high-priced flip-flops?

-m2-

I've always bought a cheap pair of Indian regular ones on arrival and get a winter's use trooping around the village and for bathrooms etc. Unfortunately, 'L' is usually the biggest I can find when I need them and my heel sticks out unprotected a cm or so which causes some problems and also this kind are relatively heavy, unshaped, and slippery when wet.

I came across a line of 'mountain sandals' in Mt Equipment, the big recreational gear shop in Vancouver when I was over for a visa run and I was frankly impressed. I'm pretty cheap and paying $30CDN for a pair of flip-flops when a $1 pair would do seems rather nuts, but I checked them out anyway.

First reaction -- the dimpled top surface is supremely comfortable and the shaped EVA midsole felt good walking around the tile floor. According to the literature, the sole is a high-tec compound created with good wet and dry traction in mind -- the sole surface looks like little suction cups. The size 45-46 fit perfectly. I couldn't resist.

I've worn them a bit in the past couple of weeks at home and really do like them -- comfortable and reasonably grippy, especially for a strapless model. They do have other models with straps, which I didn't try as my old Teva's still doing well. Actually, I'll be bringing these with me this year instead of the Teva's as they will do fine for the walking I'll be doing.

There are probably other companies making something similar and I'd just encourage you to check them out if you notice some in an equipment shop rather than dismiss them out of hand because of the price. You might find them worth it! Here is the website of the company, Sportiva -- the model I bought is called 'Crag':

http://www.sportiva.com/products/mou...dals/crag.html

gozer

ok......... i found these, at a big sale at my local outdoor store, for super dirt cheap, and i am in love. they will accompany me to india:


http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...y_rn=45 01270

btw M2 - yours are epic, too!

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kira

I had my shoes stolen the first day I arrived in India......this time I'm bringing 2 pairs of inexpensive ones (adidas slides and a pair of old payless sandals)

-m2-

with the number of times one has to leave shoes at the door, I think expensive gear like Birkenstocks are unwise and local flip-flops best for ordinary, dry-season kicking around. the $30 ones I mentioned are actually kind of cheesy looking, but distinctive enough not to be taken by mistake

Colin

I cannot wear flip-flops, the bit between the toes irritates me an I always get a raw patch.
When I was younger I took up lawn bowls, to play bowls you are required to have shoes with flat soles to protect the bowling green so I bought a pair of the standard shoes. They are very comfortable and extremely light. I took them on an Indian trip as 'dressy' shoes (for immigration, police interviews etc) and they were so good to wear I have taken them ever since! They have now done about 8 circuits of the sub-continent as well as a large portion if SE Asia and look as good as ever.
The only problem they have is that because of the flat sole, they become like ice skates in slippery contitions like wet marble floors or muddy footpaths but then its time for the 'lastic sided Blundstones anyway!
I have had Birkenstocks and liked them but a German guy told me a story about the manufacturer the put me off so I haven't replaced the last pair.

oldhippie

What's up at Birkenstock? Are they also using child labor?

Bill

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Colin

Naaa, It was something about the guy who started Birkenstock was accused of anti semitism, was a war criminal or something like that, the guy who told me was emphatic that he was a very naughty boy... enough to convince me anyway, they are quite expensive here at home, the last pair I had brought from Germany by a girl I met in Bangkok, still expensive but excellent sandals.

jonnybardo

My wife and I splurged on a couple of pairs of Chacos before we left the States, which are undoubtedly (by our reckoning at least) the best sandals available...but also the most expensive, probably ($85 US per pair). But we feel they've been worth the money--they've been terrific. The only downside is that they are strapped, so not so quick to come off like flip-flops.

As for theft, I guess we are all conditioned by our experience--no bad experiences for us so far.

rickshawwallah

Not a problem with many Indian flip-flops, as they just have a strap that encircles the forefoot.

Not very distictive, though: more than once I've approached a temple wearing one pair and departed wearing a different one!

bijapuri

have decided to buy my flipflops in Delhi, as I need a new pair. Just curious- what's the rate for the rubber, shower friendly ones?

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Anders

I agree 100%.
They are the best sandals I have ever owned, but they are EXPENSIVE and can be a bit dificult to get outside of North America.

Colin

My mate had a pair of sandals he bought in Pakistan/India. They had truck tyre soles which would never wear out. He operated on them to smuggle Afghan hash into England, they worked well until someone stole them in Germany... Should have kept his mouth shut instead of boasting about how ingenious he was.

dajuad

I once bought a pair of truck tire sole sandles. They cost something like $20 in 1993 and I felt that was outrageous. They were also fairly heavy. But they lasted ten years. I haven't seen them since. Where can one buy them?

bijapuri

ask your local Mexicanos where you can get "huarraches"
( donde esta un zapateria con huarraches?)

Colin

When you find that Mexican, get me a pair too. My $2 Bangkok knockoff Nikes after three trips to India finally wore through although I will be in BKK next Tuesday so I will get another pair, but huarraches would be great!