- SHOE TYPE: SANDAL
- SIZES: 6-13 (D) M US
- HALF SIZES: NO
- SHIPPING WEIGHT: 12 OUNCES
- DIMENSIONS: 9.8 INCHES APPROX (SIZE SEVEN)/250- 300MM
- MATERIAL: NYLON STRAP
- OUTER SOLE: RUBBER
- ALSO: EVA COMPRESSION MOLDED FOOTBED, SOME MODELS UNISEX
- WATER RESISTANT: YES
- COLORS: M110 (MAYA)- BLACK, COOL GREY, WOOD BROWN, COOL BLUE, MID BROWN, NAVY BROWN, RED BROWN M105 (ORBITAL)– DARK NAVY. OTHER COLORS MAY BE AVAILABLE
- BRAND: ATIKA OUTDOOR
- MADE IN: CHINA
- MODEL NO: M110/ M105
- FIT AS EXPECTED: 77%
- OUR RATING: 4.5 OUT OF FIVE STARS
- PRICE GUIDE: $19.98
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Contents
WHAT ARE THESE SANDALS THEN?
For the purposes of this review, there are two types of sandal included in the same listing, the M110 (Maya) which is a thong like strappy sandal, with a nylon strap and something rather different, the M105, which is more of a sandal/sneaker hybrid shoe. It is also actually called ‘Orbital’ on their packaging information.
The Oribital M105
Add to the complication that certain colors of these (Mayas) are also unisex and it can get a little confusing.
This has not been the only confusing thing, in getting on the detective trail of these sandals – it turns out it could be a case for Sherlock Holmes, if Sherlock Holmes wore sports sandals and went kayaking, rather than had a deer stalker and pipe!
Atika, despite their Japanese sounding name, are apparently Chinese and seem a little shy about advertising that fact.
However, with a quality product such as these sandals they shouldn’t be so coy.
Atika manufacture a range of sandals and sports shoes for men, women and kids, which appear to be predominantly nylon and synthetic materials on a rubber sole.
But enough of the generalizing. What about the Maya Trail Water Shoe?
The Maya M110
THE OVERVIEW
These are not an expensive sandal – or, at least, for the time being they aren’t. Their regular retail price may be somewhere in the region of $90, but at the moment it is possible to pick these up online for far less than this – around $18 in fact.
According to one listing, the Cool Grey (FGY) and Black (BLK) colors are unisex. We have to say here, at Best Walking Shoe Reviews, that we are slightly unsure about this fact. But we do think there is such a small difference between the men’s styles and the women’s ones (not on this review) that really, it is merely a matter of personal preference and really, what floats your boat best.
Other sources seem to have the Cool Grey and the Black styles as being for men, but it really is down to what color you like the best.
The one thing that is striking, is that these Maya Sandals come in quite a range of interesting colors and designs and there should be something there to keep everyone happy.
THE DESIGN
The Maya is a compression molded EVA sole, with a multi directional lug patterning for extra grip.
The nylon straps should be tough and durable, without hacking the back of your heel off and they fasten with Velcro.
We think they are pretty sturdy and your feet shouldn’t slip about too much inside them.
The Orbital, the other choice, is more of a traditional sandal and hiking shoe hybrid.
This has elasticated laces for ease of slipping on and off, with a hook and loop system for adjustments. It comes with a similar style sole i.e. with the EVA foot bed and the lug patterning, but this model comes with the rubber protection for your big toe that the other style does not.
These look like a stylish and practical pair of lightweight water shoes, that have plenty of bounce in them.
THE FIT
It would seem that these only come in a full size, so anyone with a half size would be advised to maybe scale down half a size.
Possibly, these run a little large, although 77% of people seem satisfied with it.
In terms of comfort, there is even better news. Most people who own these are happy with the comfort level and there are only intermittent gripes about blisters, which isn’t too bad going really.
THE DURABILITY
But how are these for actual practical use?
The whole point of these shoes is, obviously, walking, hiking, watersports and getting wet. So, are they any good?
The evidence is encouraging. These have great traction and should ensure that your feet don’t slip as you clamber around wet rocks and other slippery places.
They also dry out, leaving no visible signs of wear or water damage. They can be worn in water easily, without holding or taking on water.
Some wearers advise neoprene socks with them, for added foot protection, but a lot there would depend on what the conditions are where you are planning on wearing them.
So, something like river walking or anywhere your foot will be in contact with sharp stones and other abrasive debris, the socks are recommended.
A lot here may also depend on your choice of sandal (ie the Maya versus the Orbital). The Orbital, with its enclosed toe cap will be a better choice for anything sharp and likely to damage your feet, we feel.
In terms of hiking potential, well much boils down to the resistance of your foot! Once again, the neoprene socks may be in order. But some people can power on through without any need for them. Others feel that while these are great for shorter outings, they aren’t that comfortable for the longer walk.
But it is all dependent on personal taste – most people report these are absolutely perfect for a whole variety of activities, hiking included.
WOULD WE RECOMMEND THE MAYA TRAIL AND ORBITAL SANDAL?
Without a shadow of a doubt, these are (both) a great sandal.
It may be pretty clear that these are more or less a copycat design of some – ahem – rather more pricy hybrid sandals. However, coming in at under $20 a pair, we are actually very impressed with their durability.
For something that is as cheap as this and as lightweight, they seem to be very durable, waterproof and fairly comfortable to boot.
All things considered, you could do a lot worse than include a pair of these – either design -in your holiday suitcase this summer!