Sperry has a great variety of shoes on the market. The first pair I had was the SON-R Bungee. It is a fantastic shoe that works well for hiking, but made specifically for being durable and comfortable going in and out of water. I used them for many months taking them canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. However, the one complaint I did have was they can get rocks in them from openings in the side of the shoes.
Once they are in, they are tough to get out, and it hurts. So Sperry designed a similar shoe that covers the whole foot while still allowing water and air to pass in and out freely. It is called the SON-R Buckle.
I had the perfect place to test this new shoe, the narrows in Zion National Park. I took the full 16-mile hike, which includes a lot of going in and out of water, rocks, and sand. The recommendation for going through the narrows is a high top shoe for ankle support. I believe more in stability and confidence in your own step instead of relying on a shoe for ankle support. That does require, however, that the sole be sturdy enough that you can put your full weight onto a spot and not have the rock stick sharply into your foot through the shoe. These shoes did just that. It is incredible how they are designed having a soft mesh top to stay snug on your foot, and a hard, durable bottom that can take a beating. I lasted the whole trip without any foot pains, and was likely the most comfortable not having to take off wet hiking shoes and socks at the end of the day. I believe I was the only one in my group with dry shoes in the morning after waking up as well. Best part is, I didn’t get any rocks in my shoes, not one. I know these shoes would perform just as well in all the other activities I took the Bungee shoes on. They are very comfy and resilient. I highly recommend shopping at Sperry for some great hiking shoes. Check it out at www.sperrytopsider.com.
Listed below are the features listed on Sperry’s website.
- Metatarsal Pods improve sensory feedback delivering information from the ground through your feet to your brain
- Hydro-Grip Rubber Outsole provides excellent traction on various surfaces
- Breathable Hydrophobic Meshes promote quick drying
- Anti-Microbial Linings minimize odor
- Internal Drainage improves comfort and promotes a quicker drying shoe
- MSRP: $90.00