Would You Go 8 or 9 with Teva's?

[LesBrass]

I'm just courting ideas and seeking advice from anyone in the know? I'm going to buy some Teva sandals. I will still walk with my Saloman shoes but I'd like these as my second shoe... and I've been reading the 'sandals' thread with interest.

Last time I bought Keen Newport Sandals and I do like them, but I'm tempted by the Teva's as they are so open... and I like the idea of letting my toes be free I saw a few folks last year walking in them and they seemed to have positive things to say about them.

I've got a wide foot so I think I'll get the mans shoe and I've measured my foot, as they suggest, and it's 27cm long. This corresponds with an 8. Would you go with the 8? I went up a size with my Newports and I did find my foot moved around a bit? I went up with my Salomon shoe and that works.

If you've bought Teva's did you stick with your shoe size or go up a size?

Thanks in advance

 

[SYates]

You really need to try shoes/boots/sandals on before buying them, preferably in the afternoon when your feet are swollen. But as a hint, in elegant street shoes I am a size 38, in hiking shoes/boots/sandals a size 40... Buen Camino, SY

 

[LesBrass]

@SYates... I so wish I could try some on but I struggle to find them locally. I live in rural France although I'm not a million miles from Bordeaux. I honestly struggle to find the gear I want. It amazes me as France is a nation of walkers! My husband find's it easy to find his gear... but he's farily standard size. I'm tall for a woman in france, I struggle to buy any shoe here as they tend to stop at a 7 for ladies. And the trousers and tops are too short in the body... lucky me!

I've got GoSport, Intersport and Decathlon locally but they dont have any I can try. When I walked first in 2014, I really struggled to get a pair of boots. We went to Bordeaux in the end but I had horrible blisters from those before Pamplona and bought new Salomon's in Estella.

The biggest problem is that to test the boots/shoes you really need to do a few long walks... but they you cant send them back then if they're the wrong size... I have quite a collection of boots in my shoe cupboard now

 

[SYates]

@LesBrass Be brave and try on/out things in the mens section of Decathlon and similar - nobody will notice on the camino that you are 'crossdressing' When I go gear shopping I try first out shoes/boots and backpacks and walk around with them in the shop doing the rest of my browsing/shopping. Buen Camino, SY

 

[dougfitz]

@LesBrass, if you cannot get to try them on, then there is somewhat less risk with an open toed sandal where the length isn't quite right. You aren't going to have the problem of your toes coming in contact with the toe cap if they are too short that you would with a closed toe shoe or boot.

The choice of using an open toed sandal is raised from time to time, and I must admit to having gone the other way. I carried a pair of Merrell sandals in 2010, and swapped them for the Salomon Techamphibian, a light closed toe shoe, for 'evening wear' and around towns at the end of the day. I have used these shoes on every subsequent pilgrimage walk.

 

[LesBrass]

@SYates ... I'm already a crossdresser... fleece, jacket, shirts, t-shirts, socks and shoes

 

[SYates]

As you are in Decathlon country, have you tried those http://www.decathlon.fr/arpenaz-500-l-fresh-rose-id_8299100.html Available until 42 and my all time favourite hiking sandals. I have a high foot arc and a wide foot and they fit me very comfortably. Bon Chemin, SY

 

[LesBrass]

As you are in Decathlon country, have you tried those http://www.decathlon.fr/arpenaz-500-l-fresh-rose-id_8299100.html Available until 42 and my all time favourite hiking sandals. I have a high foot arc and a wide foot and they fit me very comfortably. Bon Chemin, SY

I've not tried those, I have tried a few of their sandals for just general wear and they're a bit on the narrow side but I'm looking for a shoe to wear at home so maybe I'll get a pair and try them out

 

[Anemone del Camino]

My traditional size was an 8 but with age I now wear a 9 in proper shoes. My Camino Salomon are a 9.5. Just looked at my old Tevas and they are an 8. I can still wear them, although the big toe sticks out a bit. Because Tevas can be worn even with toes sticking out, I would not go a size up from what you now are. If I were to order a new pair I would order a 9.

 

[Robo]

A really tough call. It comes down to personal fit and comfort in the end.

I bought my Saloman boots a full size bigger and they were great. But of course this was to allow for 2 sock layers and feet swelling.

I'm not sure the same logic applies for sandals. I bought Teva's as my backup footwear, to use around town at night and for waking if my boots gave me problems. I never needed to walk in them.

Personally I don't think I could walk in Sandals, but that's just me. I really need the ankle and heel support that boots give me and I also use orthotics that I swap extra wedges in and out of. Not really possible with Sandals. I used my sandals everyday to walk around town, often with socks for warmth and just to avoid chaffing. Which was never actually a problem.

As for Sandal size, I bought my regular size. The key for me was where my toes came to. I id not want to 'bang' my toes. So I made sure there was about 10-15 mm 'extra' sole sticking out under my toes.

Afternote. Again a very personal preference. But I would not even walk in shoes. There were at least 2 or 3 times, had I been wearing boots rather than shoes, I would have twisted an ankle. IMHO shoes would be fine walking say from Sarria to Santiago. But for those earlier climbs and descents on the CF on rough rocky ground. No way. But that's just me.

 

[alipilgrim]

I'm normally a 7.5 in shoes, my hiking shoes are 8.5, and my Tevas are a 7....

 

[Kanga]

@LesBrass that's interesting advice by @alipilgrim . As you are looking at the man's size I'd be inclined to go with the size 8 (no responsibility taken!) because you want the arch and the toe "break" to be in the right place. I'm with DougFitz that the length is not quite so critical in open toed sandals as in shoes, although you don't want your toes right at the end of the sole.

They should be pretty much "instantly" comfortable - you could wear them around inside the house for an hour or so and if no good return them. Which I know is a pain by mail order but at least you get your money back.

 

[19SY69]

I'm just courting ideas and seeking advice from anyone in the know? I'm going to buy some Teva sandals. I will still walk with my Saloman shoes but I'd like these as my second shoe... and I've been reading the 'sandals' thread with interest.

I have both Salamon (X Ultra) and Teva sandals. Like you I have a wide foot, but I didn't buy the man shoes. The size of my shoes and sandals were both 39.

 

[nidarosa]

On my first Camino in 2009 I had taken all the advice on sizing on board - I thought. So I'd bought shoes and sandals the same size, a bit bigger than my usual size. For shoes that worked, for sandals not so much! In sandals you don't need the extra room at the front for going downhill, and if your sandals are too long the risk of catching the ground and almost falling over your own feet increases ... . I too have Salomon X Ultra shoes and Teva Terra Fi sandals, sizes 40.5 and 39 respectively. The velcro straps make it easy to accommodate swelling and also socks-in-sandals, which is considered Camino Chic.

 

[wonzi]

I love my Merrill boots but I also love my Teva sandals. This year, (2015) I walked Le Puy to Santiago and discarded my boots at the beginning due to an awful odor. Found out when I got home that I could just change the inserts! Duh! So, I walked the rest of the way in my sandals - sometimes with socks and most of the time without. Never a problem and never a blister. I wore the same size as I would if I were home. Love my Tevas. But, as I plan this year's walk, I have already bought my new Merrill's and will bring my Tevas again.

 

[grumerz]

Intriguingly, the information you seek is about equipment already at hand. While I have yet to walk on my first Camino, active preparation has included regular lengthy walking in both Salomon 4D 2 GTX's (w/orange insoles,) and Teva sandals with the protective forefoot. In the hiking boots, I soon needed a larger size, (12 to 13,) as the feet swelled soon after beginning the regimen. The new arrangement has been great. The Teva's, however, have been fully satisfactory in my regular shoe size. As these sandals have a built in "give," with the elastic lacing system and fabric itself, they have comfortably accommodated my feet and there have been no issues with the quit open toe box, or width. Buen Camino.

 

[Devon Mike]

I love my Merrill boots but I also love my Teva sandals. This year, (2015) I walked Le Puy to Santiago and discarded my boots at the beginning due to an awful odor. Found out when I got home that I could just change the inserts! Duh! So, I walked the rest of the way in my sandals - sometimes with socks and most of the time without. Never a problem and never a blister. I wore the same size as I would if I were home. Love my Tevas. But, as I plan this year's walk, I have already bought my new Merrill's and will bring my Tevas again.

What a waste of good boots wonzi!!

I wash my insoles and socks every day with all my other stuff, and this year, having walked 49 days I never had a problem with odour....

 

[t2andreo]

I think Kanga, IMHO, has the best overall approach. She is spot-on regarding Decathlon.

If the Decathlon women's hiking sandals do not work for you as they are narrow, go over to the men's aisle and try those. Failing that, look for the young men's aisle or sizes. You should start seeing sizes for males starting at about 38 - 39, if I recall correctly.

Also, in my experience, larger Decathlon stores typically carry a larger range of styles and sizes. Consider that, as most Quechua (Decathlon's house brand) shoes and sandals are made in Asia, the standard last (model) sizes tend to run narrower.

Please do wear the same socks, or none, that you plan to walk in to gauge the fit of the sandals. In some cases the lateral (side-to-side) adjustments offered on most sandals can compensate for a smaller, but wider foot.

If you are set on buying a "name brand" sandal, I recommend visiting the manufacturer's web site to see if the description of the model you are interested in contains any information regarding how that style runs (large or small). For example, check this on one likely Teva model:

http://www.teva.com/women-sandals/n...-descending&sz=12&start=08&cgid=women-sandals

While the manufacturer is unclear about how true the size runs, you can sometimes use the comments and reviews people submit to help guide your choice. Also, Teva includes Q & As for each shoe / sandal. So that is also helpful.

I use Keen shoes and hiking sandals, as their lasts seem to most accurately replicate my feet. Their web site will inform you, by model, and in the description of the shoe / sandal if the shoe/ sandal runs one half size "LARGE or SMALL."

Using that guidance, you can better gauge you fit as you try these shoes/boots on "in the field." Also, knowing this about the shoes / sandals you ultimately buy is critical if you intend to shop over the internet.

I hope this helps.

 

[LesBrass]

Hello folks - thank you all so much for the recommendations. I'm going to take the advice and stick with my own shoe size.

@t2andreo ... I wish it was that simple My son is at Lycee in Perigueux so I'm there every week and it has a few big sports shops. Decathlon are great for many things but not shoes for me. As well as being a UK 8 I'm also a 4E wide... a Devon girl with pasties for feet! I've just not found the shoes that fit... I suspect that's down to my pasties and not their shoes.

Before my first camino I think I was in the local stores every other day but I just couldn't find a suitable shoe... which sounds crazy... but sadly true. I have 4 pairs that I bought and tried and couldn't take back.. but I also bought lots of others that I knew after a day or two at home wouldn't work and took these back. In the end we went to a specialist shop in Bordeaux but I still ended up ditching these (marmot's) and sending them on to Santiago... I was introduced to Salomon's in Estella and they were brilliant. I bought another pair for my second camino and I'm going to buy another pair for september. I just hope they don't change the shoe!

I bought and love my Keen Newports/Whispers but I made the mistake of going up a size and I cant use them for long distance walks as my foot does move too much. I've seen so many folks walking with Teva's I thought I would give them a go... but I didn't want to make the same mistake... my salomon's do need to be bigger... maybe I should try going barefoot

I think I'll email Teva's and ask them about the footbed width... There's nothing on their website that I can see. Hopefully they can tell me which I should buy. But at least now I know I'm getting Teva's in an 8

Thanks again folks... what a helpful bunch of people you are!

 

[Bajaracer]

Go for a long walk first or towards the end of the day when you've been on your feet all day and they are swelled up a bit to get the best fit when trying on new footwear.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Go for a long walk first or towards the end of the day when you've been on your feet all day and they are swelled up a bit to get the best fit when trying on new footwear.

She can't try them on, she must order them, hence her post.

 

[dougfitz]

As well as being a UK 8 I'm also a 4E wide

I feel for you. I go to the local sports shoe retailers and admire the enormous range of shoes on the wall, but as soon as I ask which they have in a 44/45 and 4E fitting, there are suddenly only one or two options left to choose from.

 

[LesBrass]

I feel for you. I go to the local sports shoe retailers and admire the enormous range of shoes on the wall, but as soon as I ask which they have in a 44/45 and 4E fitting, there are suddenly only one or two options left to choose from.

You would have no chance in France

I did look at the New Balanc shoe, which on the US site has different width fittings, including 4E. But on the UK and French sites they seem to just have the 2E. I did email them in 2014 and ask about it but they simply said it was down to demand? Maybe American's have wider feet?

Interestingly... my foot is as wide around as it is long

 

[Anemone del Camino]

You would have no chance in France

I did look at the New Balanc shoe, which on the US site has different width fittings, including 4E. But on the UK and French sites they seem to just have the 2E. I did email them in 2014 and ask about it but they simply said it was down to demand? Maybe American's have wider feet?

Interestingly... my foot is as wide around as it is long

Feet get wider as people weigh more... Maybe the markets are different

 

[LesBrass]

Feet get wider as people weigh more... Maybe the markets are different

eek... what does that say about me? Although I do remember have wide feet for as long as I can remember... as a little girl I wanted the pretty shoes but they were never wide enough

 

[dougfitz]

Feet get wider as people weigh more

I would be interested to see the evidence for this, and whether there are other factors correlated with wider foot width.

 

[t2andreo]

I found that feet are generally unique to the person. The models / lasts used to form shoe and sandal uppers are meant to be generic representations of feet. However, I have found that shoes made in Europe GENERALLY have a foot shape different that that in Asia or South America, where most shoes are now made.

I suspect that, originally, shoe makers created lasts for their customers. Back in the day, those customers tended to be grouped by region or country. So, particular brands of shoes have locality-unique lasts. Presently, we have a global economy. You can literally get shoes or sandals sourced anywhere in the world, if you are willing to pay.

In my experience, I found, through decades of trial and error that the lasts use by Mephisto most closely match the Italian-American sourced genealogy of MY feet. I refer to my feet as being "European" in shape. I do have problems buying shoes made in Asia, similar to what LesBrass mentions. I opine that the last shapes are simply different.

So, the answer is to shop around. The more "unique" your feet are, the more challenging it can be, as Les Brass has discovered.

I hope this helps the dialog.

 

[LesBrass]

My second toe is also longer than my big toe

 

[J F Gregory]

I like Teva Sandals. I have worn them on many trips. I have worn them in Europe and in the forests of West Africa hiking many miles in rain and mud. They are my seconds for my Camino.

 

[Walli Walker]

My Salomon boots are 9 1/2 and my Teva sandals are 9. I love my Tevas and walk in them a lot. Wouldn't do a camino without them.

 

[LesBrass]

Just a little update on my Teva's. I emailed Teva and ask for their advice too and they said buy your correct size... but I did order a man's fit as it's slightly wider.

They arrived today and I'm very glad I didn't go up a size with the Teva. They seem to fit me just right although I have to give them a proper test... but I'm happy with my purchase

 

[BucketBabe]

@SYates ... I'm already a crossdresser... fleece, jacket, shirts, t-shirts, socks and shoes

Me too! The women's stuff is higher priced, usually. The gender tax issue is real! And since it's men's stuff, I can get it in gray and black not purple and pink so the pieces are much easier to match up in all of my outdoor activities.