Help! I am going to Mexico in a couple weeks and we're going to be going thru the jungle, climbing stairs, and being really active. I need a supportive walking sandal... I am having a hard time deciding because this is sooooo not a fun thing to shop for.
Here are some that I have been looking at:
The seem less "earthy" than the others but I wonder about how supportive it is.
These Keens seem very supportive.. but my bf bought a similar pair of Keens for himself.. don't know if I should go into the matching footwear thing with my bf.
I know ppl in the past recommend Chaco's.. but they are the most expensive out of these choices... I just can't see myself wearing them much outside of this trip. Are they really that wonderful?
Here are my thoughts on this. We both know all of those shoes are really ugly, but trying to be mildly attractive, or attractive to middle aged soccer moms. Why not just get something that's not even trying to be cute, but is more functional? I have these Chacos and I love them... They're cheaper than the Keens or the Chacos you posted, are totally fashionable in the outdoor community, and way more functional than the ones you posted. The ones that don't have a backstrap concern me, and I'd be worried about most of those (except the second Keens) getting completely destroyed in any mud.
I like the Chacos that Maddie posted or the Keens. I don't think some of the others you posted would be very durable during a jungle hike. If the money isn't an issue, I would personally go with the Keens, even if your bf has them.
I have both the Keens and the Chacos that Maddie posted (mine have a toe loop though). I have been trying to do more outdoor things, and I have started incorporating things like this into my workout gear.
For your trip, I would go with the Keens. I honestly think they are some of the ugliest shoes I have ever seen, but they are VERY comfortable, sturdy, and allow you to go from a wet area to a dry area without worry about damp socks. Also, the keens you posted have toe protection, which I have discovered is VERY important (at least to me) when I am hiking or climbing things.
I would definitely recommend something with a back strap. Teva's 'Pretty Rugged 2' top soles are made so they don't get all sweaty and if you are concerned about germs they are antibactierial too. These are under $85 at Nordstrom:
thanks ladies! i really appreciate your advice. i think that the keens are the kind of shoe i actually really need. i guess i just didn't want to do the whole couples with matching footwear thing!
i am getting really excited about my trip! i will post about it.. maybe i will even post a thread style with my hot shoes. ;)