Why a picture of my feet? Because those sandals I am wearing in that picture made my trip to Cambodia an even better one. I wore those every day of the trip, and my feet were comfortable and cool the entire time. Our trip to Cambodia was not a "hiking trip," but we did do lots and lots of walking around. And one of the temples we visited did involve a mile-long hike in uphill, rocky terrain, and these sandals provided enough support to handle jumping from rock to rock, no problem at all.
Normally I would have worn running shoes on a trip such as our visit to Cambodia. That’s what I have always done in the past. But when I was in South Africa last year, I saw this couple wearing hiking sandals (matching colors, to boot), and I was like, "I am getting shoes like that." (My feet were so hot and sweaty the entire time I was in South Africa.) So two days before we left for Cambodia (such a good planner, I know), I rushed to the sporting goods store (Paragon in Union Square) and purchased the above sandals. Those are Merrells, which is a popular brand, but there are several other companies that sell this kind of shoe. They cost me about $75.
So my tip is, when going on vacation, don’t just wear throw-away thongs, or defer to running shoes for days when you will be doing lots of walking or hiking. Invest in a pair of hiking sandals.
Another tip: instead of doing the sneaker commute to work, do the hiking sandal commute. Wearing black leather shoes (or even running shoes) on the way to work during the summer in NYC is not only painful, it has a way of making me start my day off in a bad mood. Before I even get to work, my feet are just blazingly hot and soaked with sweat. So I am now keeping my work shoes in the office, and wearing hiking sandals to and from work. I don’t care what it looks like, or that people see me in the elevator and think I’m underdressed. My feet are cool, and I am comfortable, and that’s that.
{ 4 comments }
i agree that hiking sandals make travel in hot, sweaty places a breeze (literally and figuratively). isn’t it true in SE Asia though that you have to cover your feet when you go into temples?
Yes, it’s important to be aware of proper attire and to be respectful of any customs, etc., when visitng temples. Consulting your guidebook or just asking is the way to be sure you do the right thing… Good point.
Forget the “fashion police.” If Jonathan Adler can walk around wearing loafers without socks, then you can wear your sandals to and from work.
Why is it that every NY hipster feels the need to namedrop where they buy their hiking sandals? Or the fact that they are in NY? Who cares, and what does it have to do with the story? If you are trying to impress us with the fact you are in NY, well, you and 7 million other people crammed on an island all trying to be edgy and urban seems a bit desperate.