2010 Casual Shoe Review

By Susan Rich

Like the song says, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere,” which means sandal season is happening on beaches and boardwalks everywhere. We walkers are ready with flips and slip-ons and travel sandals that will carry us over hill and dale to our favorite destinations, even the ones we’re about to discover.

This year’s casual shoe review is about sandals that take us to where the urban sidewalk ends and our feet meet the surf. Can one shoe do it all? Some, yes! But who says we have to choose?

A Sandal for All Seasons Dansko, Kiera, Women’s For those wet-to-dry days so common in the Pacific Northwest, this sturdy, walker-friendly shoe from Dansko is the ideal choice. All-day, year-round comfort styling features a slip-resistant outsole and removable footbed. www.dankso.com	Naot Now: Style, Comfort Naot, Pamela, Women’s A lush combination of pliant leather and cushiony cork, three adjustable straps for security and fit, plus an anatomically correct footbed make this an ideal choice for a stroll along the waterfront, across rugged cobblestones, and into an ancient church. The low heel (1½”) adds just enough lift for fashion. www.naot.com
Look Sleek on City Streets Teva, Devi, Women’s Glide around town in something … Himalayan. Teva blends texture, comfort, and anti-stink technology into an airy sandal. It’s a flip with a decorative, suede-lined ankle strap. Rubber outsoles pad every step you’ll take from hotel to café, café to ancient ruins, and back again. www.teva.com	Traveling? Go Lite Go Lite, Aura Lite, Women’s If a walking vacation tops your summer plans, be sure to pack this 10-oz. shoe. Styled like a ballet slipper, its rugged rubber outsole delivers stability on slick surfaces and varied terrain, while it lets you step easily between a hike in the woods and a night on the town. www.golite-footwear.com
Slide into Play Merrell, Glade, Women’s Finally, a slip-on sandal that doesn’t slip off the foot: Merrell’s latest entry features a leather upper backed with a soft combination of neoprene and spandex. The long, sculptured tongue ensures the sandal stays put, no matter how long your stride. www.merrell.com	Feel-fine flip Crocs, ABFTM Flip, Unisex It’s easy to fall for the latest flip from Crocs. Almost-barefoot styling offers arch support, a footbed that molds to your feet, and a rigid outsole with distinctive traction pods. Sturdier than a traditional beach flip, these Crocs are durable, comfortable — and ready for a romp through the surf. www.crocs.com
Summer Slipper Keen, Florence, Women’s The latest in summer wear? Keen’s canvas slipper. Ideal for travel, a put-up-your-feet night on the patio, or a stroll through the outdoor market, these slip-ons look like house shoes but wear like sneaker. Rugged outdoor sole, classic toe protector, metatomical footbed. www.keenfootwear.com	No-slip Flip Teva, Ultimate Thong SR, Men’s Add extra stick to your flip – the adjustable strap over the instep keeps this sandal on whether you are pounding the pavement or splashing through rapids. It adds comfort and stability to the sandal’s classic styling. www.teva com
Man on the Move? Merrell, Galien, Men’s Step through airport security with this simply designed work/play shoe. Full-grain leather upper, plush EVA midsole, adjustable straps, and Merrell’s ergonomic styling deliver the one shoe you need for summertime travels. www.merrell.com	Trail on Home Keen, Kelowna, Men’s Take a classic trail shoe, give it some open-air styling, and then remake it in premium leather. Keen leaves in all the features it’s known for: toe protection, foot-molding insole, and all-day wear comfort. Wear it around town, or head for the hills. www.keenfootwear.com