Good sandal to walk in Singapore

[putabonita]

Hi all,

I will be moving to Singapore next week, I'm from Jakarta, indonesia. As I will be required to walk a lot in Singapore, I'm wondering what good sandal to wear? I wore a cheap sandal bought in Bali when I visited Singapore last week and my feet hurt! My mom's knee also hurt after walking so much there. I noticed that there are lots of people wearing fit flop in Singapore, however some of my friends recommend scholl iinstead of fit flop.

What do you guys think? And is it cheaper to buy it in Singapore instead of Jakarta?

Your input is highly appreciated.

Cheers,

[nadzilla]

birkenstocks are very comfortable, good arch support.
but don't wear a brand new pair, they need an initial "breaking in" period. thought if you purchase a soft footbed pair, those are more forgiving.

[seventy9]

A little bit about my shoe needs. I'm a semi-professional dancer who dances almost everyday. Myself and those around me have experienced all sorts of leg/feet problems including plantar fascitis, and knee and ligament problems. I also used to live in Boston which is an extensive walking city, walking about 2-5 miles a day. I also stand a bit to teach in my other profession.

Naot's are the original cork shoes which Birkenstocks stole the idea. Naot's provide thicker support and a good solid sole. The insoles are replaceable. Soft soled shoes are not good for extensive walking - you shouldn't be able to fold the shoe in half otherwise your feet takes all the pressure.

Only trouble with Naots is that their fabric (usually leather) is not so good and won't last as long. One of the best pairs of shoes I've found, especially for SE asia, are pair of Gore-tex Merrell boots. They've lasted me 4+ years of daily wear as a student, multiweek backpacking trips through china and vietnam, and surviving the singapore torrential rain. Goretex is a really nice material since it's beathable, and it's completely waterproof so you can submerge the shoe in water. The insoles are good too (and replaceable), and the soles give lots of support. I'm trying a pair of their slipons - so far so good.

Only trouble is that my girlfriend says Merrell's designs are lacking of a feminine taste. Naots have better female appeal, but does not do so well in rain.

[Makingthemove]

Just re-booting (ha ha) this topic.

I'll be moving to SG in August; came out in December while en route to Malaysian holiday, now moving properly.

Abiding memory of SG, amongst all sorts of other things, is packing such unsuitable footwear that my tootsies still bear the skid-blisters. Nearly died several times while walking from A to B on those smooth tiled sidewalks.

Any good tips on rainy footwear, esp sandals? I could wait till we move, i guess, but just thought some brands might be cheaper / more accessible while we're still in UK.

Thanks in advance from me and my feet.

[nakatago]

Just re-booting (ha ha) this topic.

I'll be moving to SG in August; came out in December while en route to Malaysian holiday, now moving properly.

Abiding memory of SG, amongst all sorts of other things, is packing such unsuitable footwear that my tootsies still bear the skid-blisters. Nearly died several times while walking from A to B on those smooth tiled sidewalks.

Any good tips on rainy footwear, esp sandals? I could wait till we move, i guess, but just thought some brands might be cheaper / more accessible while we're still in UK.

Thanks in advance from me and my feet.

From personal experience, Salomon footwear (looks under sole) and their Contragrip soles actually become grippier when wet.

I have very strong feelings about those smooth tiled sidewalks: http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ntopic82193.html

[nutnut]

Everyone's feet are different and as such shoes will be bette or worse for each person. For instance, Birkenstock sandles are not great for me as I have a slight pronation and they are too flat for me (the arch support in a birkenstock is nearly non existent) I use find it very tricky to wear sandles at all and wear new balance sports shoes a lot of times.

[the lynx]

Everyone's feet are different and as such shoes will be bette or worse for each person. For instance, Birkenstock sandles are not great for me as I have a slight pronation and they are too flat for me (the arch support in a birkenstock is nearly non existent) I use find it very tricky to wear sandles at all and wear new balance sports shoes a lot of times.

Agreed. Doesn't it annoy you when it rains because Birk's sandals actually collect the rain water!?

Anyway I go for Crocs and Camel, the sandals are right for women's taste, and it is comfortable for those arduously long walks...

[Makingthemove]

Thanks all. Nakatago, I read that thread with empathy a few weeks back,v funny. Or not.

I like those camels. Crocs make me look like a cartoon person. I think it'll be the Salomons that have the edge - I just need to cover my feet in sticky rubber, fly-like.

[JR8]

The clogs from Crocs are a crime against humanity, well, at least against good aesthetics.

But some of their designer tops on Crocs soles work very well. I have a pair from 2-3 years ago not disimilar to this, and they have given me very very good service so far... [plus note the open side vents, absolutely brilliant for the tropics]


http://www.crocs.co.uk/tideline-sport-l ... n-footwear

[Makingthemove]

Hmm, clever, JR8, these would do it. Who knew? I guess I was holding out for something that's still faintly girly. They probably have pink ones. Still: would rather go for comfort over, well, death any day.

Can't believe such a big chunk of my research into this move is going on something as trivial as footwear, but boy did it rain, and I really was clinging on to the walls and that was in just flip-flops, standard, old favourites. In the end I went barefoot. Wasn't a brilliant couple of days, all things considered...

[nutnut]

Hmm, clever, JR8, these would do it. Who knew? I guess I was holding out for something that's still faintly girly. They probably have pink ones. Still: would rather go for comfort over, well, death any day.

Can't believe such a big chunk of my research into this move is going on something as trivial as footwear, but boy did it rain, and I really was clinging on to the walls and that was in just flip-flops, standard, old favourites. In the end I went barefoot. Wasn't a brilliant couple of days, all things considered...

Unfortunately this is a gripe of many in Singapore, you just have to be sure footed but tentative (strange I know) when walking on wet tiles, make sure your flip flops have half decent treads on them (I have a pair of Crocs ones that have a decent tread) and don't wear them when they wear down to flat again.

Walking on wet pavements is part of life here, you will get used to it.

[the lynx]

The clogs from Crocs are a crime against humanity, well, at least against good aesthetics.

But some of their designer tops on Crocs soles work very well. I have a pair from 2-3 years ago not disimilar to this, and they have given me very very good service so far... [plus note the open side vents, absolutely brilliant for the tropics]


http://www.crocs.co.uk/tideline-sport-l ... n-footwear

Oh sorry I was referring to the sandal versions of Crocs. I myself wouldn't want to be caught dead in those silly clogs! And they are dangerous. I have seen few incidences where poor users got their feet stuck on escalator because the Crocs clogs was caught in between the steps.

Now I'm outside at site so I will definitely post a redeeming photo of those worthy Crocs sandals when I get my hands on my computer

[the lynx]

http://www.crocs.com.sg/womens-footwear ... SG,sc.html

Here, this is the one I was talking about. Very, very comfy. Minus the ugly bulk and the escalator-philic trait.

[sundaymorningstaple]

The clogs from Crocs are a crime against humanity, well, at least against good aesthetics.

But some of their designer tops on Crocs soles work very well. I have a pair from 2-3 years ago not disimilar to this, and they have given me very very good service so far... [plus note the open side vents, absolutely brilliant for the tropics]


http://www.crocs.co.uk/tideline-sport-l ... n-footwear

Thanks JR8. I've slipped once too often here and I've tried umpteen different types of soles. Can't stand the sight of normal Crocs, but those look pretty nice. I never realized Crocs made some sane looking shoes. I just order a pair of their Cove Sport moc-type shoe, same basic design but from Amazon US. Will see how they go. Props dude!

[nakatago]

Thanks all. Nakatago, I read that thread with empathy a few weeks back,v funny. Or not.

I like those camels. Crocs make me look like a cartoon person. I think it'll be the Salomons that have the edge - I just need to cover my feet in sticky rubber, fly-like.

You're welcome.

I'm not 100% sure but I think Salomon also makes sandals. To reiterate, my shoes have "contragrip." Check the soles when you're shopping.