Sandles?

[lar49]

Any recommendations on cycling sandles?

[FredHiltz]

Copious ones. You might start by going back one page to the list of topics in Gear Talk. Type SANDALS into the search box. Please write back if what you find there raises questions.

Fred

[staehpj1]

Any recommendations on cycling sandles?

Personally I am not crazy about cycling sandals, but I think the biggest deciding factor will be how they fit you.  So your best bet is probably to try on what ever ones you can find and buy the ones that fit best.  Me, I'll stick with lower end Sidi MTB shoes like the Giau rather than use sandals.

[John Nelson]

Whatever footwear you choose, make sure you have many miles with them before you set out on a big trip. You don't want to find out in the middle of the trip that they are irritating your feet.

[mucknort]

Personally I am crazy about cycling sandals, especially on a long tour. They make a great pair of second "shoes". They work great as an off the bike shoe around camp, or for wearing in streams/lakes, or for wearing when riding in the rain to keep your shoes dry, or for riding in on hot days and/or you want a break from riding in the same shoes day after day. I've had good luck with Keen and Shimano sandles.

[DaveB]

Personally I am not crazy about cycling sandals...

Personally I am crazy about cycling sandals....

I expect you see the problem.  So, based on these comments you will have to try them for yourself to see if they are what you want.

I'm in the "not crazy about them" camp as I believe they don't give enough protection to the upper part of your foot and, particularly your toes, but it's your choice.

[CyclesafeSr]

One unfortunate rock thrown up by your front tire and you'll wish you wore shoes. 

[knolltop]

Have just 500 mi w/ Nashbar sandals, but like so far.
They have covered toe section.

Still not decided if they'll be my biking shoe of choice for this year's x-country.  But, if I do use the sandals,  will make sure Wife knows where shoes are so can send them if exchange needs be made.   

[driftlessregion]

Rode Shimano sandals for 4 weeks straight on NT and loved them.  Some people worry about their toes; I didn't. I don't use them now because my daily riding style is more aggressive than that tour and I want a shoe that has less flex/slop, that will hold my foot firmly which gives me more power. On a lazy tour that shouldn't be an issue.

[Pat Lamb]

One unfortunate rock thrown up by your front tire and you'll wish you wore shoes. 

Not true if you use the Keen sandal.  It's got a rubber toe box.

Normally I prefer a shoe over the more flexible sole of the sandal, but they're a whole lot easier to pack than a pair of large bike shoes.

[hem]

I used sandals on a early European tour and was glad I did. One it was wet and second it was cold and wet. With Sealskinz socks they were a great combination.
Normally wear the mid level Sidi MTB for touring because of the great fit (mega/extra wide). That is what I started RABRAI with last year but switched to Shimano sandals when it rained.

[noshbygosh]

I've regularly used sandals for both commuting, day trips, and touring for about 12 years.  I'd guess I have ridden about 40,000 miles with them during this time.  I have gone through Shimano and Lake sandals in the process.  I have never found that the top of my feet have been in any excessive danger, even on occasional spills.  They are great to wear for touring, as it makes life very comfortable off the saddle.  They also do not stink up the tent nearly as much as shoes and dry up much quicker.  They additionally do not require you to wear socks and create wild tan lines on the feet.  Finally, they can frequently help start a conversation with inquiring minds.  The only downsides are: (1) potential hot points on the feet on long rides and (2) extra care needs to be given to them when it gets cold outside.  I do not wear the sandals in winter months anymore.  I wish that Shimano would resell their original model again.

[Grumpybear]

Love them for touring! On sunny days I wear them with no socks. Worried about tan lines then I wear them with thin socks. On cold days layer a thick wool sock. Rain or really cold days I used the Sealskinz.

I have used 3 different pairs over the years. The two strap sandals offer a lot of versatility, but I found them a little awkward to walk and hike in. The Keen version looks much better and I can hike around in and wear socks without looking like a total dork. Much to my surprise they fit a little narrow, so I switched to Lake I/O sandals. They look like Keens but have a much larger toe box.

Sandals are so versatile that I do not bring any other footwear with me on tour.

[rvklassen]

I hate to have cold, wet feet in socks in shoes.  If it's warm enough (most of the time on a typical tour), I just wear sandals barefoot.  They dry much faster than socks.  For some reason it doesn't bother me at all to get my feet dowsed due to a puddle if I'm in (watersafe) sandals.  Hate it in socks and shoes. 

Otherwise they offer cooler feet when it's hot, and warm enough, if lined with good socks (down to just below freezing) and covered with shoe-covers (down to -15C).   Only issue is sunburn: need to apply sunscreen up to and somewhat beyond the parts of the foot covered by straps.

I've never experienced the "rock thrown up by the front wheel", but I have to imagine that any rock heavy enough to do damage is not going to be thrown easily; the ones light enough to be thrown up (better known as grains of sand) don't have the energy to hurt my feet.

[Clem]

I recently got a pair of the Keen Commuter II sandal/riding shoes. So far they seem very nice.