Sandals for cycling – Teva, Keen, Source, Shimano.. which ones to choose?

by Ewcyna

 

The article is about my search for the perfect sandals for traveling by bicycle. Yep, sandals just because in the summer, when I go touring, I need my feet to "breathe"; so much has been written about cycling shoes, but not necessarily about sandals. I know, because I was looking more than once, not two .. (text update 2023 r.).

At the beginning of my cycling adventures, that is a long time ago, a long time ago I did not pay much attention to shoes, I would put it on my feet, whatever I had at my disposal at the moment – anyway, there was not much choice. This is probably why I had the opportunity to find out over the years, what bothered me the most and consequently which features should have the perfect sandal I'm cycling in . Not everyone can, however, be tempted to go the long way, I decided, therefore, to gather in one place Tips, that might be useful to someone and shorten its / its exploration.

I'll start with this, I can not ride in the indoor shoes, when it's warm or hot. My foot has to be well, my foot has to breathe – although catches dirt as you do not know what, but, but something for something.

READ HERE O:

  • The perfect sandal for cycling tourism – necessary qualities
  • The search for the perfect sandal
  • Which sandal would I recommend for cycling?

Sandal for cycling tourism – necessary qualities

  • 1. Number one is hard sole.

Sole in the shoe for cycling must be hard enough, because then the surface pressure on the pedal during driving is distributed to the entire shoe sole and not only the contact area of ​​the foot pedal – the same pedal is effective, ride faster and your feet much less get tired. Too soft sole in the shoe while riding a bicycle is a tragedy. Foot feels pedal while driving, and when walking every stone on the ground. But, where we feel great walking along the sidewalk can be a curse traveling by bicycle. The result is our tired feet.

Not without reason, shoes typically cycling or SPD (that is equipped with an attachment to a special shoe pedals) they have a very hard sole. Knowing, however, the magnitude of the advantages of SPD shoes do not take them bicycle trip. Why?

shoes in (long) bicycle travel, they must be Universal. For me, it's a requirement. They're not just for driving, but also on a daily basis. Coming longer, ie. many weeks or months, we must reckon with the, it's a journey, not a bike trip. We want to come, visit and walk on SPDs (too long) no. You have to find a compromise, the shoe must be suitable for both riding and. several hours or several days exploring trekking.

And this is one of the reasons, which I do not choose shoes SPD. Maybe I'm just not good at these blocks.

  • 2. Sandals should well stick to your feet and do not constrict.

clear evidence. But to make it happen, striped sandals should be sufficiently wide, preferably on a washer, so that they don't stick to your feet, have padding on the joints there, where are the buckles. Another important thing – stripes They should not be pasted. The strap as a whole should be led through the bottom of the sole - this prevents their frequent tearing out at the joints with the sole of the sandal. As a result, we are left with a sandal hanging on the foot in the middle of the route and do what you want.

Each used by me in recent years sandals (for last 10 years, "Marek," three models of sandals Jack Wolfskin, Karrimor one - model Aruba) ALWAYS appeared the problem – strap tore the soles of this or another place, after a few months or even a week. As the next to go as the legs do not hold? Being in Asia, or in the Middle East, fortunately, you have handyman street shoemakers at hand, who for the equivalent 2-3 PLN repair a torn strips sensational – puncturing the sole thin spikes in order to carry through it twine and sew a broken belt. I did it in China, Thailand and Oman and at my suggestion, that can use glue Chinese shoemaker looked at crazy. In the same way, moreover, as a shoemaker in Poland he looked like I asked, But that can prick but tried and sew strap. Sorry I do not have a photo that repaired during a trip to Asia sandals - I said goodbye to them as the sole wiped (sewing but do not let go).

  • 3. Sandal must be water resistant and the material, it is made to be fast drying

For this reason, I disqualify leather shoes and shoes with a suede interior (for example,. most Ecco models).

  • 4. Very well is, in order to toe was covered, as it protects fingers (as it is most of the models of sandals from Keen). Unfortunately at higher temperatures, above 25 degrees is too hot for me in these type of shoes.
  • 5. Latest, but no less important.. would have been nice, that the shoe he didn't catch a bad smell, that is, it just didn't stink (despite washing:)

SEARCHING FOR IDEAL Sandal

Bullets so the above features (good quality of materials and workmanship, I think the obvious things) I started looking. It wasn't easy.

Before leaving for Asia, which fall 2013 I bought sandals Keen Whisper and I use them extensively today (*adnotacja to 2021 – because a friend's dog took care of the heel of the shoe, I decided to buy the same model, but second hand using Vinted #nowaste). I love these shoes pure love – are close to ideal. The sole is in the same time - hard enough, not too thick, shoes are light and airy and the transition after a stony creek and splash their feet are not afraid because they dry quickly. For this annoying faint smell, How often comes out of the shoe is not a problem here because it almost does not exist (in Karrimorach unfortunately it was not to launder). Strap on the back of the heel a little bit I rubbed, but the whole with intensive use remains exemplary.

Keen-Whisper_side

P1140735

And here I could end my search, but unfortunately my problem is, that I have a very low tolerance for temperature changes and I have to adjust my clothes accordingly. Keen sandals are very breathable, but at temperatures above ca. 25 degrees covering your finger does, and I'm already in those shoes too hot.. Hot South - East Asia is not suitable. I remember, that when I flew to hot Bangkok from the cold November South Korea, I decided to leave some things in Bangkok and leave myself only one pair of shoes – I just chose Keena. How many times did I then stops in Laos or China, so for a while, remove your foot from the shoe and give them a break? Therefore, well - I need I also typical open sandal. Yep, wożę two pairs. Let me add, that now, i.e.. in 2020 Keen already makes models of sandals, which are completely exposed.

I was looking for sandals with open fingers in the spring 2016 year. Having reworked three Jack Wolfskin sandals and one Karrimor Aruba in previous years I decided not to come back to them. Execution of shoes very deteriorated looks like a typical MADE IN CHINA which unfortunately can be seen at first glance - eg. get dirty glue, stink. In each of the previously used model I had problems with pulling the strips which made, that narrowed the search for shoes with a strap carried by the sole, not sewn / pasted on.

On the battlefield were sandals Company Teva and Source. This proven companies that produce high-quality footwear. High quality requires a high price, but the fact, that the price of more than 400 PLN sandals Source Gobi was for me not to swallow. They also felt a bit too heavy to me. Teva sandals are a bit cheaper, but courtesy of got them to the test.

Model sandals Teva Terra Fi 4 I chose, I met all the above criteria. Simple, holding up well not only legs, but also the base model sandal with a thick, respectively hard and additionally profiled sole and heel makes for an increase, that the leg fits in perfectly shoe, but although planning on foot about two weeks. Fact, It does not look like it can super sexy, but no not this, after all we want - in terms of comfort and durability. Belts as provided by the manufacturer are not pasted, and the materials are fast drying what I had the opportunity to test. also important, with they can be adjusted in three places.

earth fi 4

the view

Disadvantages? Sandals are quite heavy.

With the other stuff - I do not like, that turnips are in light blue - very easy to get dirty. May have to be black.

I am thus ended my search for the perfect sandal? for now, but I hope, that once created a model which is a combination of the above – Keen would sole-bars and a Teva.

**July 2018 update

I update the text after two years of use Teva sandals Fi 4. Szacuję, with during that time I had them on my feet for a minimum of 400 days. I drove them in Athens route - in Poland 2016 r. (3 months) and almost the entire Silk Road from China until now, i.e. Armenia, that is 11 months, because most of the weather I had no shoes and sandals covered. It's a lot.

How is my shoes? Generally very well. Sole put together to the foot, bars not broke. Velcro hold. Shoes not caught odor.

However, the, especially in one shoe, the sole of the midfoot has worn out and started to crack. It looks like:

Teva Terra Fi4

Especially shoes got into the bone at the base with a sharp stone in Oman and Iran. There is, moreover, also used up very quickly and made my tire life cycle otherwise very good quality, so probably in another area pożyłyby much longer.

Because I fear, that through this crack the sandals will not last until the end of the summer season that has just begun, I decided to look around for others. And again I came to my rescue distributor Teva giving to the test and use the new model, ie. W'S Teva Terra-Float 2 Universal. Novelty.

A little difficult to order shoes without being able to try them, but fortunately, assuming the new legs, a similar but slightly different model breathed a sigh of relief - the shoes fit!

sandal Teva Women's Terra Float 2 Universal WS
Teva Terra Float 2 Universal WS

What is the difference between these two models? In fact, mainly soles. As mentioned model Teva Terra Fi 4 (now there is the Fi5 model) It has a thick, tread, stable, but also quite heavy sole insert antishock, Teva model Float 2 Universal is quite flat, It treads lightly but significantly lighter and fortunately rigid. Minus – maybe they are a bit too urban.

Teva sandals for women
Teva sandals sole WS
Teva Terra WS Fi4, your Float 2 Universal WS

New sandals are basically the same, simple and proven system that strips, and Teva Float 2 Universal behind the heel are not regulated. In fact, it started to disturb me a little, when sprained foot bandaged and I had to push in the sandal – otherwise I not see the difference. Buckles connecting strips are rebasing, What is also important, because they do not digging into his leg. No i model Float 2 is a lot lighter.

*Update year 2023 – I used the sandals intensively and did not catch the unpleasant smell. They are doing well, they did not fall apart. I did not have a transitional period, sandal when it adjusts to the foot and often it obciera- I put them on foot and was immediately comfortable. I prefer Teva Fi though.

Which sandal would I recommend for cycling?

Hard to say, brands are introducing new models and there is plenty to choose from – na pewno jednak zawsze szukałabym wśród dobrych marek Keen, Teva, Source. No i są też sandały Shimano (widziałam tylko modele męskie, duże rozmiary). Definitely worth investing in a good but not so, which fails us somewhere on the road. Who likes what, important, to feel as comfortable as possible.

Want more reviews? Here discussion podrózerowerowe.info.)

And what are your experiences?

successful years, successful expeditions, and hopefully the weather favored sandals!

Napisałam ten tekst myślą o innych. How about buying a coffe?

Buy me a coffee at buycoffee.to

Keen Salomon bike sandals
And here's my old one – new shoes – Salomon i Keen – I found the same models on the Vinted portal. Nie lubię przepłacać 🙂

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19 comments

kasiaiprzemo 24 July 2016 - 00:02

Nic lepszego niż Source Classic nie ma 🙂 Używane intensywnie od prawie 4 years and (almost) like New. comfortable, mega fast drying, solid and does not seem unpleasant odors.

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Ewcyna 24 July 2016 - 09:10

About see, and dropped off at me for watching without fulfilling these conditions. I do not remember the end of what was going on, outsole seemed too thin, and I was afraid the strips will hurt, why bet model Gobi. But thanks for your voice, It not without reason that I pray is a very good grades.
another issue, the Source of all, Teva, moreover, too, it is not so easy to buy in Poland, in Wwie have them probably 3 shops. I might be wrong..

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kasiaiprzemo 24 July 2016 - 16:06

His we bought at a similar price at Yoshko, promotion Wroclaw (Skalnik), and more recently for sister we ordered simply by internet :). So, we forgot to write, że jeszcze przez pierwszy rok source classic pachną wanilią 😉 (sic!)

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Ewcyna 24 July 2016 - 21:06

Well, as you tested it on the Internet
This vanilla, but I do not feel too Encouraged because I do not like the smell of cake, ale fakt może to lepsze niż zapach nagniatajacej stopy 🙂

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Yoshkar 24 July 2016 - 10:32

Same. For two years I drive in Source Classic, which bought the first sandals on his bike and does not plan to change them. bought for 167 zł 🙂

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Ewcyna 24 July 2016 - 13:22

that's, the more I'm already convinced. For now, I'm in the ride, but maybe one day I'll make a second approach?
ps. For so much I bought Keen-y

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Bean 24 July 2016 - 20:25

WE also go in sourcach classicach and were it not that I've lost one somewhere in Portugal probably serve to even the next 3 or 4 years:) and keeny even though they are about to odstarszają me look

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Ewcyna 24 July 2016 - 21:01

Zaczynam weszyc sourcowy spisek 😉

Yep, Keen look a little deterred because visually shorten the leg
It can flip? I also have. They are divine

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Krzysztof Cook 25 July 2016 - 09:35

Source can be purchased at Sosnowiec Alvik company specializes in these sandals are also your site.

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Ewcyna 2 August 2016 - 11:10

Christopher, thanks for the info. In fact, I came across this company on the net.
However, the more I was concerned about the possibility to see and try on shoes, then August is passing on 2-3 Shops in Warsaw.

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Magda (earlier Sierzputowska :)) 27 July 2016 - 12:06

Hej 🙂 Jak wiesz, I for so long expeditions not I visit (max 3-4 weeks on the bike / trekkingu), and my criteria, otherwise similar to yours meet some of 5 years sandals Quechua, They are very strong, and a pretty neat. Sole massive enough, and such like strips of thin foam reinforced stitched suede just. I soak them mercilessly, I wash in the washing machine after the trips and suede slightly laundered,but it is still in place and nothing with them is not happening. The only minus – I stop to catch the Velcro heel, but it is to replace the shoemaker. I'm looking at page Decathlon and unfortunately I already see a similar model – I think they went in a fairly lightweight models, I do not know how these new strips to hold. And besides, I greet ) Wojażujesz somewhere far or still in the country?

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Ewcyna 2 August 2016 - 11:12

Hej Magda, I have the most positive experience with a lot of things with Decathlona..akurat shoes never bought.
I'm in Greece, I just can not dig out of here somehow – join, jest wpis 🙂

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separated 22 August 2016 - 21:41

Hi! I have a very positive experience with Teva sandals. Unfortunately, I do not remember what I have model, I already have 7 years. Sandals are not indestructible, this is very convenient, strips almost as good as new, soled nothing wrong, no odor, dry quickly. A lot of them go, but mostly I ride a bike and is the ideal choice. I recommend to all. Greetings!

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Ewcyna 23 August 2016 - 07:53

You see.. Thanks for the info!

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andrzej brandt 20 October 2016 - 20:08

I join the chorus of praise Source'ów. Mija 11 month from the start of the expedition, of which past 10-9 They were so warm, Source that were used almost daily. Without illusions, however, – signs of wear are visible and on the sole and straps. Autumn is coming, So you will land on the bottom of the pouch, but I think, that manage to live with me still a good few seasons

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Winter bike clothing - what works for me the best? | Ewcyna 13 January 2019 - 19:55

[…] Keen Saltzman używałam przez ostatnie trzy lata. I have written also once, we wpisie o sandałach do podróży rowerem, that during long distance trip your shoes must be pretty universal – przydać mi się zarówno do […]

Reply
bart 4 August 2020 - 10:42

Ja kiedys mialem klasyczne Tevy Hurricane (juz nie pamietam ktory numerek). Bylem bardzo zadowolony, but still the leg inside the sandal slipped in them (especially when in contact with mud) and due to the fact that it is a kind of plastic, my foot was very rewarding. Then I switched to Lizard Super Hike – I have them now 10 years. I am very pleased. Surely it dries longer than the mentioned Tevy, but the foot does not sweat so much and the straps hold well, that it does not move even when they are muddy. I don't know about the quality of those bought now, but those from before 10 lat sa super. Vibram sole, So it doesn't slip on some loose ground either – I see only now, that the tread has been wiped a little and I'm afraid that it is too 2-3 the years will be their end. And I really wear them a lot. Na rowerze tez mi sie w nich super jezdzi i na zadne SPDy sie nie przesiade 🙂 Rowniez testowane sporo w Azjatyckiej wilgotnosci i robia robote.

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Izabela Bąk 21 June 2022 - 10:20

I have been using the Teva tirra for many years (without additional markings) on bike, walks, sightseeing all day. Brilliant shoes. But: the shoes, however, are a bit worn after these many years. So I bought a new one ” same” and unfortunately it's not the same anymore. Despite, that they look the same is probably the sole material, because the shoes after a long time chafing the foot. The old ones don't.

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Ewcyna 21 June 2022 - 10:26

This is a very valid point! I have a similar impression and also with Keen Whisper and Teva.

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