Trevor Covich is one of our key guys on the ground at Alaska West and Andros South. Andros South provides an excellent sandal research facility; Trevor’s conducted some extensive studies recently and was kind enough to write up his findings.
To pick up a pair of these sandals, click right here.
Maybe the Best Sandals Ever Made
If you’re a fisherman from the northwest, finding a good pair of sandals isn’t near as important as a solid pair of wading boots. Let’s face it, most of us spend our time waist deep in a steelhead or trout stream.
Well what if you’re heading south to a warmer climate, like let’s say the Bahamas or the Keys on a bonefish or tarpon trip? You’re going to want to air out those feet that have been trapped inside your wading boots most of the winter.
Not ever having to wear a pair of sandals most of my life in Seattle, I wanted a good pair for my spring in the Bahamas at Andros South. Like most shoes, you’re looking for a couple things – are they comfortable, and do they serve your purpose? You can try on all kinds of sandals at your local REI or PAC SUN stores and you can usually find a pair that suits your feet and that are comfortable to walk around in. So let’s talk about serving your purpose.
If you’re like many fly fishermen on the flats, a cold Kalik beer or a nip of rum is part of the experience. Most anglers don’t think ahead and bring a bottle opener out on the boat. A BIC lighter works fine to open bottles, or you can cringe like I do watching a Bahamian open a beer bottle with his teeth. After spending a season at Andros South and talking to a few clients about sandal preference I came to a solid conclusion that would suit most fly fisherman.
Enter REEF sandals
Just when I thought these sandals had hit the peak of amazing I looked at the pair of REEF sandals that trip host Tom Knopick had on. Tom runs a shop in Durango, Colorado called Durangler’s Fly Shop and one of his clients gave him this pair. These had a cap on the side of both sandals that could be unscrewed -yes, these convert into flasks! You can fit a couple shots in each sandal. So now I’m thinking rum on the right, whisky on the left – and think of the applications back home!
If you’re in the market for a new pair of sandals, check these out – you won’t regret it. Like most shoes, break them in before going on an extended trip so they will be more comfortable. Avoid the front yard where Fido does his business because it might make your beer/whiskey/rum taste a little funny.
Enjoy – and please drink responsibly!
Here’s where you can buy them online.
Can’t quite say that I agree on this. I haven’t tried the flask sandals but in college I went through a few pairs of these Reefs over the course of a six month period and realized they were almost disposable. Using the bottle opener only expedites their failure, and I ripped the thong part off the sandal while opening a beer once.
Re: Andy’s comment. Bullshit. I’ve worn the same pair of Reefs for 4 yrs. & am only now thinking of replacing them ‘cuz the toe-strap is wearing out. At parties I’ll often bet some sucker that I can open a beer bottle with one hand & one foot. It’s always a good bet… the sandal hasn’t failed me yet (just be sure to check the opener for dog shit BEFORE you pop the cap… you have a backup openeron your other foot).
having the good fortune to work in central america for each season now for the last ten years gives me a good perspective on this subject !!
Yes the reefs are fine, but the dog crap and EVERYTHING else you ever step on the life of those flip flops ?? com on!! I have the abeo sandals they are a little more expensive and harder to find but they are bullet proof !!
I have worn my pair everyday during the 5 month long season now for 4 years !!! as far as a bottle opener, well i carry a little deschutes brewery one in my pocket .
I’m all for quality multipurpose items but those are ridiculous. The bottle opener will ruin the sandals with use, catch dirt and other contaminants and possibly catch on fibrous things like netting, anchor rope etc.. And well, the dog doody flask is laughable. There are many key chain bottle openers more convenient than your sandals and many better, more sanitary ways to carry liquid refreshment. My sandal preferences are the Kroc knockoffs I get for $7 that are durable EVA foam, comfortable, ultralight, great for light duty wading, camp shoe, get the mail shoes, pool shoes etc. and last me a year or more.
I’ve got my Tevas and love em.