I walk and run often. I’ve got my stash of running shoes for now. I am looking for a sporty sandal where the base is just as supportive/cushiony as my running shoes but provides breathing room for my feet! I’m a pretty serious walker - so I’m not talking about leisurely strolls around the neighborhood. I need a sandal that has enough sole and upper structure support to make my feet comfortable for 3-5 miles at a fast clip.
I have a couple pairs of Tevas (original universal) which I love but not enough support for these walks on a regular basis. I have a pair of Keens - they are older - but they are too firm I think. My D thinks I should try Chacos. Not sure if the base will be cushioned enough for the longer walks?
Suggestions??? I like colorful sandals but not shiny/glittery/embellished. I wear my athletic shoes so much for running and even just around the house that I’d like an open air option that can still be good to my feet on long walks.
I like the support of Birkenstocks and wear them all summer, but switch off to Keens when I need to be sure my shoes won’t slip off - if I’ll be on uneven ground or kayaking.
Yeah, I need to have a “back” or “strap” on all my sandals. I don’t care for anything that is open in the back.
They’re as fugly as the athletic sandals can be, but the Taos shoes are IMO very cushy and comfy. Since over the past few years I’ve broken bones in both my feet, I need a little more cushion. After trying on endless pairs, I think the Taos were the cushiest and most similar to decent athletic shoes of all the athletic sandals. I didn’t end up buying a pair because they’re expensive and I was worried about the multiple reviews that mentioned that they got stinky. We’re in Florida, and it’s enough of a battle to keep normal shoes smelling acceptable, I didn’t want to take a chance on getting something expensive and having to toss them.
I have a few pairs of the Chacos and they have good support but are not cushy. I wear them mainly for watersports and wouldn’t wear them for a long walk.
Well, you might want to try some new Keens. REI has had some of them on sale. The last ones I got had the material straps as opposed to leather, and I wore them for 6 miles the first morning I ever wore them. I know that bc we walked three miles each way to breakfast, which wasn’t the plan when we started out 
I just ordered some leather ones with blue stitching. These, if the link works:
https://www.rei.com/product/732898/keen-venice-sandals-womens
I had to have a pair a half size up sent, to see which fit better, even though all my other pairs (I’ve had at least 3) have been my normal size.
ETA - there’s also a company called Jambu that may be worth a look, and Merrill.
The Earth Spirit sandals at Wal-Mart…believe it or not, are REALLY comfy and supportive, and they’re fairly cheap.
I have a pair of the yara style by Birkenstock. I can walk for days in those things.
@1214mom I have a pair of Keens similar to that style but they are like 10 years old and sort of heavy for a long, fast walk. I have another pair of Keens that are a lighter version - good for casual walking but not my power walking!
The Birks above @mominva are very cute! But no can do that tall a heel for a fast long walk!
I have hiked in my Tevas.
I do not recall the model/style, but the sole is thick & I find them very comfortable.
Born, Reef, Chaco.
Rei and others have them. My daughter swears by Chaco. They just last. She wore them all through South East Asia and walked all day, everywhere. Very comfortable and waterproof (the ones she had). Born are known for comfort. Lots of people also like Vionics.
I wear Chacos any time there is no snow on the ground. They are not cushy, but they fit my foot so well that it doesn’t matter. I strongly prefer the version with the strap around the big toe.
I’m wondering how you all hike in sandals w/o tearing the heck out of your feet?! I’ve never been able to do that.
I have a pair of Merrills I’ve had for years, and they’re getting worn. I’m also looking for a new pair that’ll work for serious walking. I prefer a back strap, but can’t tolerate ankle straps. I’ll have to check out some of the brands mentioned here.
D loves Keens. They are too low for my fat toes. Even when my toenails are very short they scrape the top of the toepiece with every step. Keens would be fine with socks, but that’s certainly against the concept.
Another vote for Chacos, the ones that wrap around the big toe like the Z/Cloud 2 or X2, as someone with Keens and Tevas over the years and the blisters to prove it. My D had them in the Peace Corps where she had to walk everywhere. They were by far her favorite sandals ever and are of staple of warm weather Peace Corps volunteers. If you buy from REI and they are ever uncomfortable they will let you return them.
https://www.rei.com/product/897079/chaco-zcloud-x2-sandals-womens
For dressier, my wife wears Born sandals everywhere during the summer. They are the ones with the heel and thick straps like the Shoshone. She was surprised she can walk all day in them. They were so comfortable that she bought two more pairs in different colors. https://www.bornshoes.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=16576
I can’t stand closed toe sandals. If the toes are enclosed, the rest of the foot might as well be enclosed. Keens are out for me. I hike in Hoka shoes or Oofos flipflop sandals (not your cheapo flipflops!). I am a big fan of my Vionic house slippers, and I think Vionic sandals would be good, too.
Not for hiking, but for general street wear, these are my favorites:
https://www.zappos.com/p/gentle-souls-by-kenneth-cole-lily-moon-gold-metallic-suede/product/8123445/color/27549