Rated 5 out of 5 by FandSD Explorer sandals, well worth the price.
My new Explorer sandals are the most comfortable sandals I have ever owned since the days of the original Tevos. These, however, rival Tevos for overall comfort. I have worn them every day since they arrived as a birthday gift (thanks, Honey!). They have undergone a few washings after being in the mud and dust, and they look good as new. I will certainly put them to use this summer as we go hiking. Overall, an excellent value!
April 26, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by AvidAdventurer Some excellent footwear
I purchased an earlier version these shoes about one and a half years ago and wear them very frequently, sometimes everyday if it is warm enough. The only difference between the current ones offered and the ones I own is the adjustible heel strap. My shoes have plenty of tread left and are still very comfortable. They dry quickly and clean easily. The simple straps and plastic hook have not broken or chipped. The only downside would be that small rocks can enter the shoe if hiking on a gravel path, but this is remedied with a solid shake. I highly recommend to anyone who loves in a place with a lot of sunshine and values comfort and flexibility.
February 6, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Wagnerbean Have two of the original version.
I wanted to buy the current "improved" (adjustable back strap) version, but it's not available in my size right now. I hope they become available for me in the spring, even if they don't have the back strap pull up loop of the older version, which I think I'd prefer.
December 9, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 Disappointing design changes from 2011 version
The Explorers I bought in 2011 have been the best sandals I've ever owned -- light, flexible, comfortable and easy to put on barefoot or with socks. I've used them in every season for casual dress to canoeing to camping.
Wanting a second pair just for canoeing, I sadly found the 2012 Explorer model to have several "improvements", all of which make the sandal worse and less comfortable for me.
First, there is now an adjustable rear velcro strap that was completely unnecessary on the 2011 version, and that is uncomfortable and cuts into the foot. The 2011 model had a larger and more comfortable pad on the back.
Second, the sandal is now more difficult to get on because the velcro back strap does not stretch like the older model, and who wants to open and close scratchy velcro to put on a sandal. The pull loop on the 2011 back pad has been eliminated, increasing the difficulty of putting on the sandal.
Third, velcro in a SANDal is an oxymoron. It is the worst material for picking up and retaining sand.
Finally, the 2012 model has more rubber, has a thicker and less flexible sole, and is heavier and bulkier. I cannot get my instep flat under my canoe seat with this less flexible sole.
Oh, and the price went up $10.
Still a better value than the overpriced Keen's, but I'm on the fence as to whether to return these and hope for a return to the past in the future.
October 9, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by jaqs Great all-round sandal
Bought a pair for my 18 yr old son in February 2011. He loved them and wore them everywhere-hiking, swimming, kayaking, to school. He also wore them all year long as we live in Florida where you can do that. Imagine his distress when he caught them on a branch and the ankle strap pulled out of the shoe. I called customer service and they are sending him a new pair!
September 28, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by baddog054 Excellent value
It took a little while for these to break in, but they have become extremely comfortable and I wear them often. I used them as a water shoe on a rafting trip this summer and they were excellent for that.
September 26, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by mont Great Sandal
Last season bought a pair of these sandal. Took me forever to get them on as I have a wide foot. Once the struggle was over, they were the most comfortable sandals ever. This season LL Bean offered a huge improvement in their design with the back strap. WOW what a delight, the struggle is over, they go on with ease and are still the most comfortable sandals ever
September 13, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by Polarboyz Broken w/1st use
Heel strap broke after 1st use. Returned for refund for Keen brand sandal. Poor stitching.
September 6, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Backerpacker Shoes
Best shoes I have ever bought. You put them off and you nerer want to take them off...
September 1, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by bigdaddygoding bummed out
this is my 2nd pair in two weeks both of them broke in the back wear you put the back strap on grrr i was on a hike 2 miles in when it broke the 2nd one broke on the 2nd day i had them walking around my house i read the reviews thats why i got them boy they where wrong
August 15, 2012