Best sport sandals: Chaco Z1

A good pair of sandals are an essential travel accessory. I've made the mistake of not having sandals with me on some trips and regretted it. (But really, who expects it to be 90°+ in England's Lake District, even in the summer?) The qualities Ilook for in a sandal are comfort, ruggedness, low profile (for easy packing), and a conservative look. The last one may seem strange, but I prefer not to stand out with gaudy designs and colors, especially in urban environments abroad.

I've owned several pairs of both Tevas and Nike Air sandals. They are both fine sandals, but the Chacos have several advantages. the binding is actually a single strap that is cleverly woven through the sole of the sandal. This means there is only one buckle to adjust (easy!), and it automatically equalizes the pressure, meaning no hot spots. Since there is no velcro or padding on the straps, the sandals flatten together and are really easy to pack. And they come in a basic black, which as well all know, goes with anything.