The Grand Shoe Search

Left to Right: Sanuks, Tevas and Merrells

4/22/2015

The Grand Shoe Search

Shoes take up a lot of space in a cary on. I almost always pack too many shoes.  Just this past weekend I was gone for three days and had SIX pairs of shoes.  I'm hoping to go to Cambodia with only two. We will be in Cambodia during the wet season.  It will be HOT and humid.  I want a pair of shoes that has traction, that will dry easily, will be breathable and that will be comfortable enough to walk in for miles a day. This is harder than it sounds.  So far I have bought three pairs of shoes and plan to return two of them.

Teva Tara Sandals- http://www.rei.com/product/796011/teva-tirra-sandals-womens

They are ugly but seem like they would be comfortable on long walks. I bought them from REI with a 20% off coupon and wore them around the house for a few days.  The top strap rubbed too much on my ankle so they went back to the store.

Sanuk Sandals- http://www.sanuk.com/womens-sandals/yoga-sling-2/SWS10001.html?dwvar_SWS10001_color=BLK

Cute, breathable, and comfortable.  I worry that these shoes won’t have enough traction for wet uneven roads and walkways. I’m keeping them, but haven’t decided if they will make their way to Cambodia.

Merrell Sandals- Comfortable, not hideous. I found them on sale at Nordstrom Rack.  The problem is the cloth soles; I don’t think they will dry well.  Although they are treated for odor, I think these are going back. 

I’m not including any of the shoes in my total since they are not something that will be used exclusively on my trip.

Update 5/17/2015 Chacos- I don’t want to spend $100 on shoes that I will probably never wear again. However, a very sweet friend of mine gave me hers today!! She got them six years ago and only wore them once and they just so happened to be my size! Hooray! I’m working on breaking them in, but currently believe these are THE shoes.