Teva Shoes Kayenta Sandal

Are we sure it’s not officially summer yet? Because it is freakin’ HOT outside! Thank goodness for air conditioning, or I would be one grumpy bitch, know what I mean? What? Ok, grumpiER, then. Satisfied? Anyway, you know I love shoes, handbags, accessories, and clothes—obviously—but sometimes you need something utilitarian. I’m lucky enough to have a friend who owns a boat. Until I can afford my own boat, I make sure I do not piss this friend off because when summer hits, I want to be out on the water. If you’ve ever been on a boat, especially on a windy day, you know you don’t want to be wearing heels, and you also don’t want to wear closed shoes because it just gets too hot out there. The solution? Athletic sandals. I know, it sounds like an oxymoron. But trust me, if you get to spend a fun day out on a boat, you’re much less worried about fashion, and more concerned with keeping your footing. Still, there are some cute options out there, like this Teva Kayenta Sandal.

Let me start by saying the Kayenta is super comfortable. The forefoot straps are made from synthetic webbing. You don’t want to wear leather shoes when there’s a distinct possibility of your feet getting wet. And Teva made it better by adding Microban Zinc anti-microbial protection, so no matter how wet these sandals get, or how often, they won’t get all musty and yucky smelling. If they’re exposed to salt water, though, I’d wash them with fresh water after wearing them to keep them in good condition. The midsole is constructed from sponge EVA for cushioning and comfort, and the rubber outsole adds to that comfort, plus it’s non-marking. The outsole is also abrasion resistant and non-slip, which is great on a boat. A hook and loop strap allows for a custom, and secure fit. In addition to this pretty blue jewel color, the Kayenta also comes in chocolate chip, harvest pumpkin, lily white, walnut, and black. Choose the one that fits your style for just $69.95 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

When it comes to outdoor clothing and shoes, you know you can’t go wrong with Columbia brand. I prefer the Kayenta because it’s open-toed, although I may consider this Columbia Sportswear Kaweah Flip Flop now that I’ve discovered I actually like flip flops. The Kaweah isn’t a true flip flop, though, since it has a heel strap. That’s a great thing to have on a pair of boat shoes, though. It’ll keep them on, even if the boat is rocking on the waves, and offers a little bit of ankle stability, too. The sandal is cushioned for extra comfort, much better than any flat-bottomed flip flop or sandal you might wear. The top band is made from neoprene, the same stuff they make scuba diving wetsuits out of, so it can get wet, and it’ll dry quickly, especially because it’s perforated. The rubber sole offers more cushioning and non-slip stability. Because the footbed is made from Techlite (I have no idea what that is, but it sounds very high-tech.), it molds to the shape of your foot. Wait, I don’t think you want to use the word molds when you’re talking about sandals to wear around water. How about conforms? Much better. I love the Kaweah in this blue, but it’s also available in a pink/gray combo, and black. Get it for $59.95 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Now, I’ll be honest. I’d never heard of the Keen brand until I started looking around at other water sandals. The Keen Waimea H2 is kind of funky looking with that weird toecap, which I’ve never seen on any other sandal, but the more I look at it, the more it makes sense. Sandals are great for keeping your feet cool in the hot weather, for helping your feet dry quickly after you’ve been in the water, and for showing off a good pedi. (By the way, don’t forgo the pedi just because you’re going to be on a boat or in the water as opposed to strolling the boardwalk. Being around the water is all the more reason to keep your feet in top condition, and well moisturized.) But that toecap will also offer your delicate toes some protection, which is great when you’re trying to keep your balance on a rocking boat. Trust me and my oft-stubbed toes on this one. The Waimea would be better if it also had a heel strap, but we can’t have everything, I guess. The straps are made from quick-drying polyester, while the footbed is constructed from EVA for cushioning and shock absorption. The Waimea also has an AEGIS Microbe Shield-treated lining for anti-odor, anti-microbial protection. Again, no stinky sandals. Just rinse with fresh water after exposure to salt water. The midsole contains cork for more cushioning and water resistance, while the outsole is non-marking. I’m sticking with my suba blue theme, here, but it also comes in a violet/black combo, and an option they call rice bag, which has a multi-colored checker pattern top strap. Get a couple of pairs since they’re only $50 at Zappos.com.