Earlier this month I heard from Selim Dushey, the CEO of a new shoe company based in New York who’s trying to get the word out about his line of sandals. He offered to send me some samples to try out. Since I was intrigued by the design, I said, yes, please.
Dunes sandals by Wellrox
The most noticeable thing that sets Wellrox apart from other sandals is toe separators. I’ve seen more extreme versions of this idea in Yoga Journal ads, not as a shoe but as a plastic separator to wear between your toes. I’ve heard from a few yoga students and teachers that toe separators vastly improved their various foot conditions, relieving pain and cramping. So I was excited to see how my feet would respond to Wellrox sandals.
The Theory Behind the Shoes
Wellrox’s promotional materials explain that the padded toe separators and cushioned footbeds properly support the feet, which helps to align the knees, lower back and spine. Wellrox developed and trademarked something called GRABSTM technology, an acronym that stands for Grip, Relief, Alignment, Balance and Support. The promo flier also mentions the merits of spreading your toes for a wider, more stable foundation. Where have I heard that before? Oh, yeah, I’m always saying it to yoga students.
Style
side view of Dune
Wellrox pictures eight different styles on their website. Six are completely open in back like flip flops. One style, the Newport, has a second strap around midfoot, and one, the Dune, also has an ankle strap. Selim generously sent me three test pairs: black Dunes, brown Clouds, and a fun hot pink shoe from Pedi Couture, the spa line, which is not pictured on the Wellrox site.
Even though I’m a yoga teacher in Portland, Oregon, I’m not a fan of hippie fashions. When I wore the Dunes out of the house the first time, someone said, “Oh, are those Birkenstocks?” I cringed. I examined the Dunes from many angles, trying to decide if they were cute or not. I like the little cork wedge. Wellrox is definitely not a feminine looking line of shoes, except for the Chloe, which features a flower. But they have been growing on me for other reasons, despite my fashion confusion.
Most of the styles are cute in a simple kind of way, but enhanced by the toe separators, which I think look cool. The hot pink spa sandals are especially fun.
Materials
Modeling my Clouds
As you might guess from someone who writes a blog called Veg Travel and Fitness, I’m more of a pleather gal. But I do sometimes acquire leather goods, and if I have them I wear them. It would be lovely if Wellrox came out with a couple of vegan sandal options.
The Dunes and Clouds have leather uppers and rubber soles for traction. They seem to be quite well made. The spa shoes are regular plastic flip flop material.
Comfort
My first attempt to get my toes in their proper slots did not go smoothly. But once I got the hang of it, I really like the toe separation. The padded toe separators are gentle, so it doesn’t feel like my toes are being forced apart. I have pretty good toe separating abilities to start with, and spend less time wearing shoes than the average American. I imagine these shoes would feel ultra-terrific if you have a life where your poor toes spend their days cramped together in constricting shoes.
The Dunes have considerably more arch support than the Clouds. The second time I wore them, I walked for about two miles. Honestly, they are probably the best walking sandals I’ve ever worn. While they’re not as rugged as Tevas—I wouldn’t hike in them—I really like both the arch support and the toe separation.
The Clouds function a lot more like flip flops. While better made and with a little more support than your average flip flop, it’s hard to walk at a normal pace. These are a meandering weekend shoe, not a get somewhere on time kind of shoe.
Travel Shoes
Designed to keep your pedicure intact on the way home.
I always like to think of the travel applications of clothes and accessories. The Clouds are perfect for a resort, but maybe not for the big bad city or anywhere else where you might suddenly need to run. You could do more exploring in the Dunes. Of course, if you’re planning to spend all your time in a spa, the hot pink spa shoes might be all you need.
