More Shoes Questions - laceless

[Dustin07]

I got a pair of hey dudes not long ago because I had a huge discount so I gave them a try. I found the padding in them to be awesome for my PF, and I was able to throw down as much as 8 miles of walking a day in these simple slip on shoes on a recent vacation.

I'm looking forward to 2025 and am researching similar shoes that might be more outdoor appropriate. Specifically very very short hikes. like....1 mile. maybe 2. we are going to be travelling with my wife's aunt and uncle who are in their 70s. they are big lovers of the outdoors and nature hikes, but I do not foresee a 5 mile hike with them.

I've come across Olukai and Astral Loyak. Here's what I'm thinking:

1. I like to pack as minimal as possible when I fly. so I want to wear these shoes on the plane, but also when walking in the outdoors.
2. they might get wet, so I want to make sure they don't get ruined, and should dry reasonably well
3. (I prefer to ONLY pack sandals if possible in the carry on since they pack flat).
4. I love my hey dudes, and honestly have contemplated just getting a black pair in case they get muddy but figured for the price, maybe there is a better shoe out there.

any advice/thoughts?

 

[Dustin07]

The main trip I have in mind is a Costa Rica trip we have been planning for about 13 months already. we are going in early 2025 so I know we could face some mud and wet ness but I really really want to not bring a bunch of extra shoes if possible lol

I'm also making an effort in my life to eliminate laces wherever possible. next time I replace my dress/work/office shoes, it will be loafers. I'm done with having laces snap on me at 5am in the morning while I'm getting dressed

 

[AwakeningAlpha]

This might be way off what you are looking for but I went through all kinds of shoes and padding to remedy my PF and found that the opposite, minimal shoes, actually helped the most. Merrels have been my favorite.

These have laces but you dont have to tie them just slip on the shoes. I love these for travel as they pack down easy, and are leather which lends them to active or casual wearing. Very little padding though: https://www.merrell.com/US/en/vapor...barefoot&prefn1=isOnSale&prefv1=false&start=1

If those are too minimal these are nice for hiking and PF. Bit more padding : https://www.merrell.com/US/en/trail...barefoot&prefn1=isOnSale&prefv1=false&start=1

 

[rodefeeh]

I tried on a pair of those Olukai and they are definitely not for me. I have narrower thin feet. There was a lot of extra room in the shoe which made it feel clunky. Plus I thought the shoe was fairly heavy for a slip on.

 

[Dustin07]

f those are too minimal these are nice for hiking and PF. Bit more padding : https://www.merrell.com/US/en/trail...barefoot&prefn1=isOnSale&prefv1=false&start=1

might be worth checking to see if REI has stock then so I could try them on. I do have a pair of Merrel hiking boots that I've had for years and are still looking like new, but they're so thick and heavy I didn't want to wear them on a 20hr travel day with airplanes and stuff. these look a lot more comfortable.

my last trip I knew I was risking it with just my hey dudes, but they worked out really well and it was nice having such a comfortable shoe on the airplane.

I tried on a pair of those Olukai and they are definitely not for me. I have narrower thin feet. There was a lot of extra room in the shoe which made it feel clunky. Plus I thought the shoe was fairly heavy for a slip on.

hmm that's good feedback. I'm not sure how that would effect me, historically I have leaned towards wider shoes like vans, airwalks, and my cowboy boots are wide, but I've never actually like... measured my foot against someone elses to verify that it is indeed wide....

 

[AwakeningAlpha]

might be worth checking to see if REI has stock then so I could try them on. I do have a pair of Merrel hiking boots that I've had for years and are still looking like new, but they're so thick and heavy I didn't want to wear them on a 20hr travel day with airplanes and stuff. these look a lot more comfortable.

The ones I linked I own, wear daily and are VERY light and packable. Especially the Vapors, moreso than dudes or sandals even. Only thing to be aware of on the Vapors is the minimal padding, which at first I thought would hurt my feet - but actually ended up helping because I walk better/more consciously in them. Easy to add your favorite insoles too, if you find you want a little more.

Costa Rica is awesome. Have fun!