How to Pick the Right Sandals For Every Type of Summer Adventure
Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get out and start enjoying the warmer weather. And depending on where you’re traveling this summer, you might be partaking in various experiences that require different types of footwear. Picking the right type of sandal for water and land-based adventures is essential to making the most out of the short summer season.
Personally, I’ve found it difficult to find one sandal that can do it all. Whether I’m hitting up the beach, lounging on the lake, or rafting down a river, I have go-to sandals that work best in every situation. Available in styles for men and women, and to celebrate the upcoming season, here are my favorite waterproof sandals for every type of summer adventure.
On the Beach: Birkenstocks
I was first introduced to Birkenstock's EVA Sandals through my mother, who bought them when she needed a pair of waterproof sandals for a trip to Vietnam. The following Christmas, her new favorite sandal was under the tree for our entire family. My sister and I received the Gizeh style; my husband, father, and brother-in-law, the Arizona. I must admit, I was slightly skeptical at first. Rubber Birkenstocks? I already loved my many pairs of cork-bottomed Birks, and I wasn’t about how these flip-flop imposters would feel on my feet.
Oh, how wrong I was. EVA sandals, named for the materials from which they are made (ethylene-vinyl acetate), are as comfortable and supportive as their cork-counterparts, but much lighter. Plus, they’re waterproof, which makes them perfect for the beach. Here in Southern Maine, we have semi-sandy beaches that are often littered with pebbles, rocks, and seashells. As such, going barefoot on the beach is difficult — especially when carrying a cooler, a surfboard, chairs, and a beach bag. My rubber Birkenstocks protect my feet from the elements, don’t weigh me down, and are easy to rinse off at the end of the day.
On the Lake: Oofos
Oofos Recovery Footwear was another sandal that was gifted to me, this time by a friend. While spending time on a lake in Northern Wisconsin, my friend noticed everyone around her was wearing the same type of footwear: a slide sandal with extra cushioning on the footbed. When my birthday rolled around, she sent me a pair of the OOah Slide Sandal in Navy (also available here). As a dear friend, she knew how much I loved to spend time outside, and she had seen for herself that the sporty Oofos were ideal for outdoor activities on the lake.
When I opened my birthday gift and put on my Oofos, I’m pretty sure I gasped aloud. They were so comfortable, it almost felt like I was walking on a squishy pair of clouds. I later learned that Oofos use a special type of foam technology that reduces the impact on knee joints and feet. Just as my friend suspected, these are my favorite pair of sandals to wear at Kezar Lake, where I spend many summer weekends. They support my legs and joints for the long walk from the house to the water, a steep journey that needs to be made several times a day. They slide on and off easily when I want to hop in the lake, but they’re plush enough to wear all day on the dock or the boat. Most of all, they’re divinely comfortable, which is what I really want when I’m relaxing by the lake.
On the River: Chacos
If you’ve ever lived in or visited a mountain town during the summer, then you know there is only one pair of sandals on everyone’s feet: Chacos. Or, more specifically, the Chaco Classic, which is the brand’s signature sandal. Available for men and women in a variety of colors and patterns, Chacos are the go-to sandal for an outdoor lifestyle. When I lived in Montana, I wore my Chacos everywhere, but especially on the rivers, from tube floats on the Madison River, to fly fishing on the Gallatin River, to whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River. Chacos are known for their tough and durable outsoles and the quick-drying, adjustable straps that help them stayed glued to your feet, no matter how fast the river is flowing.
When my parents flew out to Montana one August, I planned an entire week filled with river activities for them to enjoy. On our first day, I took my dad, an avid fly fisherman, to one of my favorite spots on the Gallatin to catch some fish. The day was hot, and the river was low, so I eschewed wearing typical fly fishing waders in favor of my Chacos. My dad, on the other hand, quickly learned that it was impossible to navigate a rocky river bottom without river sandals. The next day, he bought himself a pair of Chacos and wore them everywhere for the rest of the trip.
On the Trail: Keens
When I first moved out west, I bought a pair of Keen Whisper Sport Sandals (the closest men's equivalent would be the Clearwater CX) on the recommendation of a friend. Blending the breathability of a sandal with the support of a sneaker, I find they work well on walks and shorter hikes that require stream or creek crossings, as the sandal is water-resistant and quick-drying.
I really fell in love with my Keens when I visited some friends in Portland, Oregon over a long weekend. Springtime in Oregon is relatively mild, and I found that these sandals worked well as an all-purpose walking shoe, especially when water was involved. When we traveled inland to hike to waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge on a rainy day, I was grateful that my Keens protected my toes on the rocky trail, and weren’t made soggy by the wet weather. The next day, when we drove to Short Sand Beach on the Oregon coast, my Keens also fit the bill. I scrambled up rocks, balanced on fallen Douglas Firs, and crossed inlet streams, grateful for the support, protection, and water-resistance of my Keen sandals.
Photo by Carolyn Dietrich