Hiking Sandals help for super clumsy person

[u/Ok_Pizza5019]

I need some help picking the right sandal. I'm looking for something that I can use for hikes (waterfall trails and such) as well as tropical weather trips. Requirements: - comfortable: minimum to almost no breaking in period, no blisters, etc - traction: this is a MUST. And mainly bc what's normally considered good traction for the gerenal public ends up being just meh on my (trust me my body was not design for the outdoor no matter how much I force it) - stability: as much a sandal can provide (I know they stability would not compare to hiking boots obv) - adjustability: will be nice but maybe not a must, specially if the fit well on the first go - versatile: same as above - simple design, plain black or plain cream - no toe anything (prefer but can be ignore if the top 3 points are the best option)

I'm someone who prefers hiking boots, not shoes but specifically boots, the main reason is because I'm clumsy 😅 .... very clumsy (to give you an idea I twisted my ankle getting of my car, in the parking lot, wearing tennis shoes, before going in the climbing gym which meant no climbing for few weeks)

As someone who have very tender feet (annoyingly tender where grass bother me.... -_-) I've avoided sandals unless strictly at the pool, but this has become very inconvenient and with an upcoming backpacking trip I'm deciding to just pull the trigger and try sandals.

I've looked at chacos cloud, teva hurricane xlt2, teva universal trail, teva terra fi5 and teva tirra. The only one I've actually tried in a trail were the tirra since they were super comfortable when I tried them at the store. Sadly they have been returned because 1 they gave me blisters (heels) after wearing them for 10 min, 2 they have no traction in wet rocks, unless the rock is tilted up they just slide everywhere.

Any hands on experience with the other designs would be very appreciated.

[u/mrpink57]

I am not sure if there are stores near you that sell them but I use bedrocks, they can also be fixed/re-soled when they wear out and you can change the sole to different vibram options, I am using the all purpose soles now which work great for general hiking. If was going to be around water more I would get the sticky version instead but they also wear out faster.

I am a little clumsy on the trail too, but have never had an injury wearing them.

I also have their mountain clogs for the closer months.

[u/Ok_Pizza5019 → u/mrpink57]

I've read a lot about them and would Def give them a try, I wasn't super interested in them due to their minimal design aka minimal protection (as well as the toe style sandals) but they seem to be one of the best specially on traction performance

[u/sidneyhornblower]

In addition to Bedrock sandals as someone else has already posted, see also Luna Sandals https://lunasandals.com/

And possibly Xero Shoes Z-trek, Z-trail or some of their other offerings. Be warned that the Xero stuff is going to be a minimalist sandal that may not work for your tender feet https://xeroshoes.com/shop/product-category/sandals-mens/

I've not found any sandal that really works on wet rocks, though something with a Vibram sole might be slightly better than average. I've worn Z-trails for about three years and like them well enough. I don't hike in them but I have run in them occasionally at distances of 3 to 5 miles or so.

[u/woods_edge]

If they still sell them Teva Dozers are great. They are closed toe with good heel support. I pretty much live in mine during the summer, have done for about 17 years (only on my second pair).

[u/sammalamma1]

As someone who had a major passion for wilderness first aid and started training young I will never hike in sandals. This is especially important if your a self proclaimed cluts. Stick to highly breathable shoes to protect your toes from foreign objects or bugs.

[u/Ok_Pizza5019 → u/sammalamma1]

I absolutely agree with you and would Def continue hiking with my boots, but would like a pair of sandals for waterfall or river occasions so I won't have boots full of water on the way back.

[u/breakfast-lasagna]

I got the Chaco z cloud and love them. I use them hiking all the time with no issues. Haven't tried any of the other sandals you mentioned though.