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