Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe Review

I can take pain and discomfort. I can push my limits to the point of breaking. I like the feeling, I like pushing myself. But when it comes to putting my feet in frigid water I'm a sally. For whatever reason I can't stand the pain before my feet go numb. Thank goodness for the Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe.

Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe Features

• Upper: Polyester webbing
• Molded TPU toe bumper
• Integrated neoprene sock
• Footbed: LUVSEAT™ XO3 Platform (removable insole)
• Custom Adjust'em Fit
• Vegan
• Outsole: Vibram® Bulloo Outsole
• Non-marking
• $120

Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe Review

The Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe is essentially a Z1 sandal with a neoprene sock added to it. You get the same great footbed, adjustable straps, comfort, fit, and durability of the signature Chaco sandal. The Ponsul is great for early season water adventures, cold water, or if you're like me and you're feet freeze in moderately cold water. The neoprene sock acts as it should and traps water around your feet so it can warm up from your body heat. I found that while walking around colder water would flush in but my feet stayed warmer and I could stay in the water longer. The one downside I found was after leaving the water I had to take off the sandals to drain them if I was going to be walking around for awhile. As I was walking I could tell that a blister disaster was waiting to happen if I spent a lot in them without draining. Adjustability remained fairly strong with the Ponsul. The front strap adjusts the same as the Z/1, just be conscious that if you go too tight the neoprene sock will bunch up a little. One area I felt was lacking was heel adjustments...there aren't any. For me the heel hangs too loose. I'd like to see a simple adjustment strap here to help snug down the fit. The LUVSEAT™ XO3 Platform is a removable insole. Some may balk at this but trust me, it's good. It is still shaped and molded like the traditional Chaco footbed but by being removable it allows the sandals to dry out faster. The Vibram® Bulloo Outsole is a good sole. It does provide good traction in water although you still have to tread carefully over mossy rocks. I did find the tread not agreesive enough for extended trail use, but it did fine in the water. For a water shoe one of my favorite features is the toe bumper. Gone are the days of stubbing bare toes on rocks (especially cold toes). I like the added protection. The Good

• Neoprene socks keeps your feet warm(er)
• Chaco comfort

The Bad

• Needs heel adjustment
• Must remove sandal to drain water

Bottom Line:

If you love Chacos but need a water shoe, the Ponsul is the way to go. Buy Now: Pick up the Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe[gallery]...

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Teva Itunda Sandals Review

It's been awhile since I've sported Teva sandals on my outdoor adventures. With many other brands and styles on the market, the original has been inundated. But, by no means is Teva down for the count. Nope, they have several water-friendly sandal designs that show Teva's dedication to water-friendly footwear. Teva Itunda Sandals Features:

• Single buckle and forefoot strap design for a snug fit
• Spider rubber outsoles for wet/dry traction
• Shoc Pad cushioning for comfort
• TPU Drain Frame platform for water drainage and breathability
• MSRP: $100

Teva Itunda Sandals Review

The Itunda's are really a shoe/sandal hybrid with plenty of foot protection for dicey situations. While many water sandals leave your toes exposed to sharp rocks, the Itunda provides solid protection for your digits. The double strap enclosure (single buckle) really ensures a snug fit--even when wet. Slipping these on, they were comfortable and didn't have any scratchy seams or anything that caused chaffing or blisters. I was able to wear them around town and to the river blister-free and without a break-in period. With my flat feet, however, I could use a little more arch support for long days in the saddle, but if you have better arches, you'll not experience that problem. They are pretty narrow though, so keep that in mind. In the water, the Itunda's shine. Slippery, moss-covered rocks were no match for the Spider rubber as it gripped and held on tight. I've been able to chase the kids around our local river watering hole with excellent protection and grip. Like any sandal, they do tend to trap small rocks and sand and require the occasional clean-out. There's simply no way around that--it's just a fact of life with water sandals. With the snug fit and excellent traction, the Itunda's make up for their funky looks with solid performance in and out of the water. The Good

• Chaff-free out of the box
• Excellent wet and dry traction
• Can't say enough about the traction on slippery rocks... it's solid
• Excellent toe protection

The Bad

• Could use a little more arch support
• May be a bit narrow for some feet
• Do look a bit wonky in my opinion (nobody's going to call them sexy, that's for sure)

Buy Now: Search for Teva Sandals...

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Summer Sandal Roundup: Oboz, Spenco and Ocean Minded

It's now mid-Summer (yeesh has time flown) and it's about time you upgraded your footwear. Those cheapy-choppy and worn-out sandals are just not making the grade. While the cost of your flips kept enough in your pocket for an extra pair of trunks, they have now given your feet and body the beat-down with their lack of support and comfort. The latest sandals may cost a little more than your $10 specials, but you'll appreciate what they bring to the table.

Oboz Dyno

New this year, the Oboz Dyno is a simple big-toe-snugging flip-flop. Instead of the typical between-the-toe design of your run-of-the-mill thongs, the Dyno instead wraps the big toe for more control and personalized fit. The single strap can be tightened or loosened as needed for a more secure fit. The midsole is soft and cushioning with a bit of an arch support (very nice) with a super-grippy outsole. The outsoles are so grippy that they can snag on loose carpet or rugs if you're not careful, so keep that in mind. I've found the Dyno's to be good overall, but the toe-snugging mated to the minimalist strap leaves a bit to be desired for my feet. I found the sandals to ride crooked on occasion until situated just right. My big toe was required to do a lot more work than With typical flops as well. The increased straps offered by the Oboz Sling may be just the trick I need. You can't deny the awesome traction and foot-cradling comfort of the midsole though. The Oboz Dyno is available now for $49. Buy Now: Men's Oboz Dyno Sandals - Women's

Spenco Total Support Sandals

Taking what they've learned from making insoles and arch supports, Spenco has applied that to their new Total Support Sandals. These sandals are built using the same technology that makes up the Polysorb Total Support insoles. With that you get excellent cushioning and support for all-day wear. I wore these sandals on my Florida vacation and loved them all-day around town and on the beach. The metatarsal pad helps spread your toes and adds to the comfort while the cushiony EVA foam uppers conformed to my feet. Your feet feel very cradled in both wet and dry conditions. While the Total Support sandals are very supportive, I think they could provide just a tad more squish for my tastes, but other than that, these are a great flip flop for many people who are looking for extra support in a Summer sandal. These are widely-available online or at many local retailers for $39.99. Buy Now: Visit Spenco.com

Ocean Minded Seaweed Sandals

I've already posted my Seaweed Sandals review, but I wanted to again highlight and compare these flip-flops to the others in this article. I continue to slip on the Seaweed's as my go-to sandals of choice. Their ultra-cushy Croslite EVA topsheet combined with the supportive outsole makes for a comfortable sandal for all-day comfort. I continue to dig these sandals and have found them to be some of the most comfortable I've got in the stable. Just be careful of your toes in these since the low-profile forefoot area leaves 'em exposed. The Ocean Minded Seaweed sandals can be had for $41. Buy Now: Ocean Minded Seaweed Sandals...

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Ocean Minded Seaweed Sandals Review

Longing to be back in Florida with sand between my toes, I opt for flip flops as my first choice after a mountain bike ride or trail run. But, I'm a pretty picky about my sandals, so not just any pair will do. I've had the Ocean Minded Seaweed sandals long enough to realize that these are definitely keepers. Ocean Minded Seaweed Sandals Features:

• Two piece molded rubber outsole
• Made with water-based glue
• Wide, tiered PU nubuck strap adds dimension and support
• Molded anatomical footbed made with Croslite material
• Croslite material is soft, comfortable, light weight and odor resistant
• Nylon toe post is made from recycled plastic bottles
• Weight: 7 oz.
• Colors: Rasta, Black, Chocolate, Black/Turquoise, Charcoal/Lime
• MSRP: $41

My all-time favorite sandals have long been the Teva Mush sandals, but they don't last long and traction is lacking when wet. Right out of the chute, the Ocean Minded Seaweed sandals called to me with their soft, anatomical Croslite footbeds that cradled my entire foot. Not very often do I find just the perfect fit in flip flops, but the Seaweeds have delivered. Walking around on pavement and kicking around the house, these sandals have continued to be supportive and comfortable. With the ramped design, the forefoot ends up very low to the ground with not much toe protection, so watch your step. The Good

• Anatomical footbed cradles my feet
• Soft Croslite footbed provides comfort
• Extra strap width is nice
• Extra-supportive mid and outsole

The Bad

• Low-profile forefoot puts your toesies at risk

Buy Now: Search for Ocean Minded Sandals...

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