The cycling sandals are designed to compromise function for improved comfort. Their soles flex so they walk better. This means you lose power transfer when pedaling. It a significant amount, you can feel it as you pedal. The straps add to the loss (compared to reg. cycling shoes).
Personally i like the sandals, its just one of those choices you have to make.
Chacos are heavy, 40 oz per pair (its that vibram sole). You can get a whole shoe at the same weight. Tevas are lighter, actually my pair weighs 21 oz.
I dont think any cycling shoes would work well for long (5+ miles) hiking, sandals included.
Sandals leave your feet exposed to sunburn. I weigh socks with mine.
Last edited by seeker333; 06-29-06 at 03:15 PM.