To me the issue is that none of the ones mentioned (Chacos, Keens) are going to have the cushioning you are used to in a running shoe. They are all great sandals and serve people well, but for a fitness activity, they are going to be firm. Some people are fine with that, but I had the impression that you wanted some cushioning. The Hokas certainly have that, but they are slides so wouldn’t fit the bill.
^^ You’re right. I guess I’ll be cutting up a pair of running shoes!! 
For the record, I would never run in any type of sandal unless someone is chasing me! 
I’ll keep looking! Or I’ll just buy some more fun sandals because.
I am also a Merrell fan. They got me through a Disney World trip while 7 months pregnant, so…
I agree with you about Keen’s bulk/weight. I also don’t go barefoot and mostly wear my athletic shoes all day. I had a pair of Merrell athletic mary janes similar to the current “Waterpro Pandi 2” that I would take my fitness walks in sometimes if it was hot. I would worry that a sandal strap would rub or that my feet would side around. But if you want a sandal look, the Siren 2 strap looks the sturdiest. I’ve had some of the other strapped models and the sole is thinner, not what you would want.
Have you experimented with different socks? Is feet overheating during your fitness walks what you are trying to solve here?
My socks are good. I wear thin wicking socks for running and also for walking. I love them. But I just spend a lot of time on my feet on the pavement. Sometimes when it’s 88 degrees I’d like to put a “tank top” on my feet instead of a more binding tshirt!
Check these out. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Skechers+Performance+Women%27s+On+The+Go+400+Radiance+Flip+Flop&tag=Runnerclickhurry-20
I’ve never worn Sketchers before. I wonder how different they might be than say these: https://www.teva.com/women-sandals/hurricane-xlt2/1019235.html
I THINK the Sketchers have more cushioning.
Late to the party here … @abasket Just remember, Zappos is your friend with free returns. I always have to order a bunch of shoes to try them on. For whatever reason, I don’t have Birkenstock or Jambu feet. I never used to think I had “hard to fit” feet, but these days it’s a roll of the dice. Some brands fit in some styles, but not all; other brands just never seem to fit in any style. A while back D bought a pair of Chacos that she like initially but ended up hating. Go figure.
Happy hunting.
Does anyone run in sandals? I’ve thought about it after reading “Born to Run.”
If you google running sandals, you will see some. They are very minimalist (like in Born to Run). I have a friend on the RunningAhead group who is in his 80s and always runs either barefoot or in sandals. The running sandals don’t do much except protect the soles of your feet.
Keen Rose sandals are my go to for travel as i can walk in them all day. They cover the toe, velcro in place and the strap arrangement is such that they looks vaguely fashionable rather than hard core outdoorsy, but the foot bed is more for the hard core outdoor person. Last summer in Ukraine, I had terrible plantar fasciitis, and with a Dr. Scholls insert I found them more tolerable than the Merrill leather athletic shoes brought for long days of walking.
Here is another Teva https://www.teva.com/women-sandals/universal-trail/1107709.html#VID=432559842&CID=T_US_BR_20200418_HikingStyles_A9&hmail=87d3094ace35ea1ccbccf773ee55aa58887cfea3e601abe4c6c7c15299d2bdc2&utm_source=US_Broadcast&utm_campaign=T_US_BR_20200418_HikingStyles_A9&utm_medium=email&start=8&cgid=hiking
It’s advertised for hiking
Here is another https://www.teva.com/women-sandals/tirra-ct/1106837.html#VID=432559842&CID=T_US_BR_20200418_HikingStyles_A9&hmail=87d3094ace35ea1ccbccf773ee55aa58887cfea3e601abe4c6c7c15299d2bdc2&utm_source=US_Broadcast&utm_campaign=T_US_BR_20200418_HikingStyles_A9&utm_medium=email&start=10&cgid=hiking
I love my Teva hurricane sandal. It’s got cushion and I’ve worn them on many travels where I’ve done miles of walking with no problem. From what I’ve heard each Teva product is technically designed for different activities.