Bedrock Cairn Evo Review

The Bedrock Cairn Evo is a minimalist sandal that blends a flip-flop style toe loop with three-point adjustable polyester and nylon straps found in adventure sandals. A lightweight and flexible EVA footbed is combined with a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole, providing ample grip for all environments. Quick-adjust straps make them easy to put on or fine-tune when out on the trail.

Comfort

Similar to the previous versions of the Cairn Evo, we continue to be impressed by the ability of this lightweight design to provide significant comfort during prolonged use. The polyester and nylon straps are soft and secure against the skin, and the newest configuration of stitching reduces irritation or scratchy feeling. ¾-inch webbing is wide enough to disperse pressure evenly when cinched tightly without being too bulky or pinching the skin. With prolonged use, we didn't notice any rubbing or chaffing between the toes or around the instep and heel straps. Once the sandals got wet, the straps seemed to rub a bit more, but not to the point of irritation.

The flat EVA minimalist footbed is ideal for those who prefer a minimalist design that allows the foot to flex and feel the trail beneath them. The thin, firm sole protects your foot from sharp objects or rocky terrain while providing significant adaptability. The EVA footbed tends to mold to your feet over time, but those with high arches or needing more arch support may not find this model to be too appealing. There is some fatigue noted after long days of use, but these were still a go-to daily option. These may not have the cushion or impact absorption of some of the thicker models, but they are a wonderful mix of lightweight and comfortable fit.  

Traction

Cairn continues to use Vibram outsoles and has updated the Evo to the durable Vibram XS Trek Evo rubber compound. On first inspection, it is easy to notice the aggressive tread pattern with sharp edges to bite and grip. The rubber compound is firm enough to be rugged, but has enough flex for solid traction on challenging terrain. When climbing, navigating slippery rocks, gravel trails, or declines, the sole keeps your foot planted confidently in place.

The footbed of the Cairn Evo has a grid pattern to provide grip and prevent foot slide with use. The soft triangle grid secures the foot when encountering water, mud, or sweat, but lacks the same performance of higher-end models with a larger pattern. We still didn't notice a lot of movement in these sandals and liked the secure footing they provide.

Stability

The Cairn Evo didn't fare as well in the stability testing due to the strap design. The front attachment splits the first two toes and then splits into two straps near the instep. The lack of front straps allows for movement of the forefoot when on a sideways slope or angle. The zero-drop footbed is flat and lacks raised edges, which would help prevent foot slide on inclines. The noticeable foot slide and movement when off camber gave some concern, but didn't feel completely unstable.

We also noticed some instability in the footbed after walking in mud and water. As expected, the substances get between the foot and the footbed, acting as a lubricant until they are removed and dried. The footbed texture helped with stability, but again, not like the 3D Pro model. Despite the few occurrences of foot slide, the straps on the Cairn Evo do a great job of creating a locked-in feel. The multiple adjustment points allowed us to fine-tune the sandals with each use for a better feel on different terrain.

Adjustability

The Cairn Evo was one of the most adjustable sandals we tested and really creates a dialed-in feel. The unique strap design may seem awkward at first, but is simple to use and make quick adjustments for a secure fit. The inside strap has a hook buckle with five loops to adjust lateral tension. Lateral movement also moves the front strap for better positioning and comfort over the instep.  The outside strap has a quick-adjustment buckle to easily tighten and secure the sandal in place.

The heel strap is nylon webbing that doubles back on itself and secures with Velcro. Typically, we don't have a lot of confidence in Velcro, but the heel strap stayed very tight and secure through all our activities. Even adjusting the heel strap required some force to get the straps to separate. Once we had the inner strap and heel strap set, we didn't feel the need to make any more adjustments. The outer strap loosens to put the sandals on and quickly cinches down for a tight fit.

Versatility

By combining a lightweight feel with impressive traction and fit, the Cairn Evo is capable of handling almost any terrain you encounter. They are easy enough to slip on and run errands, and easily transition to trail use or climbing and fishing. The compact, low-profile design is easy enough to pack away for a trip or stow in the backpack when heading out.

The thong-style front strap and flat footbed may not be ideal for everyone, but the simple design is easy to clean, and they dry out quickly. Some users didn't love them for faster water or muddy terrain, but overall, they performed well in all settings. Overall, the Evo performs well in any situation and is a well-rounded option for most users.

Should You Buy the Bedrock Cairn Evo?

The Cairn Evo has been a tester favorite and with good reason. The lightweight design provides necessary comfort and traction and has proved to be dependable and durable through significant use. We liked the thin sole and dexterity, but not all users will enjoy the minimalist design, especially if they require more arch support or impact absorption. With a middle-of-the-pack price tag, we feel these sandals are an exceptional choice for a hard-working adventure sandal.

What Other Men's Sandals Should You Consider?

If you favor a minimalist design but want a little more support and grip, the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro has a thicker sole and more supportive footbed for those longer adventures. If you want a sandal with more arch support and secure fit, the Chaco Z/2 is a heavy-duty option that provides significant support but at the expense of added weight.