The weather has suddenly taken on an autumnal feel lately. While the summer heat had me heading out for canyoning or high-altitude peaks, the season has now arrived where you can enjoy comfortable hikes on lower mountains as well. Lower mountains allow for more leisure time while out in nature, so I’ve been enjoying a relaxed hiking style: cooking and eating "mountain meals" I don't usually bother with, taking naps, and so on. And above all, the mountains at this time of year are quiet and absolutely wonderful.
This brings me to my current obsession: hiking in BEDROCK SANDALS. Man, these are seriously good! I’m sure some people think, "Sandals, really?" In fact, I sometimes get odd looks from people I pass on the trail, or even comments like, "Wait, you made it this far in sandals? Are you okay?" To be honest, I thought the same thing at first.
About five years ago, when I was hiking Mt. Myoko and Mt. Hiuchi, I saw a young guy trekking in sandals while carrying a massive 70–80L pack. While I initially thought, "Wow, is he going to be okay?", I also realized, "Man, this kid is incredibly cool!" I felt then that it’s truly important to enjoy the mountains in your own style, rather than being confined to conventions.
After about 10 years of mountain climbing, my own style has gradually taken shape, and while I choose my footwear based on the specific occasion, I’ve stopped wearing ankle-high hiking boots for anything other than snow mountaineering. Recently, my options have expanded even further, and that is thanks to BEDROCK SANDALS. They allow me to walk in a more open, natural state, and rather than entering the mountains with a sense of formality, I can enjoy the experience as if it’s just an extension of my daily life. Recently, I’ve enjoyed taking them on relaxed hikes up Mt. Nyu in the Yatsugatake range, Mt. Tateshina, and Mt. Oike in the Suzuka range.
Don't underestimate these BEDROCK SANDALS just because they’re sandals. The strap system provides great hold, and they offer impressive grip on rocky terrain. If you walk as you normally would, the soles of your feet might get quite sore, but I've found that it naturally teaches you to be more mindful of your gait, foot placement, and landing, leading to a more careful way of walking.
Named Best Hiking Sandals of 2019 by REI!!
These BEDROCK SANDALS were selected as the Best Hiking Sandals of 2019 by REI, the most influential outdoor retailer in the United States. The top six sandals of the year were determined by 17 testers across the country who climbed mountains, crossed streams, and dealt with their fair share of blisters.
Below is the article from REI.
BEDROCK Cairn 3D Pro / Performs in Muddy Conditions
Test Results: If you see slippery terrain ahead, I recommend the Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure. The geometric pattern on the footbed provides excellent traction. "While crossing a river, I could feel the textured pattern holding my foot in place," said one tester after a 6.4km hike in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in Colorado. Furthermore, testers who suffer from sweaty feet rated the footbed as very comfortable. ("I usually don't wear hiking sandals because my feet slide out, but these stayed put," one tester confirmed.)
The unique Y-strap design keeps feet secure, and the Cairn 3D Adventure—inspired by the beach sandal—uses nylon straps with a paracord "toe post" between the big and second toe. (It feels like a beach sandal with a heel strap added, making them feel light as air.) Three adjustment points (one Velcro strap near the heel, a hook on the inside for major adjustments, and a sliding buckle on the outside to tighten the fit) minimize lateral foot movement. On slippery or sloped terrain, tightening the heel strap to the max provides a secure foothold.
Weighing just over a pound (454 grams) per pair, the Cairn 3D Adventure was one of the most lightweight options tested. A tester in Montana remarked, "I don't want to feel extra weight on my feet when crossing a river that looks even slightly dangerous, and these sandals didn't feel heavy at all." While the XS Trek rubber outsole might not have the highest stickiness in the Vibram lineup, it offers an excellent balance of durability and traction. (Usually, the stickier the rubber, the faster it wears down.) During a 19km (12-mile) hike up Mt. Nascoin in Montana, the Cairn 3D Adventure provided great hold during river crossings and grip on dry, sloped paths. (It did slip slightly when walking on mossy logs along the Flathead River.)
Support varies depending on your feet. Testers carrying heavy loads felt the minimalist (zero-drop) design offered little support (though Bedrock Sandals does not claim it does). "My feet hurt quite a bit after hiking with my two-year-old in a backpack," said a tester who hiked 9.6km on North Table Mountain in Colorado with an 18kg pack. Unlike traditional footwear, these minimalist sandals allow the foot to splay naturally and encourage a mid-foot strike, which softens the impact of a heel-strike gait. If you make an effort to land on your mid-foot initially, the Cairn 3D Adventure will work well for you, but if you have never used minimalist sandals before, I recommend increasing your mileage slowly.
Fitting Note: Like Chacos, they are available in full sizes only. (If you are unsure about the fit, it is better to choose one size larger.)
Final Verdict: The biggest selling points are the excellent footbed traction and the secure fit in challenging conditions.
That was the verdict from the testers. While you might experience some foot pain if you aren't used to minimalist sandals or are carrying heavy loads, they were highly rated for their lightweight construction, resistance to foot slipping, and excellent grip.
BEDROCK SANDALS are not just for mountain climbing; they are incredibly versatile for cycling and other activities, and they are so comfortable you'll want to wear them every day.
So far, I've only used my BEDROCK SANDALS for day hikes, but I’d love to try a long-distance trekking trip with full tent-camping gear using them.
In addition to the Cairn 3D Pro, BEDROCK SANDALS come in four other styles: Cairn Pro, Classic, and Cairn Geo. Each has unique features and fits differently. Please come into the store to try them on and find the BEDROCK SANDALS that fit you best.