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These Are the Only Sandals I’d Dare to Wear on a New York Sidewalk
My go-to kicks are made for the trail, but they stand up to city grime and keep my feet cool all day.
Summers in New York present a footwear conundrum. It’s finally warm enough to wear the cute sandals and slides, but baring your soles in an urban environment comes with risks. In a pair of flip-flops, the most disgusting aspects of city living—trash, standing puddle water, dog poop—are mere millimeters from your naked skin, and it’s way too easy to stub exposed toes on the curb or subway steps. (So painful, and bad news for your pedicure.)
So, I typically stick to sneakers. They’re comfortable and offer plenty of protection and support, but after a few hours of running around in 90-degree weather, my feet feel like they’re baking in two lace-up ovens. And all that sweating and swelling make my skin more prone to chafing and blisters.
After so many summers of choosing between feeling grimy or overcooked from the ankles down, I’ve finally found the solution in a rather unexpected place for a city dweller: the athletic sandal section of my local outdoor supply store. Believe it or not, my new go-to summer shoe is the Hydratrek Closed-Toe Water Sandal from Teva.
The marketing for these shoes—a sneaker/water sandal/hiking boot mash-up—would have you believe that they’re designed for white water rafting or fording a river on a hike through the wilderness. But, in my experience, they’re perfect for getting around the city when temperatures start to climb and the humidity reaches swamp-like levels.
The Hydratrek sandal’s mesh upper is breathable and quick-drying, and there’s enough open space to allow for airflow while still keeping most of my feet covered. I especially appreciate the protective rubber toe cap, which guards against door corners, uneven curbs, cobblestones, broken glass, and other sidewalk debris. Thanks to the bungee closure, I can slip them on and off quickly, and, most importantly, they’re comfortable for hours. I recently wore them all day during an apartment move (read: stair climbing, box carrying, furniture lifting), and my feet were the only parts of my body that didn’t hurt.
And, yes, I get that these aren’t the most fashionable everyday summer shoes. (Though, they are more streamlined than other athletic sandals I’ve worn, and they don’t make my feet look huge.) These sandals won’t pair elegantly with your favorite sundress or look chic with linen pants. They’re not accessories; they’re workhorses. They’re for running errands, sweaty commutes, and day-long hangs in the park. They’ll keep your feet cool and safe during the day so you can save your strappy sandals for a night on the town. (Just be sure to take a cab.)
Teva’s Hydratrek sandals are my go-to shoes for navigating the concrete jungle when it’s hot, but if you’re looking for more options, check out the picks below.
The Best Hiking Sandals to Wear in the City
These sandals have everything you’d expect from a water shoe/hiking sandal hybrid, including a quick-drying, web-like upper, bungee closure, grippy soles, and a hefty toe bumper. But the monochrome pastel colorways help downplay the technical features and offer a more modern look than similar options.
If you’re intrigued by the ballerina sneaker trend but need something a bit more durable for everyday wear, slip on a pair of these low-profile hiking sandals. Vivobarefoot is known for minimalism, so you’ll feel the terrain underfoot. But the rubber outsole and ventilated mesh upper will guard your feet against the elements.
Hoka devotees, rejoice! Your favorite maximalist running shoes are available as athletic sandals, so you can get that ultra-cushioned, “walking on a cloud” feeling, but with more breathability and versatility. These Hokas are made with quick-drying materials (even if you get caught in the rain, they won’t be waterlogged for days), and the toggle lace and adjustable heel strap provide a secure, non-slippy fit.
More casual than technical, these sneaker-sandals from Land’s End are versatile and, at under $80, budget-friendly. The upper is constructed with a combination of suede and mesh materials, and the navy, brown, and grey colorways are classically neutral. If you’ve never worn an athletic sandal before (and never dreamed you would), consider starting with this one.
The Maipo Explorer Sieve sandals from Merrell provide the same traction and support as your favorite hiking boots, but with a lot more airflow. The lug soles have deep grooves, so you’ll get plenty of traction, whether you’re scrambling up a slippery boulder or sprinting for the bus. And for such a durable shoe, they’re surprisingly lightweight.
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