“am going to look a t some open toe models.”

This is just my point of view, but may I suggest getting it 3/8” to 1/2" bigger? This has saved me from stubbed toes even while bushwhacking. It also gives some room for extra sock layers if needed.

I am partial to the Tevas (though not all models fit) because of their wide foot base (though my foot is narrow), and very good lateral support. This has saved me from twisted ankles. With Tevas, I cannot walk on their sides. This is a good test to predict future/possible ankle twists with footwear. This is a test I perform in the store and it might look funny.

And to JAK’s point below “I have also looked at some trail running sandals but am thinking that sticks could be an issue even if I wore socks. I've had same nasty jabs from time to time.”

I haven’t had any nasty jabs (knock on wood). A coolmax sock is a great help. Initially I wore a Teva Huricane II for a few years backpacking. I always bought them for $20. I would get stuff between foot and sandal. About once/hour I would stick my finger down between sandal and foot and flick out the twig or rock. I got this down to a science of doing it in stride while using trekking poles. In fact, I just thought this was just part of sandal territory. But with all the other blessings sandals brought (being very healthy for the feet), I just lived with this annoyance; and then I discovered the tera-fi2 ($50! I’m moving up in the world!). That sandal usually didn’t pick up twigs or rocks. I think it’s because of the side ridge height. About once/day I would still do a quick flick. But this is also common with my boot buddies because eventually, they get a pebble down their boot. But I’m able to recover faster <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

And to Matt’s point “They kind of just look like they'd let my feet slip around a little too much for my liking”. I wear tennis shoes (cross-trainer Nike’s) for tennis, handball, and basketball. But after trying those sports in tera-fi2’s, that is my preferred sport foot-wear because I have much better lateral hold.

May everyone find their foot zen <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-Barry