Adventuring in Socks & Sandals
We could sing the praises of socks and sandals for paragraphs; in fact, we already have (check out Socks & Sandals: From Why?! To How-To). With the tips from that blog, you may be embracing this style, from workweek to weekend wine tasting—or, you may be backing slowly away.
Regardless of where you stand on wearing socks and sandals in public spaces, we guarantee you’ll love wearing them in the great outdoors. Socks and sandals are for ideal spring, summer, and fall adventures. They resist blisters and goosebumps. They’re versatile for temperature swings, which means you only have to pack one lightweight shoe. All this, plus comfort, support, and traction. Socks and sandals really are a beautiful thing, regardless of how they may look to the beholder.
Read on to discover a few of the ways our fans adventure in socks and sandals. It may just inspire your next outdoor escape.
FOR THE HEIGHT OF SUMMER
“Here in the spring, the temps can swing 40 degrees during a single day; from 40 early in the morning to over 80 in the afternoon. Instead of two pairs of shoes, I just bring socks and Newport sandals! They work like adventure shoes, letting me rig the highline on sharp rocks on the edge of the cliff with confidence and letting my feet breathe later in the day when it heats up.” – KEEN Ambassador and fan Ari Delashmutt; Central Oregon
COMFORT HAS NO BOUNDARIES
“In the Himalayas, you experience massive swings in temperatures. When the sun is out at the lower elevations, it is downright hot! But if a cloud comes over or when the sun goes away, it can drop 20-30 degrees. Socks and sandals lets me be adaptable to the changing temps and it keeps my feet happy while at base camp.” – KEEN Ambassador and fan Caroline Gleich; Cho Oyu Base Camp, Tibet
KEEP IT LIGHT
“Nothing beats flip flops after a long day of walking. Socks and flip flops are just another way to keep the loads light and the tootsies warm. On this trip I just brought flip-flops, but my favorite combo is a pair of UNEEK sandals with socks.” – KEEN Ambassador and fan Christian Santelices; Kagbeni, Nepal
MOUNTAIN PICNIC CHIC
“Socks and sandals go together like peanut butter and honey. Packing a picnic and hanging out on the dock for ‘docktails’ has become a part of life for many in the Truckee area. Socks and sandals make it warm, comfy, stylish and versatile. Plus, spring in California throws a lot of weather our way and being ready for variable temperatures in the mountains is critical to enjoying good times.” – KEEN Ambassador and fan Nick Greece; with Caroline Schou at Donner Lake, California
The socks and sandals theory is a solid one because it all comes back to comfort.
SANDAL SEASON FOREVER
“As an Aussie, I feel that my true calling in footwear is wearing sandals as much as possible even when the temps are coolish outside. The socks and sandals theory is a solid one because it all comes back to comfort. Even though the desert in Utah can get hot throughout the day, at this time of year, it's surprisingly cool in the mornings and early evenings and socks are an easy adjustment to adapt to the fluctuating temperatures!” – KEEN Ambassador and fan Krystle Wright; Moab, UT
JULY LAYERS
“A reality of living in the Pacific Northwest is that April showers often linger well into July. To comfortably adventure in these parts, layering is key. For me, socks and sandals came out of necessity to warm my tired, wet tootsies. It’s just a bonus that I look stylish AF." – Lori, KEEN employee and fan; Juntura, Oregon
HAPPY BIKE FEET
“After riding to work with my sandals on one day, I had the idea that they might be a good choice for the 55-mile charity ride, being a little stiffer and substantial with a sticky sole so I wouldn't slip off my pedals. My feet were happy the entire ride. The socks were added for the slip factor--my feet get sweaty in those sandals without socks!” – Amber (left), KEEN employee and fan; Oregon Coast
“I usually mountain bike in my running shoes. But since my son and I were biking along the Deschutes River—and I packed my Tenkara fly fishing rod in my backpack so we could stop and fish a bit—socks and sandals seemed way more practical. The socks would keep my feet warmer and keep the dust out while on the trail, and I could always take them off once I was at the river. Perfect grip on my pedals and way more comfy than I thought!” – Ginny (right), KEEN employee and fan; Sunriver, Oregon
WE’VE DECLARED A HOLIDAY
We went all-in for Socks & Sandals—so much so that we’ve declared a month-long holiday. To follow the fun, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
For extra comfort, add KEEN socks, which not only offer a left and right fit, but also the KEEN Wunderseam (the seam is under your toes, not on top of them). Or, check out our Socks & Sandals Matchmaker: For Women or For Men.