So folks today I wanna talk about this Reef sandals thing. Grabbed my pair after seeing some ads online – looked cool for summer walks. Figured I’d put ’em through the wringer.
The Starting Point
Ordered mine online since the local shops didn’t have my size. Showed up in this plastic bag – no fancy box or nothin’. First impression? Felt lighter than my old flip-flops. Bottom had these wavy patterns, kinda like tire tracks. Figured that’s for grip. Toe post? Thin little strap – thought it might dig in later.
The First Wobbly Steps
Slapped ’em on right after opening. That footbed felt… sticky? Like walking on warm maple syrup. Weird at first. Took ’em to my usual dog walking route – concrete sidewalks, some grass patches, those bumpy brick paths downtown.
What hit me quick:
- Shoe stayed glued to my foot okay, didn’t feel floppy
- Heel part cushioned the sidewalk smacks better than expected
- After 20 minutes? Bottom of my feet started tingling. Not painful, just… awake
Pushed ‘Em Further
Got cocky next day. Tried that 3 mile park loop I usually do in sneakers. Sun beating down, sandals got hot against the blacktop. Hit that one mile mark and uh oh.
Reality check time:
- Right between my big toe? Stinging. Thin toe strap rubbing a blister raw
- Arch? Basically non-existent. My foot’s middle part started aching bad
- Stopped twice to adjust straps – kept feeling loose then tight
Finished the walk looking like a grumpy crab walking on hot coals. Hobbled back to my door feeling every single pebble through that rubber sole.
The Fix Attempts
Figured maybe I set myself up for failure. Asked that foot-nurse cousin of mine (knows his stuff). His tips:
- “Break those things in SLOW, dummy. Don’t marathon out the gate”
- “Wear socks first few times – looks stupid but saves your skin”
- “Get insoles if your feet aren’t boards – Reefs ain’t built for curves”
Tried the sock thing. Felt ridiculous doing groceries but hey, no new blisters. Added cheap arch supports from the drugstore – helped that middle-foot ache some.
So Where They Stand?
Two weeks later? They’re fine for quick stuff. Grabbing mail, walking the dog around the block, beach-to-bar type deals. But forget actual distance. My feet told me loud and clear – these ain’t your walking shoes. Great for kicking around casually, zero support for pounding pavement. Learned my lesson: don’t trust beachwear to hike miles.