| Many people love wearing their sandals into the | | | | losing a sandal is definitely no walk in the park. This is |
| outdoors, but are you aware that not all sandals can | | | | easier to do than you might think; if you go canoing, or |
| handle the abuse camping entails? This is one camping | | | | if you are planning to wade across a fast-moving |
| gear that doesn't get enough attention, but you'll find | | | | body of water, you'll find that quick current can tug |
| that selecting the right footwear can go a long way | | | | your sandals off your feet more quickly than you think, |
| towards making sure that your camping experience is | | | | and if these are the only shoes that you brought, this |
| a pleasant one. Take some time to think about what | | | | can make for a very unpleasant walk. Make sure that |
| you need to get out of your sandals and you'll be | | | | your sandals fit snugly and make sure that you cannot |
| well-prepared the next time you are thinking of | | | | kick them off. Look for sandals that fasten securely, |
| wandering out into the woods. Good outdoor sandals | | | | and if you decide to go with Velcro, make sure that |
| or sports sandals all have a few basic properties that | | | | the straps bend through a buckle before fastening. |
| you should lookout for. | | | | There's a new hybrid cropping up, the Shoe-Sandal |
| 1. Is it comfortable over extended periods? | | | | which has the secure stability of a shoe but the |
| Chances are, you have run into sandals that look great | | | | lightness and comfort of a sandal. |
| but end up with uneven soles - or worse, holes - if you | | | | 4. Are the sandals Light and Nimble? |
| wear them too long. When you go camping you'll be | | | | How far are you going to be walking? You'll find that a |
| taking on everything from rocky paths to muddy trails, | | | | good pair of camping sandals will feel as though you |
| and you don't want to be dealing with blisters on top of | | | | are not carrying any weight at all; you will certainly feel |
| this. Take a look to make sure that the bottom is | | | | the difference if you switch them out for hiking boots. |
| padded and that the straps fit comfortably and firmly | | | | You'll also find that good camping sandals will be |
| across your feet. Make extra sure that the strap | | | | lightweight even in the water, when other footwear will |
| across your Achilles tendon will not abrade that area. If | | | | get very heavy. |
| you tend to have wider feet, look for sandals with foot | | | | Buying the right sandals can be instrumental towards |
| bed that is wide enough to accommodate your foot. | | | | enjoying your camping experience. The ideal camping |
| 2. Is it Durable? | | | | sandals must be nimble, yet durable and tough against |
| Camping sandals take a lot of abuse. It gets beaten up | | | | outdoor elements. There are many popular lines of |
| by rain water, mud, prolonged heat exposure, rough | | | | sandals that meet these criteria, but they can get |
| terrain. This is where the cheaper look-alike sandals | | | | expensive. You can settle for cheaper, low-cost |
| become exposed. The bottom pry apart, or the soles | | | | look-alikes, for me, I'd rather stick with the proven |
| get worn and uneven... I do recommend going with the | | | | manufacturers - Merell, Teva, Chaco and Keen |
| proven brands, you'll also often find customer reviews | | | | sandals [ BUT pay discounted prices at outlet stores. |
| about the major outdoor footwear brands. My Tevas | | | | Don't forget online outlet stores such as for example, |
| for example, as plain looking as they are have lasted | | | | you will find the popular Chaco Sandals at 40% |
| me for years. | | | | discounts or more. also has a Clearance Bin where |
| 3. Does it Stay on Your Feet? | | | | you can save 50% or more. Finally, there's where they |
| While there are definitely worse fates, you'll find that | | | | claim to have everyday lower prices. |