| There are many types of footwear on the | | | | There are many makes and models to choose |
| market today depending on what activities you | | | | from. These types of sandals are also |
| enjoy and what suits your needs as an | | | | referred to as "Mandals", because they are |
| individual. From posh parties to the beach to | | | | primarily worn by men (or in New Zealand |
| a casual shopping trip, what you wear on your | | | | slang "Jandals"). They are constructed with |
| feet distinguishes who you are. A day hiking | | | | many types of materials. Synthetic fabric |
| the trails can be a disaster with the wrong | | | | and leather is widely used along with a |
| footwear. | | | | rubber treaded sole. These sandals sometimes |
| | | | have a removable rear heel harness to |
| If you are the type of individual that enjoys | | | | minimize foot slippage and are ideal for |
| a number of outdoor activities but none | | | | beach sports. They enable the user the |
| serious enough to warrant specific footwear | | | | mobility to maneuver over rough terrain and |
| for each sport, then a multi-sport shoe is | | | | not have his or her sandal come off. |
| for you. This type of footwear is ideal for | | | | |
| that walk in the park, a light day hike | | | | If you are just cruising the beach and do not |
| through a well traveled trail, a fun game in | | | | need the support and versatility that a sport |
| the field, and is a definite life-saver on | | | | sandal offers, then a "Flip Flop" is perfect |
| vacations. It allows you to multi task your | | | | for you. It consists of a rubber (usually) |
| activities and gives you enough support and | | | | sole held on to the foot by two pieces of |
| versatility to not limit your enjoyment. | | | | material ranging from plastic to leather |
| | | | called thongs. These thongs extend from the |
| If you are more of an enthusiast and have an | | | | inner and outer side of the foot to the gap |
| adrenalin-like craving then Approach Shoes | | | | between the big toe. There is no strap to the |
| are the ticket. They are great for those | | | | heel and the sandal moves up and down, |
| mountain visits with their excellent rock | | | | creating a "flip-flop" sound. |
| scrambling traction and climbing potential, | | | | |
| yet stylish enough to cruise the mall. The | | | | Flip-Flops (thongs) are very prominent in the |
| soles of these shoes are made out of a sticky | | | | surfer culture. They are becoming everyday |
| rubber and more closely resemble a climbing | | | | footwear in the cities as well. Flip-Flops |
| shoe than a hiking shoe. Approach shoes where | | | | have stood the test of time and are growing |
| intended to give a climber or mountaineer a | | | | more and more as some of the most popular |
| comfortable yet solid footing for those short | | | | footwear for the summer. |
| or long traverses to your climbing area. | | | | |
| These shoes are not to be confused with | | | | When choosing footwear for outdoor |
| climbing shoes. Though many climbers prefer | | | | activities, ensure you consider the climate |
| them on easy multi terrain climbs, they are | | | | and the requirements of the activity. Does |
| no substitute on difficult climbs. | | | | the activity call for extra traction, more |
| | | | ventilation, more insulation or more support? |
| Then there are your beach activities. | | | | Above all, pick a shoe that will keep your |
| Whether you are playing volley ball or just | | | | feet comfortable. Choose the right shoes now |
| swimming, sport sandals are a good choice. | | | | and enjoy your outdoor activities even more. |