I wear a size 6 in sneakers but a size 7 in flip-flops. Should I order a size 6 in Teva sandals? (I'm ordering online.) Anyone know if they run similar to sneakers size-wise? I swear, this is travel-related -- I need some sandals to hike all over the Big Island!

Karameli,

There are so many stores that carry Tevas. Is there some reason you can't go try some on?

I have extremely wide feet with a very high instep and always have problems with most shoes. For me, Tevas are a bit tight and I have to adjust the velcro straps for far out, that all you see is velcro. Not the best looking.

I do have some of their City Sandals that are less adjustable, but that I took to Italy last Sept. They worked just fine and looked nicer with skirts.

Try REI and Dillards. They have Tevas along with many other brands. Also check out a Rockport store.

Buona fortuna!

I wear the same size in Tevas as in my sneakers. Check out Chacos, too. I prefer them to Tevas for hiking.

Dayle -- I went in search of Tevas locally, but Modells didn't have any (though the sales rep did "helpfully" show me a pair of men's Adidas sneakers instead...not exactly what I was looking for!).

There's a pair insanely cheap on closeout at Sierra Trading Post, so I wanted to take advantage before they're sold out...thanks kureiff, I'll order my sneaker size and cross my fingers!

Just to further muddy the waters, check out Keens. I like the toe protection.

On www.zappos.com, there is a commentary on each product showing whether they run large or small and how much arch support, etc. I have found it very helpful when ordering shoes on-line.

Do you all find Tevas comfortable to hike in? I don't.

Geezus Cruisers!

I wear Tevas all the time and buy my shoe size. I wear one size up in sneakers. But I guess everyone is different.

Mephistos are my favorites.

I wear my usual shoe size in Teva's. Can't hike in them though...only use my Lowa's.

The Keens are really comfy! Since you are a size 6, you can buy the Keen's in a childrens size, and that is much cheaper.

lvk, you beat me to it- order with www.zappos.com and if they don't fit-send them back, on their dime and they will send you a pair that does, they ship lightening fast.

I agree with Mephisto. A very well made shoe with unbelieveable fit, comfort and support and most important traction. My husband loves the Sharks. They ae pricy, but will last for years and years...they do not wear out. www.zappos.com

SAS sandals are comfortable enough to hike in.

To answer the original question . . Tevas run true to size. I wear a 6 to 6 1/2 in everything from sandals to dress shoes to running shoes to hiking boots; have several pair of Tevas and all are size 6. The straps are pretty adjustable and forgiving, but it is essential that the footbed fit well if you are going to hike in them---in particular, you don't want them too long or you can trip over the front.

I LOVE my Chackos... LOVE 'em! But I would not want to wear them for real hiking. Street or paved trail hiking, yes but I do like my 10 year old Tevas better for gravel and natural trails.
The leather Tevas are really nice and hike well, even in water.
My nylon Tevas are not as good... not as comfortable.
Depending on the type of hike, I grudgingly yield to boots or all terrain athletic shoes because of pebbles getting in the sandals and water type sandals... My Keens are almost a cross between athletic shoes and sandals and do not work well with gravel and coarse sand trails.
REI has some great clearance sandals online right now (outlet) and you can return to any store if they do not fit right.

TxTravel - maybe that's my problem - I have the nylon ones. I have a slight problem with plantar fascitis that wearing orthotics (only in my running shoes) totally cured. But any long walking in Tevas bothers my feet and arches.

I just have to throw another vote in for Keens. Albeit a little "clown like"...I find them so much more comfy than my old faithful Tevas.

Lands Ends has good athetic sandals and they also do half sizes.

That is the exact reason I got the Chacko's. They are shaped like orthotics. The sole is a little stiff for serious hiking though...
My leather Tevas are more fitted than the nylon ones and also sit higher on my heel. They feel solid.
If you look at Chackos, steer clear of the style I call the 'Toe Strangler". It has this really cute loop around your big toe. Attractive to look at but it constantly tightens to the point of discomfort. I prefer the model without the toe loop. I can walk all day in my Chacko's without foot pain once I stop and relax for the night.
My Keens do not have the arch support I need for long hikes.

Thanks everyone!! Good call on not wanting the shoes to be big at all -- especially since I've been known to trip over my own feet I've heard of Zappos from other people but didn't realize they had customer reviews -- really helpful! The Tevas I loved (the Wraptors) got really positive reviews, so I ordered them from Sierra ($30 cheaper than Zappos). Thanks for all the suggestions!