What is the Best Footwear for Your Outdoor Activity?

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