Women's Sandals - Aetrex or Abeo?

I have Abeo and they are comfortable and holding up very well. I have narrow feet.

I have some abeos that I like, but I’ve recently discovered Viakix. They have phenomenal support (I need both firm arch and cushioning). They feel a lot like Tiva Tirra and Verra soles). Some models have four or five adjustable straps. I’m taking some on a trip to the Blue Ridge mountains and NYC this summer. I think they’ll be great for light hiking and city walking.

I recently wore my Aetrex Jillian sandals on 2 RS tours, walking 5-12 miles per day and absolutely loved them. They became my primary shoes over the 3 weeks.

The arch support was perfect for me. I loved being able to adjust the velcro straps, especially across my toes, to keep them snug. I never got any blisters.

I did wear them in quite a bit on daily walks before the trip.

I should add that the walking I did was uphill and downhill, on city streets, cobblestones, gravel paths and dirt paths.

I never thought once about my feet hurting. In fact the opposite. They're insanely comfortable.

The soles are beginning to show light wear. The cork, insoles and straps are in barely worn condition.

I just took Aestrex sandals to Greece. I have been having foot problems and late realized the sandals I had taken to Italy now made my feet ache. I had Aestrex orthodics I taped onto those sandals and my feet felt fine. So just before I left I ordered some sandals.
I never wore them really before I went and they worked really well. I have wide feet and the adjustable straps were wonderful. The arch support made a huge difference.

I have never tried Abeo so cannot compare.

I haven’t tried either brand, but I am always looking for a new walking sandal that are comfortable to walk 5-10 miles. I also like the look of the Aetrex Jillian. Thanks for the recommendations so far.

Suko, what was the Abeo style that worked well for your narrow feet?

I have an older pair of Keen sandals I was planning to take if I can't find a similar pair before I go. As a clutz, I appreciate the closed two and lace to tighten for my narrow feet. I also really like that it doesn't hurt them to get wet! However, the brands mentioned have a dressier look. I have narrow feet and have had some foot issues in the past.

Thanks!

I just remembered that when I ordered my Aetrex Jillian sandals, I received the American size 7.5 that I ordered. However, the product detail page shows the EU size as 38 and they arrived as 37.5. I communicated with customer service and they would have allowed me to return them. Excellent. But they fit so well I decided to keep them, which has obviously worked out well. And now I'll shop for 37.5.

If you're shopping by EU sizes, you may wish to confirm in advance which precise size you'll be getting as they told me they primarily go by US sizes.

ETA: I just chatted with Aetrex online customer service. They confirmed the Jillian sandals run in US sizes whereas other of their shoes run true to EU sizes. [OK, but I still don't understand why the EU size listing can't also be correct. Perhaps their product detail pages have to support both variations and they're incompatle so fixing one breaks the other. ]

I have Abeo sandals. They are about 3 years old and holding up. The footbed is supportive with a nice arch. They are the only sandal I own. My feet have never hurt after wearing them, but I feel more tired if they are my day’s shoe. I have worn them all day walking, but find I prefer all day touring in an athletic shoe for numerous reasons (2 Abeos athletic shoes and now Brooks) so I might not be a good source. I find a shoe/sneaker covers all the bases for me versus just a good footbed with straps. I say this not to dissuade you, but so you know I am not a sandal person to begin with…but I only wear these IF l wear sandals so they are very good. Good luck sifting through my evaluation. LOL

@CWsocial — I was curious about trying a 7.5 in Aetrex. It’s my typical size, but the shoe store I went to only had 37 and 38. I ended up with a 37 (size 7). I found the 38 to be perfectly comfortable, but looked a bit long. I found it curious how the website advertised US size 7.5 but called it 37, in addition to calling the size 7 a 37.
I’m glad the 37 fit, because there was another pair of sandals I wanted to order, but they were out of US 7.5 online. I was hopeful that the in-person shoe store here might have them, but I figured at the very least I could get an idea of which size fit.

For reference on size to anyone else who is curious: I also wear a 37 in a pair of cork Birkenstocks, and a 38 in a pair of the all-rubber Gizeh Birkenstock.

@Beth — Viakix are cute! I may give them a try if my Chacos ever fail. Have you ever tried Chacos? I love mine with the toe strap, but sometimes hassling with the adjustable straps that move ever so slightly over time is a bit annoying. However, it’s a double-edged sword, as the fully adjustable straps are also superb for a perfect fit every time.
I hope the Viakix work fabulously for you!

@Wray - thank you! That is helpful! I also prefer doing lots of walking in a good sneaker, but I tend to regret that choice if it’s hot. And though I tried to shop for more shorts, I ended up with several skirts & dresses, so I’m prioritizing fashion a bit. We’ll see if I regret it. Only one way to learn, right?

And if anyone is looking to buy a pair of Aetrex, the link below should get your $20 off your purchase:

http://rwrd.io/ss1gxn3?c

Wow, a bonus I just noticed when I looked at the return information on a pair of sandals I ordered from Aetrex:
They let you wear the sandals for 30 days before returning!
I ordered some with a toe post that I wasn’t sure about, but since I can wear them around, and THEN decide if I like them or not, that’s pretty great!