Vasque Flux Sandal : Tides to Trail

This May I spent 17 days in Hawaii, preparing for a 37-mile kayak race from the island of Molokai to Oahu; the World Championship of open-ocean racing.

This was my fifth crack at the famed Molokai Channel, so, in addition to logging lots of water time, I knew I'd be doing lots of walking from the hotel to the club where I stored my kayak. There was also a good chance that I'd get off-road at some point and do some hiking on or around Oahu's cliffs.

All of which posed quite the footwear challenge for a man with a modest-sized piece of luggage and a collection of sport shoes worthy of Imelda Marco's personal trainer.   Ultimately, I packed my Vasque Flux sandals for their versatility on the trail and in the water.

The Flux sandal's upper is a combination of synthetic leather and breathable "airmesh" nylon, which makes them quick-drying, lightweight, and cool. I like the contoured midsole, which gives me a bit of support, as well as the treaded Vibram outsole. The molded rubber toe cap is a nice bonus.

I wore my new Flux sandals with a thin pair of socks on the flight to Hawaii. I just cinched the locking drawstring, and strode purposefully toward my terminal. At airport security, it just took a second to remove them.

Cruising through the busy streets along Waikiki, the Flux were more comfortable and more efficient than flip flops. They gave me the support and traction I needed to negotiate the slanted deck of a 60-foot sailing catamaran during a postcard-perfect sail around Kailua Bay and to hike down a wet, rocky trail to a gorgeous waterfall in Manoa Valley.

Bottom LIne: From streambed to trail head, the Flux is a versatile shoe/sandal when you want your dogs to be both rugged and cool.--J.G. (June '07)

Price: $80

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