The MJ Rating System Excellent: Great: Good: Fair: Junk:

AMPHIBIOUS | Tread in and out of the water with these go-anywhere sandals.
MION Current Mion's antimicrobial, "ergomorphic" footbed molds to your foot after 12 hours of wear -- which is why the name is pronounced "my own." It's an added bonus in a sandal that already has a supremely secure fit, owing to a sculpted "rib" structure, nitrogen-blasted foam, and the climbing-grade cord in the 360-degree lacing system. [$100; mionfootwear.com] RATING:
SIMMS Keen Deck Sandal Substitute them for deck shoes or take these Simms into the water: An anti-slip sole and anatomic footbed make wading in the shallows easy. [$90; simmsfishing.com] RATING:
SPERRY TOP-SIDER Hydrofoil The H-shaped sole is designed around foot construction and has tiny slits similar to an all-weather tire. But the upper can rub ankles raw. [$70; sperrytopsider.com] RATING:
TEVA Guide L/C Aimed at river guides, the 15-oz Guide L/C has wide, adjustable webbing, a rubber-coated heel strap, and a rubber topsole that helps prevent slipping. [$95; teva.com] RATING:
ADIDAS Waterra ST The Waterra, more shoe than sandal, has an upper that lets air flow through like a convertible with the top down. Plus, water won't trap and weigh you down. [$75; shopadidas.com] RATING:
SALOMON Karma The Karma has a quick-fitting lace cord and heel strap that make for a snug fit, and the rubber toe cap is among the best out there. [$90; salomonsports.com] RATING:
COLUMBIA Titanium Thresher Interchange The sandal's forefoot strap was sloppy in water, but its light weight and firm cushioning performed better on land. Features a removable heel strap. [$60; columbia.com] RATING:
LAND Some can handle water, but all excel on solid ground.
BITE Enerstrap Designed for running, the Enerstrap has a sole with a thick heel pad for cushioning and stabilizers for balance. [$70; biteshoes.com] RATING:
CHACO ZX/2 Its midsole is 25 percent lighter than 2005's model, yet the 12.5-oz ZX/2 is a heavyweight. The strap system grew on us; it provides one of the best fits around. [$95; chacousa.com] RATING:
MERRELL Chameleon II Convertible Neoprene- and spandex-lined straps add comfort, and a contoured footbed and lugged outsole provide cushioning and traction. The heel strap is removable. [$70; merrell.com] RATING:
KEEN Venice H2 The Venice H2's polyester straps, connected by a single elastic lace, keep your feet securely anchored. Antimicrobial-treated footbeds fight stink. [$90; keenfootwear.com] RATING:

Photographs by: Michael Pirrocco
(August 2006)