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

It’s the middle of Winter where I’m sitting, but somewhere it is still 80-degrees and sunny, so here goes… Flojos announced a handful of new flip-flops that are a part of their 2010 lineup. Here’s the word:

Nothing says cool, casual and confident quite like Flojos’ line of men’s sandals for spring 2010. Guys will love the fact that Flojos sandals provide them with all-day comfort and support and style.

“Durability and comfort are always at the forefront of Flojos designs,” said Alan Beatty, vice president of marketing for Flojos. “We provide sturdy sandals coupled with style, so that our customers can truly get maximum use and satisfaction from their footwear.”

Guys will travel in style in 2010 in the casual and athletic leather Swift thong. With a suede foot bed, cupped heel and swooped back to keep the heel balanced and in place, these sandals will take you from one activity to the next with ease. They are available in black, brown and tan; MSRP: $49.

Perfect for throwing on after working up a sweat on the basketball court, or if your feet are in need of a little TLC, the Xander features a thick memory foam footbed and a soft lined strap, providing men with all-day ultra cushy support. Available in black, brown and camel; MSRP: $29.

The name says it all with the Traveler. Made for the guy on the go, this sandal features a rolled comfort footbed, arch support and a slight heel cup. Available in black and brown; MSRP: $36.

Buy Now: Search for Flojos Sandals

Chaco sandals owners are definitely zealots when it comes to evangelizing their love of their sandals. Just a quick google of “Chaco tan lines” and you’ll see thousands of pictures and stories of happy Chaco owners. I just got word from Chaco HQ about their repair program, which will return your sandals to new–a great service to loyal Chaco owners.

If you LOVE your Chaco’s, send them home for a little TLC.

More details from Chaco:

Everyone loves a trip to the spa to refresh and rejuvenate; Chaco sandals are no different! A unique program allows Chaco owners to send their sandals “back home” for TLC when they need it.

Chaco’s repair/warranty program replaces outsoles and webbing straps that wear with the extended use that Chaco fans are known to give their sandals, both on the water and on the town. Chaco provides resoling and rewebbing (plus a number of other adjustment and repair services) for all of its sandals, for as long as the owner has them. This is a key reason that so many people are Chaco fanatics (ask one!)

Chaco replaces buckles, shortens and lengthens straps and heel leashes and adjusts heel risers, and performs all repair services in a turnaround time of approximately five days.

Repairs are performed by a skilled team of veteran Chaco-ites who are committed to keeping the brand on the job and on their owners’ feet for as long as possible (Chaco can’t guarantee to help adventure ridden, callused feet, but the sandals will be revitalized!) Once sandals are received, turnaround time is approximately 5 business days.

More Info: Learn about the Chaco Repair Program

I have purchased a pair of Teva Mush sandals nearly every year for 3-4 years straight. They are my go-to flips for all-day activities, mowing the lawn or post-ride comfort.

When new, the foam material is firm, but all it takes is a week or two of consistent wear and these conform to every little detail of your feet. It’s amazing how well-cradled your feet will feel with these sandals. If I have to choose from any of my sandals, I’d go for the Mush every time.

Not only is the EVA Soft Mush foam squishy, but there’s a built-in arch support wedge that adds to the overall comfort–especially for flat-footers like me.

The only real downside of the Mush sandal is that the material–while soft and cushioning–squishes out and compresses relatively quickly. Once the upper foam squishes out, the lower, denser foam can start to crack and lose its shape entirely. And, by that time, the heelstrike area is typically bald as bald can be–making for some treacherous stepping on wet, slippery surfaces.

Overall, for the low price ($25), the short lifespan of the Mush sandals is still worth it for the season of squishy comfort they provide.

The Good

• The pinnacle of sandal comfort
• Upper foam conforms to every detail of your feet
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive

The Bad

• Only enough squish for a season of wear - these are one season past that
• When the tread is worn, the heelstrike area is very slippery

Buy Now: Search for Teva Mush Sandals

Lets go back to my shoe obsession for a moment. For my dedicated readers (of which there are… Three… Maybe…), you know I’ve got a thing for trail runners, ice climbing boots, hikers, rock climbing shoes, pretty much any type of shoe. An obsession I haven’t talked about yet though, are my Chaco Hipthong Sandals.

An awesome hybrid between a basic flip flop and your standard Chaco (z1s or z2s), the Chaco Hipthong Sandals are great to slip into after you’ve had your feet in rock shoes all day, or for just kickin’ around town in.

Chaco Hipthong Sandals

• Strap at forefront of shoe is fixed, like a normal flip-flop sandal
• Straps at instep of foot are adjustable, allowing you to get a “custom fit” out of a flip-flop!
• Polyurethane footbed offers decent arch support and is still fairly lightweight and flexible
• As always, sweet colors!
• Chaco seems to be pretty standard across the board with sizing. I’m a 6 in the pair of Z1s that I have, a 6 in the Z2s and a 6 in the Hipthongs.

Check ‘Em Out! Chaco Hipthong Sandals