandals lasted for at least five summers before I retired them due to the soles being worn out. The tops were still very functional. Since Keen decided to offshore their production the quality is now nonexistent. My latest pair, which was made in Mexico, started off last summer… Full review