Athletic sandals are worn by many people who want the comfort and convenience of sandals, but the benefits of athletic shoes. They are used for hiking, fishing, backpacking and other types of outdoor summer activities. There are several things to take into consideration when choosing the best athletic sandals for you.
Look for sandals with an added layer of cushion in the mid-sole if you will be dong a lot of walking, or if you have a history of back pain. This will absorb the shock produced from walking on hard surfaces, such as asphalt or rocks. It also reduces joint and back pain caused by the thin mid-soles of standard flip-flops. The biggest advantage to the extra layer of cushion is that it activates the muscles that tone your thighs, calves and glutes, helping to develop muscle tone.
If you are planning on wearing your athletic sandals for hiking or backpacking, choose a pair with straps. This will secure the shoes to your feet, preventing injuries from tripping or sliding out of your shoes. When trying on the sandals, verify that the straps don't rub against the top of your foot. This can cause blisters to form during rigorous activity, making for a miserable trip.
Many people wear athletic sandals when fishing, as they don't make your feet heavy in the water. If this is the case for you, choose sandals that have a rubber outer sole. This will prevent slipping and sliding on wet rocks when trekking through the steam. The style of fishing you do will determine whether your sandals should have straps, or not. If you sit on the banks to fish, straps really aren't a necessity.
The straps of athletic sandals come in many different materials including leather, nylon, mesh and suede. Leather straps are the softest and most comfortable material for athletic sandals, especially when they are used for large amounts of walking. They are not, however, recommended for fishing or hiking through wet areas, as they will dry out and crack. Nylon or mesh straps are best when the sandals are being used for wet activities.
When choosing athletic shoes for children, look for ones with closed toes and straps. Closed toed sandals will prevent the child from jamming his toes, should he run into something, or trip and fall. Straps will help prevent his shoes from slipping off, causing ankle or leg injuries.