I’m a sucker for a two-strap consolation sandal, whether or not I’m working errands, going for an informal stroll, or simply puttering round the home. In truth, exterior of after I’m doing one thing extra energetic, I’m hardly ever 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 related in fashion to my Birkenstocks, however waterproof and with extra cushion. As a giant fan of water sports activities, I’m at all times 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 an everyday spot in my footwear rotation.
Who it’s for
This sandal is made for individuals who need a handy, waterproof restoration shoe. For instance, in the event you’re somebody like me who likes to swim laps, that is the proper pair to put on to and from the pool. It’s additionally a terrific possibility if consolation is vital for you: Merrell is understood for sturdy, cozy footwear, 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 development. I attempted a pair within the Burlwood colorway, a fairly impartial pink and beige mixture (which truly doesn’t significantly remind me of burl). “They’re so ugly and cute on the identical 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 will let you customise the match to the fitting width for you, they usually have been sturdy sufficient so my ft felt safe and steady after 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 buddy. We went from there to an artwork studio-warming celebration close by, and I ended up carrying the sandals for the remainder of the night. The footwear have been nice on the pool; they have been straightforward to slide out and in of, and dried rapidly even after I took a bathe in them. Later, on the celebration, I stood round socializing in them for a number of hours and felt comfy all the time.
After that night time, 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 beloved about these footwear is that they have 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 acquired a trip dwelling that night.) I made a decision that as wonderful as these sandals are, they’re greatest used for restoration or extra chill days fairly than being extra energetic.
The underside line
I like these sandals. They’re the proper restoration shoe for something water-related, and I truly get pleasure from 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. If you happen to’re out there for a sturdy, comfy restoration sandal, I can’t suggest these sufficient. Whereas they’re not supportive sufficient to put on throughout greater depth exercise, they’re nice for just about every part else.
