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Gear Review: Flip-Flops
These four flip flops are made with the outdoor enthusiast in mind–massaging footbeds, illuminating LED lights, sturdy straps, and rock-solid arch support are just some of their sporty features.
[light your way]
Teva Illum
Here’s a bright idea: Mount little LED headlights on your flips, so midnight bathroom runs don’t turn into faceplants. Each foot casts a bright beam about 8 feet into the night. Batteries are replaceable (they are 3-volt, coin-style batteries like in watches) and the LED light is detachable. The flips themselves are extremely comfy—cushy and contoured, made from quick-dry synthetic material and a sticky rubber outsole. Bummer: During a battery swap, one of the two little plastic tabs that hold the light to the sandal broke off. It is possible to remount it, but the attachment is less than secure.
The Stats:
Cost: $50 for synthetic straps; $60 for leather straps
Weight: 12.4 oz. (Women’s 8)
Women’s 5-11; Men’s 7-14
www.teva.com
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READERS COMMENTS
http://www.olukai.com/
These are the best. They have arch support, stand up to water well, very comfortable and wear extremely well.
Best pair of flip flops I have ever put on are the Montrail Molokai. Amazing arch support and they are also heat moldable. They make the $60 price tag well worth it.
I purchased the Chaco's at the indecent price of $50 just for the arch support. These were by far the most uncomfortable flip-flops ever. The arch support was rock solid with no give and the straps gave me blisters on the top of my feet. Save your money!
really, i always wear flip flops when not on the trail. and when i'm in sand or taking a break it's the $10 ones from who knows where and they work perfectly fine.
Yeah, I have a nice $30 pair of flip flops that weigh 1 pound too. Bought a generic pair at a local drug store for $3 that weigh 8oz. That's 8oz for a pair of mens size 11.
Great price, extremely comfortable. I bought 2 pair. Love 'em. I have Reef, Teva, Sanduk and Rainbow sandals and these are just as good if not better than some.
yikes... and I thought Crocs were expensive :(
I wear Crocs, which are extremely light (extra bonus when packing!), comfortable and fairly affordable.
I think speedo has some similar flip flops with support and sole for <$20
I thru-hiked the A.T. in '08 and my trailshoes, which I got on sale for less than these flip-flops. Is this some kind of joke?!!
Reef Fanning are the way to go. They $46, have a bottle opener on the bottom, air cushioned heel, and soft neoprene strap. I am on my 7th summer with a pair, and will be replacing them with the same ones next year.
maybe those old navy sandals for a buck will do the job. :)
$28 dollars for flip flops? really? when did camping start becoming an expensive weekend with the family? i guess when someone started making it "trendy."
No thanks ... I'll take a $10 pair of flip flops and a $40 headlamp over Teva's flip flops any day. I can see the LED light failing in short order.
At that price you have one of the most value driven options around. "Fun"ctional is for me. Ocean Minded has the spirit and the goods!
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