Posts Tagged flip-flops
Sanuk Yoga Mat Sandals
Do you always travel with a pair of flip-flops for the airplane and hotel downtime, but never dream of wearing them for longer than a few blocks of walking around town? With the Sanuk Yoga Mat sandals, it’s time to flip-flop on those habits.
Even if you don’t practice yoga yourself, you’ve got to admit—those thick mats are downright comfy. And that’s what you’re wearing on your soles with these sandals. The foodbed is made from a real yoga mat. So, whether you’re standing around in line, meandering along the beach, or discovering a new city, you can do it in casual comfort.
Vegans and vegetarians don’t have to worry about the leather look of the Sanuk Yoga Mat sandal. The synthetic leather and printed jersey liner is free of animal products. And the range of colors—from basic black to screaming orange—allow for a variety of travel styles.
I’ve worn these sandals walking all day through New York, Disneyland and more tropical destinations. I’ve worn them along beaches, through airports and along trails. If you’re used to flip-flops, your soles will love them, and you may want to consider ditching your slippers for these permanently.
These shoes aren’t best for more rugged pursuits, obviously. And if you need more defined arch support, the sandals aren’t for you for long-term walking. But they’re far more comfortable than your standard rubber flips.
The Sanuk Yoga Mat sandals list for $30 on the Sanuk website, but on Amazon, they range from $12 to $30, depending on the color you choose. I guess that’s when it pays off to prefer bright colors, and not basic black, like me. You can also find a wide variety at Altrec.com.
Related review: Sanuk Beer Cozy flip-flops for men
Posted by Jill in General Gear, Travel Light on November 25th, 2011
The Flip-Flop Alternative: Maryjanes from Teva
Flip-flops have become a lot more acceptable as footwear, and really, some of them are very nice and can pass as good enough for an evening out, if you’ve dressed them up right. But sometimes you need just a little bit more appeal, just a little, or maybe you want something that’s a bit girlier. Teva has a line of ballerina flats and mary-janes that feel like flip-flops, almost. They’re light, they’re easy to pack, and ladies, they’re cute.
Let’s get this out of the way first. The Mush Frio Maryjane is not a sturdy walking shoe. It’s a built on a flip-flop style sole. This shoe is a flip-flop, only it’s got a fabric upper in the shape of a mary-jane. You’ll wear it for the same kinds of things you’d wear a flip-flop for — happy hour at the beach bar, running out for an iced latte, making your way down that gravelly path to the pool.
I like that these cute little shoes take up no more space in my bag than a pair of standard flip-flops. They’re super compact and they come in a couple of fun colors — mine are what Teva calls “baton rouge”, a shiny fuchsia. They’ve got a Velcro strap so they’re really easy to get in and out of; that makes for great airport wear. The squishy insole is comfortable and takes on the shape of your foot after you’ve worn them for a while. I do wish it was removable, though, as this beachcomber is going to get them wet at some point and removable insoles mean the shoe takes less time to dry.
Size-wise, Teva’s Mush Frio felt a little small to me — I’d order a size larger; they don’t come in half sizes. There are two options for uppers, one style has a patterned mesh, the other a sort of reflective mesh, and there’s a variety of colors. There’s a ballerina flat too, it’s got the same sole without the mary-jane strap. I thought the price tag was a little high for a shoe that’s on a flip-flop sole — Teva sells them for $45 on their site. It’s worth checking Summit Hut or Amazon for prices.
Still looking for the perfect women’s shoes for travel? We’ve reviewed lots of them, have a look.
Posted by Pam in General Gear, Travel Light on November 4th, 2011
Sanuk Beer Cozy Flip-flops
What do yoga mats and beer cozies have in common? They’re made of the same squishy foam material and they’re the male/female sides of these comfy flip-flops from Sanuk.
See, the company rightfully assumes that not all that many normal males are going to buy flip-flops with “yoga” in the title. Likewise not many woman are likely to go for ones with “beer” in the name. Label accordingly though and it’s a marketing home run.
Whatever is on the tag, these are some of the most comfortable flip-flops I’ve ever worn. I haven’t done yoga all that often, but enough to know that those mats feel really good under your feet. That’s the idea behind this “Squish-fit Footbed.” Like a memory foam mattress for your feet, the top of these conforms to the shape of what you’re putting on top of them, but pops back up later when you take them off. So they still feel as great a year later.
The bottom layer is the usual hard rubber sole, but with the cute smiling Sanuk logo faces. The part that goes over your foot is built in three layers, the bottom one soft against your skin. If you hate having something between your toes, there’s a Slide version.
Nothing too complicated, but there are very few pairs of flip-flops I could imagine taking a real walk in, further than from the beach house to the bar. With these I feel like I could walk a couple miles without regretting it later. There are a few shoe/flip-flop lines that seem to have “beach vacation” written all over them and Sanuk makes great kicking back footwear that’s supremely comfortable, whether you’re comfortably numb or lugging suitcases in the heat.
The men’s Beer Cozy line comes in several styles (Jamaican, jute, leather) and lists from $30 to $40. The women’s Yoga Mat line—that’s the “Gossip” model pictured above—runs from $28 to $38.
You can get Sanuks at most sporting goods stores and direct from Sanuk.com. You can also shop around for them at Altrec and REI.
Related post: Sanuk Donny Primo review
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Posted by Tim L. in General Gear on August 17th, 2011
Smushees Flip Flops for Women
Lately I’ve taken to wearing socks, flip flops or slippers in hotel rooms. Especially after showering and preparing for bed, I don’t like the idea of goodness-knows-what my soles might touch on well-trafficked carpet. I always have a spare pair of socks on hand, wear my “outdoor” flip flops in the room (if I’m in a tropical locale) or make good use of provided white terry slippers. Here’s another alternative: pack a pair of Smushee’s Crazy women’s thong sandals.
These flip flops are incredibly cushy and comfortable. The footbead is made from a thick foam and the top straps are filled with little tiny beads. The small strap between the toes is stretchy fabric. Really, wearing these flip flops are just like wearing slippers (in fact, there’s a slipper/slide version, too, the Cushy style).
However, I simply wouldn’t wear these flip flops outside. They are too slippery! Though the sole is a hard plastic that could handle sidewalks and asphalt, and the shoes are comfortable for sure, my foot simply slips out too much, and they flop around a lot when I walk. I’d be afraid I’d trip around the pool or at the beach. (In fact, I did trip and spill a glass of water while wearing the Smushees and walking up my my basement steps — but that might also be due to my, um, general klutzy nature.)
So, for indoor slipper-like shoes, I can heartly recommend them — especially if all you’re doing is shuffling around a hotel room. After a long hike, busy day of sightseeing or a day on planes, your tootsies will thank you if you slip these soothing shoes on before bed. That said, they cost $35 a pair; a cushioned pair of cheaper socks might also do the trick.
Smushees Crazy flip flops come in black, hot pink, orange, yellow, green, orange and sky blue (the website says they are turquoise, but I have this color, and they are not turquoise). Toss them in the washing machine and let them air dry when they get dirty. Purchase them for $35 a pair on the Smartdogs website.
More flip-flop goodness:
Posted by Kara in General Gear on August 9th, 2011
OKA b. Grant Flip-Flop Sandals for Men Review
Packing everything into one carry-on bag can be a challenge that often resembles a game of Tetris. Trying to bring along enough gear for work and play is tough. I often like to take a pair of sandals or flip flops to wear in my hotel, but it is always a bonus when they can double as casual wear if I am headed to a beach or resort destination.
OKA b. shoes has a stylish pair of flip flops that are both durable and lightweight easily squeezing into the side of your carry-on bag. The Grant style for men is extremely comfortable with a cushioned base that can withstand moisture without staying damp. The flip flops are antimicrobial and odor-resistant. They are perfect for wearing in the hotel room or bathroom and then quickly sliding into your bag as they resist the growth of mildew or fungus. Plus, their non-slip surface keeps you from sliding around a tile floor.
The company makes shoes of all types for men and women. These Grant flip flops come in various colors including licorice black, chocolate brown, and slate gray.
The magic in their comfort comes from a design inspired by reflexology with an ergonomic footbed that conforms to your foot and features massaging pressure points that provide comfort and stimulation as you walk.
When you get home, you can keep them clean by throwing them into the washing machine as they are capable of being washed without losing their color. Their material is also heavy-duty enough to withstand constant tossing without wearing them down.
Produced in the USA, the attention to quality and detail is superb, and the $25 price tag is affordable. OKA b. puts an emphasis on being environmentally friendly using sustainable materials that support and protect the Earth. This is my new go-to pair of easy-to-pack flip flops that I know will last. The entire line of footwear can be purchased at www.shoesthatloveyou.com or at Amazon.
Posted by Ramsey in General Gear, Travel Light on July 18th, 2011
