Sandals help keep your feet cool during hot summer months, and can be anything from utilitarian go-tos, to sturdy hiking companions, to cushy recovery clouds. Depending on the pair you get, they are as great for casual wear around town and for walking on the beach as they are for short day hikes. This wide array of applications made testing these sandals an enjoyable challenge. To comprehensively assess each model, we wore them for various activities: hikes, kayak and raft trips, fishing days, bike rides, beach walks, and more. We wore them through dry, dusty spring conditions in the Southwest, into the wet, mossy, and muddy summer of the Southeast, and across California's sandy and rocky beaches.
Comfort
To evaluate each model's comfort, we observed how the footbeds felt and how the straps embraced our feet. We compared the fit and feel straight out of the box and after a reasonable break-in period. We noted if we detected any friction spots or blisters, and how the materials felt against our skin. Finally, we examined any design features that might be influenced by different foot shapes or sizes.
Versatility & Style
High scores in this category were awarded to products that could be worn for multiple activities and featured a style that we weren't hesitant to showcase around town. We looked for models that could hold their own in any of our outdoor pursuits, from creek bed hikes and stream crossings to neighborhood and beach walks. We cruised to the beach or attended happy hour in every pair.
Adjustability & Fit
Adjustability was scored based on how efficiently and effectively we could fine-tune each model to fit our feet. We noted how simple or complex the adjustment system was, and whether there were any areas where we couldn't achieve our desired fit. We also noted how well each sandal maintained its proper adjustment after movement or exposure to different conditions, and whether re-adjustment on the go was easy or necessary. Some sandals didn't offer any adjustability, but they didn't need to be adjusted. In these cases, we noted the shape and features that made the sandals fit well.
Stability
For our stability scores, we observed how sturdy, balanced, and secure our footing was when walking across different kinds of terrain in each sandal. We paid close attention to the sole thickness and stiffness, footbed shape, texture of the insole, and the security of the strap system. We tested stability on wet and dry surfaces, including slippery river moss and slick poolside concrete, as well as loose dirt and gravel paths.
Traction
Traction for a sandal means something slightly different than it does for a pair of hiking boots. You can't expect the same kind of deep lugged grip to carry you across boulder fields (although some hiking-focused sandals come close), but you can expect good wet traction to keep your footing secure on wet boat decks and smooth kitchen tile, and just enough tread to keep you from peeling out on the dirt path around the park.
We determined our traction scores by walking and hiking on various surfaces, including loose, dusty trails, mossy creek beds, stream crossings, and sandy beaches. We also subjected part of our lineup to our “Slime Test,” which entails descending a slick, mossy set of beach steps that, in our opinion, is as slippery as anything you'll encounter. We observed how the sole material interacted with the ground and how our feet felt against the footbed. From wet and dry conditions, uphill, downhill, and sidehill slopes, to carrying a pack or handling a puppy, we put these shoes through the wringer.
