Gear Picks
Need Go-To Casual Sandals? Start with Our Favorites
It’s summer—your feet yearn to be free. We rounded up the flip flops and slippers we keep coming back to.
Featured
$60.00
Outside columnist Jakob Schiller loves his Lowdown Flips because of their durability and comfort: “I’ve probably put over 400 miles on them,” he wrote. “Now the footbeds bear an imprint of my toes, the soles are slightly worn down, and the webbing is filthy. But they aren’t showing any signs of falling apart.”
$115.00
from Keen
Keen makes some of the most comfortable sandals we’ve tested and the Astoria West is no exception. While we wouldn’t wear these for thru-hiking, we like them as a daily driver and for casual day hikes. The grippy rubber sole kept us confident on wet rock. “Perfect for river hangouts,” one tester said.
$85.00
$45.00
47% off
In our Gear Guy’s test of the best men’s flip flops, he highlighted the Nohona Ulana’s classy vibe: “You could almost wear a pair in the office on a casual summer Friday,” he wrote. “On flat ground, the supple leather toe post and subtly contoured footbed made for the second most comfortable flip on this list.”
$65.00
from Moosejaw
For those who like the freedom of flip-flops but need more orthopedic support, these are the shoes for you. The sandals got top marks in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide for their cushioned, shock-absorbent footbed and deep heel cup. The uppers use recycled PET webbing that’s both stylish and comfortable.
$55.00
$35.00
from Keen
36% off
The Kona Flip-Flops are the perfect do-it-all summer sandal. The EVA-molded footbed gives comfort and structure while the outsole has high-traction reliability. In our review of summer flip flops last year, our tester especially liked “the fuller coverage of the poly webbing” and antimicrobial treatment.
All Gear
$99
$49
from REI
51% off
These gloves are a staple in columnist Jakob Schiller’s year-round gear rotation. “With a waxed and baked leather outer, waterproof-breathable membrane, and Thinsulate insulation, they’re great for frigid resort ski days while being breathable enough for long backcountry missions,” he writes. “Once summer rolls around, I use them to collect firewood or move burning logs in the campfire.”
$100
$75
from REI
25% off
One of our editors just bought on of these for use on family camping trips and swears by it. Why? No more hiding behind trees or being surprised by guests while going to the bathroom in busy areas. It has a steel hook for hanging a water bag and four drain holes so you can use it as a shower too. Plus, it’s a breeze to set up.
$500
$400
from REI
20% off
This version of the popular action cam was the one that finally converted one of our testers—a professional photographer—to add one to his kit. “It’s ideal for ultrarunners, mountain bikers, surfers, kayakers, scuba divers, dirt bikers, and climbers who want to dip their toes in pro-level photo and video editing, without dropping thousands to get their feet in the door.”
$40
$30
from REI
25% off
This trusty headlamp has gotten Outside editors through many adventures both close to home and far afield. It’s easy to use, compact, and runs on three AAA batteries (we like to use rechargeables). The red light mode is great for not blinding tent mates and the IPX8 waterproofing has proven itself time and again in downpours.
Sponsor Content
Revo Descend N
$199
Revo's best-selling Descend N glasses features NASA-based polarized lens technology with a rimless design with panoramic views for when you need to see it all.
$70
$56
from Backcountry
20% off
Once you try a changing poncho, you’ll never go back to a normal towel—they’re that useful. This 100 percent cotton number from Vissla is soft, absorbent, and makes swaps to bathing suits a breeze. And you can’t go wrong with the halcyon, ‘70s-inspired print.
$550
$330
from Outside Shop
40% off
You’d be hard pressed to find a better adventure companion than the Fenix 6. This do-everything GPS watch is packed with features for every kind of activity, whether in town or high in the mountains: wrist-based heart rate, a gajillion sport modes, smart notifications and of course, excellent navigation.
$200
$160.93
20% off
Worn by two Canadian marathon runners in the Tokyo Olympics, these road running shoes are known for their soft roll and comfortable upper. As one of our testers noted, "I was pleased to have these late in the test because they are a blend of many of the best qualities of super shoes with stride-lengthening zippiness paired with float, cushion, and an exceptionally comfortable upper."
$100
$70.97
29% off
Bring style and warmth to the campfire with the Poler Poncho. We love the fun color combos and the fact that it offers a kangaroo pouch pocket to keep your hands warm, plus two snap pockets to stash all your cargo. The Thermastuff synthetic insulation acts like a blanket but with a bonus hood for ultimate coziness. O+ members can also use their additional 10% off perk on top of the sale.
$150
$74.93
50% off
Stay safe and cool on the trails with this polycarbonate helmet. The Lightweight 360° size adjustment system, plus SPIN technology to reduce rotational motion during impact, allows riders to find a snug and exact fit for improved protection.
$189.99
$161.49
15% off
These durable, breathable, and ultra comfortable hiking boots are Biocircular, meaning they are made only using materials with 100% proven paths back to nature. They also feature deep 6.0mm tread lugs to support stability over rocky, loose desert terrain. Save 15% sitewide with the exclusive code OUTSIDEJUNE22.
Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. Whenever possible, we provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.