Best Sandals for Summer 2023

At Urban Gear, we are passionate about footwear. With decades of experience, we have tested and enjoyed some of the best quality sandals available. Our selection of footwear is based on years of experience and includes our favourite sandals from Teva, KEEN, and OluKai for Summer 2023. We have our stories, the brands have their tech, and we are excited to share our curated selection with you.

Teva

The Teva Original Universal Sandal is an original sport sandal that has been around since 1984, when it was first introduced at the Grand Canyon. Today, it is a popular choice for people all over the world due to its practical comfort and style. These water sandals are perfect for transitioning from the sidewalk to the waterside without any hassle. I remember receiving a pair of Teva Universal Sandals as a kid in the early 90s and being told that they were water sandals. Being the curious kid I was, I decided to jump feet-first, fully clothed, into the pool while wearing them. Of course, I made it out safely, but I learned that the sandals were not designed for swimming. Nonetheless, they provided a comfortable and supportive base that stayed secure on my feet even when fully submerged. Throughout my childhood and early teens, these became my go-to sandals for kayaking and light hikes. I still wear them today and love the wide range of colours they come in, as well as the iconic tan lines they leave on my feet.

I started with light hikes in the Teva Originals, and then upgraded to Teva Tirra Sport sandals for tougher trails. These sandals provide great support and padding, making them feel like hiking boots underfoot. The upper sandal straps are fully adjustable and lightly padded, ensuring a comfortable fit. Though I didn't have any dramatic experiences like nearly drowning while wearing these sport sandals, I have worn them while cruising through many theme parks, deserts, and summer days. They're ideal for light hikes, groomed trails, long days of urban exploring, and even some recreational gardening.

KEEN

During the mid-2000s, my whole family would wear KEEN Newport sandals while we hiked through river crossings, rocky crags, and brush. These sandals became a part of our summer uniform as we spent our time exploring mountains, fishing, canoeing, and navigating on and off the grid. KEEN sandals were designed to prevent toe stubbing and swearing like a sailor. From personal experience, I can attest that this sandal does indeed prevent toe stubbing. It took a bit of time to get used to the design, especially when I was a teenager and my parents insisted I wear them, but I now appreciate having unbroken toes and fully intact nails. While my brothers and father still wear the KEEN Newport H2 for their adventures, I have since graduated to the more delicate-looking KEEN Whisper Water Sandal, which offers many of the same benefits as the Newport. The upper style is slightly more streamlined, but still durable with a supportive contoured plush footbed.

OluKai

The Urban Gear Team discovered OluKai footwear in the late 2010s, and we were amazed by its quality. Even after we got home, we found ourselves wearing them in the house because of their exceptional comfort. OluKai is known for its high-quality, long-lasting sandals with excellent arch support, making them a valuable addition to the sporty sandal family. The popular OluKai Ohana Flip comes with a generously cushioned footbed and softly lined wide straps that provide a comfortable grip on your feet. The brand caters not only to people with wide feet but also to men who wear larger sizes up to US18.

As a team of passionate gear enthusiasts, we take pride in curating a collection of footwear that not only meets our high standards of quality but also suits your every adventure need. We're thrilled to share with you some of our personal experiences with our favourite sandals from Teva, KEEN, and OluKai for Summer 2023. From sandy beaches to rocky trails, these sandals have proven to be reliable and comfortable companions on our journeys. We'd love to hear your thoughts and stories too! Leave a comment below and let us know if there's a sandal you'd like us to review or share your own adventure tale.

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