Merrell Hydro Water Sandals (For Big Boys)

I needed water shoes for a hike through Hezekiah's Tunnel & wanted enough grip for the trek in & out. I wear a Women's 7 & often the kids size 5 is less expensive in the same shoe. I ordered 3 different pairs to compare: Teva, Chaco, Merrell. Teva's were cutest but completely void of comfort. Chaco's were cute with good foot support & heel comfort but nothing under the ball of my foot. Merrell's were void of fashion panache but Holy Shnikes! they are comfortable. It was a hands down winner just trying them on. (Side note: They are cute shoes for boys considering that is who they're marketed for!)
After 2 weeks trekking around Israel, these shoes were by far my favorite. I had no intention of wearing them except for the times we'd be in water. I ended up wearing them just about every day- up & down mountains, climbing around ruins, hiking through trails, splashing in waterfalls, tramping across creeks, boating, & shopping in markets with cobblestone streets. Plus the water tunnel hike I initially bought them for. These are air conditioned, breathable, comfortable sneakers, with hiking grip & support. They trekked as easily up a rocky mountain as through a water cave. They never felt squishy after being wet, dried very quickly. I got a few pebbles under my feet in water & I just wiggled my foot under water & the pebbles would shake right out. I never had to take them off.
I can't say a negative thing about them. I am absolutely floored how fabulous these versatile, well-constructed shoes are.