I’m a sucker for a two-strap consolation sandal, whether or not I’m operating errands, going for an off-the-cuff stroll, or simply puttering round the home. In actual fact, exterior of once I’m doing one thing extra lively, I’m not often caught in something however my Birkenstock Arizonas.
Then, when SELF’s 2023 Sneaker Awards got here round, I had the chance to check a pattern of the Merrell Hut Ulta Wrap, a sandal comparable in model to my Birkenstocks however waterproof and with extra cushion. As a giant fan of water sports activities, I’m all the time excited to check out new pool- and beach-friendly choices, so I used to be intrigued by this new product. I slipped on a pair to see if they may earn a daily spot in my footwear rotation.
Who it’s for
This sandal is made for individuals who desire a handy, waterproof restoration shoe. For instance, when you’re somebody like me who likes to swim laps, that is the right pair to put on to and from the pool. It’s additionally a terrific choice if consolation is essential for you: Merrell is understood for sturdy, comfortable sneakers, and the Hut Extremely Wrap Sandal takes it a step additional with the inclusion of two various kinds of foam for cushioning and help.
Out of the field
My first impression of the shoe was that it appeared just like the epitome of the ugly-chic pattern. I attempted a pair within the Burlwood colorway, a reasonably impartial pink-and-beige mixture (which really doesn’t notably remind me of burl). “They’re so ugly and cute on the similar time,” I slacked my colleagues upon receiving the sandals. I meant it as a excessive praise.
Match and really feel
There’s an entire lot of froth within the Hut Extremely Wrap, which makes for a really light-weight shoe. Its adjustable straps assist you to customise the match to the proper width for you, they usually had been sturdy sufficient so my ft felt safe and secure once I walked in them.
Sarah Yalowitz
On my exercise
I first wore the Merrell Hut Extremely Wraps to the pool, the place I spent the afternoon with a pal. We went from there to an artwork studio-warming social gathering close by, and I ended up sporting the sandals for the remainder of the night. The sneakers had been nice on the pool; they had been straightforward to slide out and in of, and dried rapidly even after I took a bathe in them. Later, on the social gathering, I stood round socializing in them for a number of hours and felt comfy the whole time.
After that evening, I wore them numerous instances to the pool and the seaside. These sandals present an especially comfy cushion, and irrespective of how a lot water splashed onto them on the pool deck, they didn’t stay soaked. One other factor I cherished about these sneakers is that they had been sturdy sufficient to drive in—my earlier go-to waterproof sandals weren’t.
I did take the Hut Extremely Wraps on a 15-minute stroll from my home to a close-by restaurant one night, and that was a step too far. They don’t have fairly sufficient help for that type of a stroll. (Fortunately I obtained a trip residence that night.) I made a decision that, as superb as these sandals are, they’re finest used for restoration or extra chill days quite than being extra lively.
Merrell Ladies’s Hut Extremely Wrap
The underside line
I like these sandals. They’re the right restoration shoe for something water-related, and I really take pleasure in them a lot that I discover myself utilizing them on dry land nearly as a lot. The Merrell Hut Extremely Wraps have changed my flimsy flip-flops, and my ft are a lot happier for it. When you’re available in the market for a sturdy, comfy restoration sandal, I can’t advocate these sufficient. Although they’re not supportive sufficient to put on throughout higher-intensity exercise, they’re nice for just about all the pieces else.