Walking sandals
Feel the breeze between your toes without compromising on grip.
ALRIGHT, YOU PROBABLY won’t be wearing a pair of these up Scafell Pike (at least we hope not, anyway), but on a scorching hot summer’s day, nothing feels better than fresh air between your toes. These are a step up from your common-or-garden sandal, designed for the outdoors and perfect for coastal perambulations. From the sleek and simple, to armoured trail-bashers, here are five of the best…
HI-TEC Trail Ox Closed Toe Sandals £65
Blurring the line between sandal and shoe, Hi-Tec’s innovative Trail Ox sandals are part of their new urban crossover range. Their spongy Ortholite footbeds make these the comfiest sandals we’ve tried, while their chunky soles and robust toe box offered traction and protection on loose, stony paths. www.hi-tec.com
COLUMBIA Wave Train £55
An affordable, superlight option for those who prefer more air than fabric around their feet. The chunky Techlite midsole provides oodles of cushioning and instep support, and the dimpled footbed just feels lovely. The Omni-Grip soles promise to keep you feeling sturdy, with superior grip in wet conditions. ww.columbiasportswear. co.uk
KEEN Newport Evo H2 £80
Deputy editor Nick has had a pair of these for every sunny coastal hike he’s done for the past nine years. Obviously not designed for lightness, but their chunky toe bumpers, cosy suede wrapping and luxurious, odourfree insole mean they guzzle up rocky, sandy trails and protect you from nasty impacts. www.keenfootwear.com
TEVA Terra Fi Lite £60
Easy to slip on and quick to strap up, these light and bright sandals balance minimalism and comfort, and come in a choice of vibrant colours. Their shock-absorbing heels let you bounce along at a leisurely pace, while your arches are well supported and feet are held securely by neoprene padded straps. www.teva.co.uk
MERRELL All Out Blaze Sieve Convertible £80
As the name suggests, these are sandals for sizzling temperatures, when your tootsies crave maximum exposure to cooling breezes. Compared to their closed-toe compadres, these ‘convertibles’ really let your feet breath, holding them securely with waterproof leather/neoprene straps on a Vibram sole. www.merrell.com