Hiking Sandals: Room to Wiggle

Hiking sandals have to be utterly comfortable. If you have sensitive feet, as I do, the tiniest rub can lead to a major blister - and this may mean cutting your day short - or even losing several days from your trip.

The only other item of clothing which deserves such attention are women's hiking boots (although travel bras and travel underwear come close seconds).

When I'm on the road I usually travel with sandals and boots. I might have a pair of flip-flops but only if have plenty of extra room and am traveling light. 

I try to make sure that in addition to their technical characteristics, my sandals are attractive enough to wear 'out' to a social event (at least a casual one!)

Here are some important things to look for when choosing hiking sandals:

• stickiness: they should grip the ground properly even if it's wet (or crumbly)


• smell (I kid you not) - some sandals make your feet pungent within a few hours of walking - a good scrub with Dettlol soap will usually get rid of the smell but it's something to avoid if possible


• don't underestimate the importance of appearance: if you've only got hiking boots and sandals, you'll want them to be as versatile as possible


• are the straps adjustable? you may need a stronger grip for heavy hiking and a lesser grip when strolling in town


• the underside of straps and buckles are important - if they rub in any way or if there is even the slightest bump or seam when you run a finger under them, I'd avoid them - these could lead to blisters in a few hours


• are the straps padded? how many straps are there - more mean better support, but fewer mean less chafing


• how quickly they dry - this is especially important if you're crossing rivers, walking in muddy rainforests or if it just rains - walking in wet sandals is definitely one of life's lesser experiences


• and as I mentioned, they shouldn't be too ugly!

A key to keeping sandals a long time is to clean them regularly. This helps avoid that all-too-common 'sandal stink', and keeps any ridges and grips fresh. I always carry a nailbrush with me when I travel, and cleaning sandals is mostly why.

I don't have any favorites. I used a fantastic pair of Eccos to travel up Africa but these sandals were so wonderful they have of course been discontinued - worse, 'upgraded'. The result isn't satisfactory so I'm again on the prowl for the perfect backpacking sandal.