BootsnAll Travel Community

ITA regarding flip flops. They are not good for your feet/back. Some have a bit of arch support (my old reefs did), but they are not good for your body for constant wear.

I love my Keens. I have a few different pairs; they are very comfortable and don't get stinky when you don't wear socks.

I also have a pair of Born sandals. I like having something a little more fashionable should I go out, but ones that I can walk alot in.

I agree with Annie. I used to wear only flip flops, but I eventually my knees started hurting and I had to switch to shoes for the arch support.

- Mike

I am just now starting on my 2nd pair of reef sandals. The first pair I bought was in 2003 and now, 5 years later they are starting to go thin.

i think for hostel, city and general meandering flip flops/sandals are adequate. I however, cannot wear those cheap $1 flip flops. Those things kill my feet, my back and legs.

I too have HIGH arches and i am always having to adapt any shoe I buy with insoles. Recently I have been looking into chacos. These sandals seem great for balmy, tropical weather, but when I tried on a pair at REI, I noticed that there support in the arch wasnt spectacular.

....on my trip to SE Asia in 2 weeks, I will bring my new reefs and a pair of "simple's" (thats a brand name). I f I do decide to go with chacos, I will bring those too.

socks now are another issue

I just went through this choosing process myself being TOTALLY unprepared from my Alaskan heritage.

After some advice here I chose two pairs of Keen's. One a sorta dressy sandal with toe guard and ankle strap for walking some distance. I expect them to get a little hot, but I will appreciate the sun-blocking aspect. Burned feet happen if you aren't prepared.

I also chose Keen hiking-sort of boot with big vent mesh panels on the sides. Most would assume you wear socks with them but they are fine sock-less, at least outside of the tropics. The hikers have removable foot pads to replace if they wear/get stinky.

I also discovered through research the Haviana Brand of flip-flop sandal. Purportedly the 'best flop in the world' they seem to have a world-wide following based on comfort, support and quality. Only $12 online and seem the one certainty in choosing Tropical Footwear.

LN