I am not known for my stellar decision making skills. A few weeks ago I found myself in the shoe department of Kohl’s agonizing over what kind of summer shoe to buy. I had in my mind that I was looking for flip flops or sporty sandals. I like to walk and I wanted an open shoe that wouldn’t be too flimsy. I also wanted something that I could slip on easily to wear to the park or to walk around the backyard. In the past I have remained loyal to my Tevas. But after literally wearing them every summer for the last five years I felt that it was time for a change.
Kohl’s was having a great sale. I narrowed my choices to two different styles. One was a thong-style sandal and the other was the Adissage sandal (what you see in the picture). I’ve always been curious about the Adissage. Everyone that I’ve ever known who has worn them has said that they are very comfortable – despite the prickly looking “massage footbed.” The first sandal was really, really comfortable. But after a long time of mulling it over my curiosity won out and I bought the Adissage. One reason that I choose it over the other is that it looked more washable. I’m outside a lot and my feet get dirty. Okay, they don’t just get dirty but they start to stink! The Adissage looked like an easy shoe to hose down and keep my feet smelling fresh. (Can you tell that I’m more practical than stylish when it comes to shopping?)
I brought my new shoes home and immediately started breaking them in. And boy, did they hurt my feet! Honestly, I couldn’t wear them for more than an hour or two before the pain set in. But one thing that I am is stubborn. I’ve hung in there and now I can say that my shoes are enjoyable to wear. I don’t think I could wear them for long distances but for a summer sandal they aren’t that bad.
What about you? I’m still looking for the perfect summer shoe but I could use a little help. What is your favorite summer footwear and why?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
i vote for anything strappy with at least a 3″ heel. but that’s just me.
truthfully, i have a pair of strappy 1/4″ heel sandals that i often wear if i’m on my feet for extended amounts of time. and the key for me is really good arch support.
I love my Crocs! They may be ugly looking shoes, but they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I wear them whenever I go to Cedar Point and I can be in them all day and not have my feet hurt at the end of the day. But don’t by the cheap knock off versions.
In summertime I alternate between my Chacos and my Birkenstocks. Chacos because they are so sturdy, you can wear them hiking, biking, in the river, anywhere. And they look super cool. Birkenstocks because they are the most comfortable shoe of all time. Both shoes offer great arch support. And they are both high quality shoes – I have had both pairs 4+ years with the looks of a few more years to go!
I say Rainbow flops, all the way. I can’t live without mine — it took a year for hubby to talk me into them — now I want a pair in every color. My chiropractor says they’re the only flops good for your feet since they have good arch supports!
Megret
i had a pair of those addiasage ones a couple years back and i totally know what you are talking about when you talk about how painful they are to break in!!!! but seriously, they are worth it once they are broken in!!! but my faves are the $2.50 old navy flip flops. they are really comfy and i’ve had some pairs that last for years and others that i wear so much i’m pretty sure my heel’s gonna hit the ground soon… maybe not the most practical or best for arch support, but cheap and easy. just what a college student like me needs!!!
I’m one of those who is loyal to Tevas. I’ve had one pair for over five years and they are just now getting to the point where I need to replace them. I wear the Mush flip flop – in my opinion there is nothing better for the price!