SNEWS -- Waldies AT – the original foam clog

Welcome Guest (Login),

HOME | ABOUT US | SUBSCRIBE | MANAGE ACCOUNT | CONTACT US

Waldies AT – the original foam clog

Posted: 12/18/2006 In Category(s): Reviews :: Product Reviews

	Printable Version
	E-Mail to a Friend
	RSS

Maybe you've heard of Crocs? Well, despite what the company asserts, it is not the original foam clog. Actually, the Waldies brand has the legitimate claim of being first on the block since they appeared in 2001. Back then, Waldies clogs were made in a factory that Crocs later acquired.

Though the foam clog by Waldies never fully disappeared from the market, a few hiccups, fits and starts held the company back. But no longer. The Waldies brand is going full guns and the Appalachian Trail (AT) clog is, by our estimation, even better than before.

Light, soft, and durable, these new Waldies have become the new go-to foam clog for the SNEWS® team, both around the office, around town, and as an après-trail shoe following runs and hikes.

At only 8 ounces for a pair of size 9s, the clogs are hardly noticeable on the feet – which explains why members of our team frequently found themselves running errands in town still wearing their clogs, having forgotten to change into their usual out-and-about shoes.

Hundreds of hours of wear with sweaty bare feet are further proof that the ComfoTek foam is odor proof. As an added plus, the clogs clean easily. The small nubbins on the insoles of the clogs provide a kind of acupressure massage while standing or walking that brings smiles. The foam absorbs shock, but it's not too cushy, so the clog provides sufficient support, meaning feet stay happier longer. For boaters, the clog makes a great camp shoe, and it even floats – though this benefit is a curious one as it is of small comfort to know your shoes float as you watch them ferry off downstream.

The fit seems sleek and less voluminous than others in the category too, allowing for better comfort and walkability. Although not officially reviewed here, we also have to add a word for the style called Aruba that has straps across the top and fit more like a sandal. They are so light and compressible that one member of the SNEWS® team has packed them as a just-in-case for a couple of trips (knowing they only added a few ounces to the bag) and then found them just right for a trip to the sauna or to the theater!

We also appreciate the fact that Waldies pledges at least 1 percent of sales for conservation and environmental protection.

SNEWS® Rating: 4.5 hands clapping (1 to 5 hands clapping possible, with 5 clapping hands representing functional and design perfection)

Suggested Retail: $29.95

For more information: www.waldies.net

Rating:

To learn more about how SNEWS® conducts product reviews, click here.

SNEWS® CHAT -- Have a comment, idea, retort, or an engaging thought that was inspired by this article or from our opinions expressed in the SNEWS® View? You've come to the right place.

The SNEWS® Rules of Engagement:
While we value unfettered opinion and open, free debate, we do insist that you to show respect and courtesy for people or companies about whom you comment - we know, how old school of us. We remind you that the intent of the section is to allow all SNEWS® subscribers an opportunity to participate in a public, professional community discussion, in keeping with our 'Creating Community Through Communication' mantra. SNEWS® reserves the right to edit or refuse the publication of remarks that we deem unsuitable. We may also correct for unintended spelling and grammatical errors...or not.

Begin the discussion by clicking here.

Related Stories:
(06/02/2008) Chaco Canyonland Low
(05/05/2008) New Balance SW 920 Water Shoe
(02/25/2008) Kayland Convert
(09/10/2007) Asolo Flame GTX Boot
(04/23/2007) Lowa AL-X 66 Shoe
(09/11/2006) Dirty Girl Gaiters
(09/05/2006) The North Face Radial
(08/05/2005) Timberland Power Lounger Slip-On
(05/23/2005) Shoe Wallet
(05/16/2005) Spenco Sports Blister Pads