Trekking sandals: 9 pairs to suit different activities and budgets, plus imitations for the city

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Trekking sandals are a type of footwear designed for outdoor activities and light hiking in the warm season. Their main purpose is to protect the foot during hiking and provide comfort on difficult surfaces. How to choose your perfect pair?

Of course, the purpose of trekking sandals may not be obvious to those who see them for the first time, but the experience of use in hiking will definitely make it clear that this is a useful and in some situations even indispensable type of footwear.

Types of trekking sandals

So, there are several types of trekking sandals, differing in the materials of the top and the intermediate sole.

The upper can be made of synthetic or natural leather. The latter, of course, is optimal, because it allows the skin to breathe and at the same time has sufficient strength. Textile sandals are cheaper, but can wear out faster than leather.

Sandals women’s Salomon Tech Sandal Feel, 8474 rubles / Ozon

Also, shoes can be closed or open. In the first case, the models resemble sneakers with a large number of holes for ventilation. In the second case they resemble flip-flops, but with reliable foot fixation. It is provided by adjustable straps, which are available in most models of trekking sandals. They are also responsible for the individual fit of the shoe on the foot. All this helps to avoid friction and blisters during long hikes.

Men’s Ascot Rafting Sandals, 4479 rubles / Sportmaster

It is important to note that each of the types of such sandals is designed for different types of activities. For example, for hiking in the mountains and trekking in difficult conditions, it is recommended to choose models with closed tops and additional foot protection. They provide additional support and protection from rocks and other obstacles on the route.

Here it is important to pay attention to the size of the mesh: so that rocks and sand do not become a problem, it should be small, and better – double. Then no debris will definitely get inside.

But take into account that in closed sandals your feet will be hotter. For lighter walks and active recreation on the beach or in the park, you can choose models with open tops, which provide good ventilation and comfort.

Women’s Keen Clearwater CNX sandals, 14 290 rubles / AlpIndustriya

One of the key advantages of these sandals is their weight. They are significantly lighter and more compact than trekking boots, making them a great choice for traveling and hiking. Because of this, the sandals save energy and reduce foot fatigue during long hikes.

The technologies here partially echo those used in the production of trekking sneakers. For example, there is usually a rough tread for better traction. The midsole may contain soft foam for cushioning, and its upper part, similar to insoles in sneakers, is needed for moisture drainage and ventilation. An important aspect of trekking sandals is their durability. Such shoes should be reliable.

How to choose trekking sandals?

There are several factors to consider when choosing trekking sandals. If the budget is limited, it is worth realizing that more affordable models may not have a quality grip on loose or wet surfaces. They are likely to be not so comfortable, will be worse at wicking away moisture.

In expensive models are used more qualitative materials. For example, rubber on the sole and threads. Thanks to this, such sandals can withstand increased load when trekking. Durable soles with rough tread provide excellent traction on different types of surfaces, including rocks, gravel and clay. Also, some models have built-in safety features such as rubber overlays on the toe. These are made for safety. They protect the foot from impact and injury.

Women’s Northland Wandern Sandals, RUB 3999 / Sportmaster

If possible, check how the model sits on your foot. The shape of the shoe and your foot should match in length and width. It is important that your toes are not compressed. Also, your foot should not slip inside.

When choosing a size, many people with more experience in trekking prefer a bigger shoe (by a size). Of course, you should not take huge sandals. It’s about the option of one size larger. Why is this necessary? The fact is that the foot tends to swell and increase. If we are talking about a long hike, this is more than possible. And in this case, small shoes can play a cruel joke on their owner.

Sandals men’s TRAILSTORM™ HIKER 3 STRAP, 7999 rubles / Lamoda

It is important that all straps and slings are securely and tightly fixed. They should fit around the leg, but without pinching. Also check all seams and connections. Be careful. One bad seam can cause blisters and other problems. Remember that in trekking sandals you will be walking in the heat, so the material of the upper should be comfortable and pleasant to the touch.

How much do good trekking sandals cost?

As you have realized, the cost of such sandals can vary greatly. For example, a high-quality model of Salomon SpeedCross Sandal, based on the popular SpeedCross trekking sneakers, can cost about 11,000 rubles. In the arsenal of this model there is a maximum set of technologies, it will be comfortable to wear on any surface.

Men’s Salomon Speedcross Sandals, 11,190 rubles / AlpIndustria

What kind of trekking sandals should you buy if your budget is limited? Of course, there are more affordable and quite decent models. They lack some proprietary technologies, but meet the minimum requirements for trekking.

The main thing when choosing sandals is to take into account the most important criteria. We discussed them above, but it is worth repeating again. Sandals should securely fix the foot and have a good tread – rough and strong. If you want to buy a budget option, then focus on these criteria.

Women’s ECCO MX ONSHORE W sandals, 9990 rubles.

Are they suitable for regular life?

It is important to realize that, although it is quite realistic to walk around the city in trekking sandals, their durability will suffer. For example, the spikes on the sole can be erased in just a month, even in the most expensive model. Therefore, it is recommended to use such shoes for their intended purpose. These are sandals for hiking and active recreation in nature. It is in these conditions that they can fully reveal their advantages.

Remember that not all sandals that can be found in stores for sports and tourism are trekking. There are also models designed for water tourism. They are characterized by the presence of drainage holes in the sole.

Sandals women’s Northland Romb (for trips out of town and traveling), 1399 rubles / Lamoda

In addition, there are sandals simply designed for outdoor activities, as well as stylized (but no more) for trekking. When choosing shoes, be sure to pay attention to its purpose. If you want to wear a “trekking” model in the city, it is easier to buy its stylization. This will also be more ergonomically favorable in terms of money.

So, we realized that trekking models for simple walks around the city – not too ergonomic solution. However, the choice here is still up to you. In any case, whether it is technological models or their stylization, it is important to learn how to organically fit such shoes into your everyday life.

Men’s adidas Cyprex Ultra II sandals, 9999 rubles / Sportmaster

How to fit these sandals into a fashionable look?

Stylist, fashion columnist, trends editor

Usually, trekking sandals (and their imitations) are massive shoes with rough tread, which directly declares its sporty purpose. In this case, how to wear them in the city? The answer is easy. And even if your occasion does not correspond to the mood of the shoes. All thanks to the fashionable principle of combining the incongruous.

Of course, the easiest scenario is to fit sporty sandals into a similar image. With joggers, shorts, t-shirts, they will always look organic. What to do if you want to wear trekking sandals with a romantic dress or a classic suit? First of all, you need to be brave. Yes, modern fashion allows you to combine things “from different operas”, but not everyone is ready to see the fruits of such creativity. You may get the finger pointed at you.

Sandals men’s B2B Black to Black in sporty style, 4271 rubles / Lamoda

If you are ready to hold a fashionable blow, it is worth learning how to soften it somehow. In order for the whole “incongruity” of things to look harmonious, you need to somehow connect them. The easiest way to do this is through color.

So, we have sports sandals and a romantic chiffon dress. They are, of course, not friends stylistically. However, if we take a single color scheme, then the eye of the beholder will be easier. Let’s say, a beige-brown dress in floral will look more organic next to sandals in a similar range. Of course, there are other nuances. For example, the cut and decor of the clothes are also important. If things will be laconic, it will be easier for them to get along with shoes from a different style.

Example of combination by color

The more active clothes and shoes will quote each other, the easier it will be. In shoes, in addition to the main color of the top, there are also shades of soles, hardware, inserts. If it all echoes the clothes, the image looks even more harmonious. Accessories can also work here: bag, hat, etc. Firstly, the more sporty they are, the more adequate the whole picture will appear. Secondly, if they also quote the right colors, everything will definitely add up.

Another option is to use sandals as a bright accent. If the whole set will be neutral, the image will also turn out quite “digestible”.

Of course, it is the trekking models are not made of materials in screaming shades. Hardly you will find a technological product of fuchsia color. Even white is rare here. After all, we are talking about sandals for tourism. That’s why the given lifehack still refers to stylized models (in a sporty style).

Demix SANDY BUBBLE women’s sandals in sporty style, 3999 rubles.

Is it possible to go all out and combine truly trekking sandals (khaki / with powerful tread) with a delicate pink dress? Quite. It is only important to realize that it will not look too harmonious.

However, there is another important secret ingredient here – charisma. It can be used to pull out the strangest image. If it is enough, there is a chance that your fashion experiment will be quoted. That’s how new trends and style icons appear. Although… If we look closely, we will see that even the most daring and strange bow, if it is suddenly loved by everyone, will be harmonious in its own way. This is the proven technology, thanks to which cool images are created.