Please help - sandals for upcoming trip? ETA Update - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Please help - sandals for upcoming trip? ETA Update

Astrid

Veteran

I need a pair of sandals for my upcoming trip to New Zealand / Australia. Another pair of shoes I already own and plan to take are my trekking shoes. I wondered about buying trekking sandals, but I just hate the look of them and usually don't find them very comfortable. Now I wonder if I really need a pair of waterproof sandals if I have the pair of trekking shoes. Maybe I should just take some Birkenstocks? What do you think? One problem with shopping for sandals right now is that I have to order online and return if necessary because of course the stores aren't stocking sandals right now. I'm not sure yet about any other shoes or what clothing I'm going to take, exactly.

My old pair of Birkenstock sandals were done in last summer, but unfortunately they don't make them anymore. There is very few choice when you want leather, wide footbed, no thong sandal and no slippers. I found the pair in pic #2 second-hand, unworn and for a good price, in the size I need. They are quite "robust" looking compared to my old pair, but I'm sure they would be a comfortable all day walking sandal for me. I could wear them as house shoes in the next few weeks to break them in... What do you think about the style? Or would you buy trekking sandals after all?

ETA Update

I just ordered some Keen sandals (pic #3) on sale that I found when I had another look online. Reviews on Amazon.com say they run wide, maybe I'll be lucky. I think they should work well with skirts and dresses too.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

42 replies

Latest reply was from LaPed

Joy

Veteran

I don't know about the trip, but the new pair sound like keepers if they are comfortable and you like them well enough with your outfits. For your trip you will need the most comfortable all-day walking shoes possible.

bj1111

Veteran

For me the trekking sandals have securing straps that won't fly off my feet. For about town walking, the birks would be super and would transition well back to normal life.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Joy. The Birkenstocks would be all day walking sandals once they are broken in, I know that from experience. I'm actually not quite sure what I'm going to pack yet, so no idea about the sandal with outfits. The only pair of pants I have are the black cropped hiking pants I posted some pictures of recently. My other hiking pants are still slightly too small, I'm not sure yet if I'm going to fit into them again in time. If I don't manage by January I'm going to buy a new pair. I'm probably also taking one pair of skinny jeans to wear around town and non trekking shorts for Australia (I might have a look in my sister's wardrobe for that). I do have a new rain jacket but I don't have a fleece jacket. I'm still wondering if I need one or if I can pack one of my wool pullovers (more stylish around town, less practical to wash). I wondered about taking dresses/skirts, but I'll probably stick to the pants + tee (+ layer for warmth) combination because it's just easiest and looks alright with the rain jacket too. Not quite sure yet.

bj1111, thanks - that's exactly why I want Birkenstock sandals not slippers.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

It sounds like this trip is one with a lot of trekking/hiking etc and not as much going places where you want to be "dressed". I may be wrong, but if I'm right... what I would do is take a pair of Ecco Yucatan sandals. I know you said you didn't like gear sandals, but these are just a smidge nicer... esp the black/grey ones. They are so so so comfortable, I can wear mine all day, and they have the added advantage of being okay to get wet... if it rains, if there is an unexpected need to walk in a stream, who nows. I find they look fine with shorts, a skort, and pants. I'd also take a lightweight pair of dressy sandals or flip flops for the occasion where you may want to dress... like dinner.

I love Birks, I have several pairs, so I know totally how awesome they are. I've only ever had slip on ones, so I don't know how the ones with the back strap would be. However they are very bulky and heavy for traveling.

harmonica

Veteran

I agree with Elisabeth P. on looking at Ecco. Something along these lines:
http://shopeu.ecco.com/no/no/e.....?navId=190
http://shopeu.ecco.com/no/no/e.....?navId=190
http://shopeu.ecco.com/no/no/e.....?navId=190
I have the cruise sandals in white/red. They are super comfy, water proof and are a bit nicer than gear. How is your budget?

How many pair of shoes are you planning to bring along? Hiking shoes for sure, and a pair of sandals? Flip flops? It all depends on what you are going to do. If you want to "dress up" a bit, it's nice to have a pair of shoes that can cross over. I know you want leather, but what do you think of a pair of ballerina crocks? They could cross over quite a bit of dress codes, though not trecking.

Have you seen this blog on travelling and fashion, http://travelfashiongirl.com/

Astrid

Veteran

Elizabeth, yes - definitely casual. I actually could borrow a pair of similar sandals as the Eccos you mentioned from my sister, almost unworn (we have the same size). They're brown and I really dislike the way they look. If I would go for sandals like that it makes no sense to buy another pair. I don't have any sandals right now, dressy or otherwise... I do have a pair of cheap ten year old flip flops I plan to pack for shared bathrooms, but I don't really like to wear them otherwise.

Harmonica, thanks - most of the Ecco sandals are too narrow for my feet, especially the ones that are not adjustable in front. My budget is definitely tight, everything I spend for clothes now I could probably better use on the trip. So the best solution would probably be to wear my sister's sandals... I just dislike the look so much. I could get the Birks for 30€ plus shipping.

Astrid

Veteran

Harmonica, yes to the hiking shoes. Then sandals. Flip flops for showering only, although I guess they could work for the beach in a pinch (but I don't find flip flops in general comfortable). I was wondering about a pair of normal shoes that aren't sandals, but this would be a lot of weight already. I've read that blog in the past and those ballerinas look nice, but I'm not sure they would stay on my feet, I don't wear ballet flats because that's usually a problem. Mary Janes would probably be easier.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think #2 are GREAT for you, Astrid - and for the trip. I like the brown. Make sure you break them in first though. Bringing new shoes on a trip is risky.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Angie. I would wear them as house shoes before the trip and break them in that way, if I get them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good idea. Keep us posted.

Anonymous

My experience with that type of Birkenstock is that the back strap doesn't help much to hold your foot to the sandal. But it does help to prevent the sandal from flying off.

rachylou

Veteran

I think the Birkies would be the most versatile and useful...

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I have those birks and took them on a long trip with a pair of waterproof sport sandals--(mine were tevas) and some sneakers. The birks were very comfortable and the back strap kept them secure. I liked having the trek sandals for anything that was beach/wet/trails that the birks didnt really work for--it great to be able to wear them right into the water and not worry. For me it was worth the extra space/weight in my pack.

have a good trip! would love to see some photos

Birkenstock Milano - Leather Soft Footbed (Unisex)

View Info

Top Pick

1

Teva Women's Verra-W

View Info

Top Pick

1

Teva Women's Original Universal Sandal

View Info

Top Pick

1

Sal

Veteran

How many days will you be trekking (off road/hiking/bush walking)? How many of these days will be full day hikes?

I think when travelling there is a reasonable amount of time sitting in buses, city walking, at hostels, visiting museums etc so your second pair of shoes needs to be what you want for these days. It sounds like it will be a casual itinerary so you won't need anything too dressy but there could be cafe meals or restaurant meals. We are different what we like to wear for city walking/casual - my favourites that I have owned were a pair of Dansko sandals in a tan brown - supportive sole, but smart enough to wear with a dress. I mourn their passing!!

Hiking - Tongariro Crossing, Abel Tasman, Routeburn, Milford etc you will need hiking shoes. Flip flops will suit the beach/pools and your third pair needs to suit the other activities.

I don't foresee them getting wet too often at that time of year unless you are hiking through streams or on the beach.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Smittie and Rachylou!

Rebekahphoto, that's good to know! Agree that the Birks aren't great for anything too wet - I would wear the hiking shoes when it's wet and on trails, I prefer too warm feet to wet ones anyway. As for the beach, I often used my Birks on beach holidays and just went barefoot if necessary. Although I do think that something like your pair of sneakers might be nice to have too...

Thanks Sally. Not all that sure yet - I do want to do the Tongariro Crossing if possible and we thought about doing the Abel Tasman, but haven't decided or booked yet. No Milford or Routebourn Track, but I found a few day hike options that we might do. I have a little book with hiking tours too, I've slowly started looking through it. I'm not sure how much hiking we are going to do in Australia, probably not as much. I have to say that I don't like to wear my trekking shoes around town very much, I think I'd prefer other shoes for that. I'm not sure if sandals as the only other option is the right way to go. Maybe I should have closed shoes too? I really don't want to wear my sandals with socks. I could also pack my sister's trecking sandals and use the money to instead buy some lightweight mary janes/sneakers or something similar... But that would mean three pairs of shoes plus flip flops! Of course I could always just wear the the trekking shoes anyway if it's too cold/wet for the Birks.

Anonymous

We did the Tongariro trail in running shoes :-).
(uh, it was definitely not a style high-point for me.)
I would recommend some grippier shoes than what we had . You can see all the loose gravel in pic #1, and I remember almost falling down in that section.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Sal

Veteran

Astrid, shoes are tricky!!

I think you need three or four pairs:
- Hiking shoes
- casual comfortable sandals that are good for walking (maybe not off road)
- lightweight sneakers or equivalent
- jandals/flipflops

I suspect you will spend most of the time in the sandals in NZ in February and Australia in March. Sneakers would work for the aeroplane trips and maybe down South. Flipflops take up no room. I would compromise on clothing - two pairs of hiking pants, one pair of shorts, one pair of jeans, one dress should suffice. I think a dress would be great on hotter days - days on buses, museums etc. If your hiking pants are tidy you may not need the jeans.

In cities laundromats are readily available and not too expensive. You can use my laundry too

I wore birkenstocks with socks in Europe. It was not my best look!!

Astrid

Veteran

Smittie, that sounds dangerous... I posted a pic of my shoes in the first post. I also have hiking boots but I think those would be overkill. I think you look great btw, perfectly fine.

Sally, I think you're right, best to have less clothes but suitable shoes! Agree on the flip flops, definitely taking those. I need them for my peace of mind in those hostel showers. Sneakers (or equivalent) would be good for driving too when we're on the south island, both as driver/passenger.

Sal

Veteran

Great pick Smittie!!

Shelly

Hi, Astrid, sorry that I have just only seen your post.

I live a few hours north of Sydney and the one thing I wanted to say is about the size of Australia. It can be snowing in Tasmania and you would fry in Cairns or Darwin. I have also suffered through sleet in NZ in December.

About clothing - I would go for comfort over fashion every time. If those shoes work for you then take them. Definitely take flip flops as we wear them all the time. Everywhere. It is generally warm enough in a lot of places to continue to wear them in winter. I like the idea of the thin rain jacket as it will protect you from wind as well as rain. I don't own any wool but then again I don't hike.

About jeans. I probably don't wear jeans from about now until March as it is too hot and humid unless I am guaranteed of somewhere with frigid air conditioning. But for NZ or hiking they would be an essential. I would take a light pair of 3/4 pants or whatever you normally wear. Also shorts as you can wear shorts just about anywhere here.

A fold-up hat, sunglasses, swimsuit and beach cover up should just about do it.

Have fun!

elpgal

Veteran

Definitely take the Birks. After a day of closed-toe shoes, I am itching to get out of them. The style you chose is classic although a sleeker style would be more versatile.

Lucy

Veteran

Yes, I agree with Kiwigal's assessment of 3 shoes plus flip-flops. Depending on where you are going in Australia, it could still be pretty hot - in Brisbane, we are still in sleeveless tops and shorts in March, and it's even hotter further north. But in NZ or Tassie or even Melbourne it will be much cooler, and some sneakers would be ideal.

It's pretty exciting!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Shelly! Seems like I need to take care to pack for the heat too. I might go have a look for some cheap flip flops that are a bit more neutral looking than the ones I have, so that I can wear them outside too if necessary. And I'm definitely packing my prescription sunglasses! Everyone said I should pack a hat and a beanie seems to be recommended for hiking in New Zealand... I do have a nice wool beanie but that might be overkill? Not sure.After I had so much luck borrowing my dad's straw hat last summer after weeks of unsuccessfully looking for a summer hat I should probably have a look at home first if we have something I can use. Or I'll just buy something there.

Elpgal, thanks! Agree that something sleeker would be nice, too bad they don't make my sandals anymore. In a last-ditch attempt to make mine wearable again (they are not broken, just unwearable because they developed an unholy smell after I got caught in a thunderstorm with them) I threw them into the washing machine. I figured I had nothing to lose when the alternative was binning them. The smell seems slightly better, so maybe they are salvagable (maybe with another wash and some wood glue afterwards). That would of course be the best solution to the sandal problem...

Thanks Lucy.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Tanya

Veteran

I am late here but agree that the brown Birkies look like a good choice. I hope you manage to make your old sandals work though, as they are really lovely. Have you tried putting them in a closed ziploc with either those little silica desiccant packs or even rice? Both are supposed to be good at absorbing odors and moisture.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Tanya! I put rice into the footbed to help them dry out yesterday evening and I would say that definitely helped. They aren't yet dry though, I think that's still going to take some time. I kept them far away from a radiator.

Astrid

Veteran

These are my sister's sandals btw, I had her take a picture for me.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Diana

Veteran

I would go for the Birks. I feel like if you need anything heavy-duty/waterproof you could just wear the trekking shoes so the sandals don't need to have that function.

It may be too late now, but I would recommend saving a search on ebay for your old style of Birks. I have found lots of replacements for discontinued items that way.

Laurel

The shoes I find indispensable for active vacations (hiking/biking/walking) are KEENS---the Newports are incredibly versatile---and they have a wide footbed/toebox. I don't think they are particularly attractive, but they are true workhorses---they are comfortable, you can wear them to hike or go to the beach and I wear them with skirts/pants/shorts. they are easy to slip on and off at the airport and on the airplane and very sturdy.

Adela

I love Teva sandals for summer trekking and walking, they are amazing, In fact my whole family wears them, and they have different styles nowadays...

12