Clarks Men''s Biofix2 Sandal

Clark''s used to manufacture their sandals in the UK.Now, everything is made in Asia (these sandals are made in Vietnam).Some people deride Clark''s for abandoning UK manufacture, but I can attest that there''s no problem with it at all.For a comparison, I bought a pair of Clark''s sandals in the late 1990''s (made in China) and they''re still very serviceable after surviving many wearings while trekking around Europe.They are my favorite sandals and for a long time I didn''t consider getting another pair.I bought this new model to have a 2nd pair to rotate with (it''s also in a different color).

The "Biofix 2" sandals are very well made, compared to contemporary sandals I''ve sampled.They compare pretty well to my older Clark''s sandals too, which I''ll detail below.

SOLE:

--PRO''s

* Sturdy and well padded orthotic sole

* Effective tread design without significant debris attraction

* Heel wear resistor

* Very comfortable suede lined upper

--CON''s

* Suede surface will require more care to keep odor free

It is a double layer bonded sole that should hold up well, if the quality is anything like Clark''s previous sandals.The top foot bedhas an orthotic contour with a suede layer that feels luxurious. But like all sandals of this type, the suede will flatten out over time.Still, suede is the kindest to the feet, not at all abrasive while still providing decent grip (although it''s a good idea to periodically deodorize it).The tread on the bottom is a good design, updated from the older Clark''s styles.It seems to provide good grip without too many "nooks and crannies" to trap debris and later litter it around when indoors.Also, there is a cupped protrusion at the heel, which seems designed to help alleviate heel wear (a typical problem for any shoe).

STRAPS:

--PRO''s

* 3 adjustment points

* Tasteful design of leather pieces over firm nylon webbing

* Good quality lycra/neoprene inner strap liner

* Very good strap gap placement.

--CON''s

* No buckle for securing, requiring the Velcro "rip"

* Inner facing strap padding edges could be a little more rounded

There are 3 adjustment points on this sandal, which I''d say makes it pretty easy to find a good fit for most people.The straps are a combination of smooth leather decorative pieces over a tough nylon webbing layer, with a pleasant lycra/neoprene padded interior.The inner strap material is what experiences the most wear, due to rubbing against the foot and ankle, so it needs to be of good quality.I''d say it''s even a little better on the Bioxfix2''s than on my older sandals, although those have shown only subtle wear over the years.And, the Bioxfix2 straps are better than most other sandals, from what I can see.The only thing I''m not crazy about is the "gap" design, whereby the inner strap part leaves a gap in material.It is finished off with slightly rounded edges. I would prefer a little more tapered design.As to whether it will affect comfort after break-in, I''ll have to report back later on this.

The only major caveat is that there is no quick release buckle.I''ve checked the Clark''s line-up, and all of the sandals seem devoid of this feature.Why do I mention it?***rrrrrrrrip!****That annoying sound of separating Velcro.My older Clark''s sandals have a buckle on the center strap, for a quick and easy on/off with just a "click".With the Bioxfix2, you''ll be ripping Velcro, because the conforming fit means you have to release the top strap.I guess it was a cost cutting measure, but I''d have gladly paid another $10 for a buckle.

WEIGHT:

These sandals weigh about the same as my older Clark''s, which is a little heavier than the average.But it''s a "good" heavy, enough to make the sandal feel substantial without adding noticeable weight to your stride.

COMFORT:

These are very comfortable, just as good as my older Clark''s (which have the advantage of conforming to my feet for the last 14 years).While I just bought them, trying them on and walking around feels great.I don''t sense any protrusions in the straps that might be bothersome and the sole has a nice firm plush feel.The straps certainly helped achieve a terrific fit, too.

Overall, I''d say these are a very good buy compared to other sandals in this price range, and even better during the 20% off promotion.My only complaint is the lack of a quick release buckle.I was going to take off a star for this, but then most of the competitors in this price range don''t have one either.And the sandals do very well in most other respects, enough that I decided to keep them.I do wonder how long the Velcro will hold up over time.In any case, the straps seem high quality enough that a replacement Velcro (the fuzzy side) could be sewn in place if need be.A friend of mine did this on another brand of high quality sandals that he''d had for over 10 years, and it worked out just fine.

Of all the sandals I have ever owned Clarks are the best brand I have ever had. It took forever to find these. I took these sandals on vacation to the Grand Canyon and I hiked everywhere with them. These sandals are the most comfortable walking sandals you can get. You may still need some athletic tape for rub spots when walking up and down steep hills but they are the best you can buy for walking and hiking.

Buy Clarks Men''s Biofix2 Sandal Now

My previous pair of Clark Sandals are nearly twenty years old, and are still useable.Unfortunately, that model is no longer available.I''m totally satisfied with the new replacement sandals.I''ll also mention that the Clark black leather dress shoes that I bought back in the 1980s were excellent.

Read Best Reviews of Clarks Men''s Biofix2 Sandal Here

The Clarks quality is very good but the expiration = duty and pickup in Germany are too expensive!

The shoes have me in 146, cost($ 182.59) + Arrival / Time ...

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