When your ATV is a shoe
Somewhere, Imelda Marcos is crying. That’s because this new breed of all-terrain, do-it-all, water-and-land footwear eliminates the need to buy more than one pair of sports shoes for a variety of summertime activities. Like fish sprouting legs, the old sports sandal has evolved over the years, adding burlier soles and various degrees of shoe-like protection that can capably handle more sports, in and out of the water.
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Miôn Current: Pronounced “my own,” these minimalist, do-it-all water and land sandals conform to your foot.
My, how impressive
Likes: Exceptional comfort. Airy, blown-rubber ribs shape to the upper foot, while a cushy “Ergomorphic” footbed takes the shape of the wearer’s foot after 12 hours of use. Wrap-over toe guard fends off rocks. Waterproof, foam-rubber upper does not stay wet, so feet stay dry. One-cinch Kevlar lacing system wraps completely around the foot. Floats like a pool toy.
Dislikes: Pebbles can get into an open sandal while you’re hiking.
Price: $100. www.mionfootwear.com
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Signature versatility
Keen Newport: Handsome hunk that popularized the practical closed-toe sport sandal genre.
Likes: Superb combination of function, durability, comfort and classy looks. Wear it river rafting in the morning and to a restaurant at night. Waterproof leather shrugs off saltwater and dirt well. Signature wrap-over rubber toe guard was a huge innovation when it debuted five years ago; unchanged today, it’s the rare sandal that lets you safely kick a soccer ball or ride a bike.
Dislikes: Pebbles get in while you’re hiking.
Price: $95. (800) 509-5336; www.keenfootwear.com
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Protects like a shoe
Bite Primal: Closed-toe, shoe-sandal with mesh-and-leather upper, designed for fishing, rafting and canoeing.
Likes: Virtually a shoe, with bare skin exposed only through mesh, it offers more protection in the rough stuff than the Miôn and Keen and keeps larger pebbles out while hiking. Dries quickly due to drainage ports and mesh. Simple pull-cord lacing.
Dislikes: Not as airy and comfy as a true sandal for walking around. Takes a while to get used to the mesh rubbing on the skin on top of the foot.
Price: $79.99. (800) 248-3465; www.biteshoes.com
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Truly stylish hybrid
Teva Sunkosi: Epitome of the hybrid water-and-trail shoe.
Likes: Same idea as the Bite Primal, but far more stylish, athletic and comfortable. Easy-cinch pull-cord lacing system. Fully enclosed mesh-and-fabric upper. A light, airy, ventilated feel. The only water-worthy shoe of the test group that you can comfortably run or hike in at length.
Dislikes: Of course, not as airy as a true Miôn or Keen sandal.
Price: $100. (800) 367-8382; www.teva.com
