Ecco Yucatan Sandal: Comfortably Hike in Heat and Humidity
Ecco Yucatan
You don’t need to climb Mayan ruins to appreciate the Ecco Yucatan–it’s a sandal for diehard adventurists and casual hikers alike. We just got back from a week in Costa Rica with friends and I’m so glad I had my Yucatans. I deliberated more than necessary over which footwear to bring (imagine that). Before the final packing of the suitcase, I narrowed down my options to hiking boots (Ahnu Sugarpine), closed-toe sandals (Keen Rose), sport sandals (Ecco Yucatan), Nike running shoes and casual-dress sandals (Naot Dorith). I wound up leaving the hiking boots at home since they took up too much space in the suitcase, and brought the other four.
Ecco Yucatan Sandals
Although I wore my Keen closed-toe sandals on off-path hikes through water and slippery rocks, I chose the Ecco Yucatan for our many path hikes and casual walks through town. With temperatures in the 90s and high humidity, an open-toe sport sandal allowed for better air circulation around my tired feet. While the upper straps are nubuck, they’re lined with soft Lycra® spandex and nylon for a soft feel that wicks moisture.
The Ecco Yucatan’s arch support surpassed that of my Keens, so I gladly strapped them on for any around-town exploring and hikes that stuck to a path. I did wear them on one waterfall excursion and was impressed with their traction on craggy, slippery rocks (plus they dry quickly in the sun).
I predict wearing my Yucatans as walking sandals this summer. Yes, they’re great for hikes, but to store them in the closet for that sole purpose would be silly. Ecco’s trademarked RECEPTOR technology is the key to the Yucatan’s support and stability. To quote the manufacturer description:
The three steps identified in ECCO’s Receptor technology are:
1. PUSH OFF:
ECCO’s sole is designed to mimic the motion the ball of the foot makes when walking, helps to give an extra boost when you push off the ground
2. MID STANCE:
The foot holds the greatest weight burden when supporting. Receptor® support allows the great ligaments in the foot to lock in place maximizing stability.
3. HEEL STRIKE:
Your bare foot strikes the ground at a 20 degree angle and so does the receptor in our shoes, this angle gives you the momentum to follow through with the stride.
I would highly recommend the Ecco Yucatan for women with plantar fasciitis–the heel support and shock-absorption is top-notch. It could easily make our list of over 103 shoes for plantar fasciitis we’ve reviewed previously.
The Ecco Yucatan best fits a narrow to medium width foot and is true to size. Note that the forefoot strap is only adjustable to tighten the strap, not to loosen it. If you have a narrow to medium width foot with bunions, the forefoot strap should fit well, but if you have a wide foot, the strap might fit too tightly.
The Ecco Yucatan is available in euro sizes 35-43 (I wear a 41 for my size 10 feet) for $99-130 at Zappos, The Walking Company and Amazon.
Have you ever worn Ecco Yucatan sandals? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know!
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12 Responses to Ecco Yucatan Sandal: Comfortably Hike in Heat and Humidity
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I wanted these so much! I ordered them in blue. They fit perfectly and I love how they look. The footbed is great! BUT…the forefoot strap rubs on the top of my bunions and I developed a blister on one within an hour. The straps really just help make the sandal tighter, so you still have this neoprene covering strap underneath that is not adjustable.
I bought them about a month ago, they have gotten more comfortable over time but I don’t think the arch support is right for me, I need a more aggressive arch support such as Vionic, they just don’t make this style of sandal. Other than the arch the sandal is very comfortable, still have not decided if I am keeping them.
Have you tried Chaco sandals? They have the best arch support of all sport sandals.
I bought a pair of the Eccos but they were too narrow across the front of the foot. Wish they’d worked out – great support. Instead I bought a new pair of Teva Tirras which I’ve been wearing for the past 2 years. Good waterproof sandal for walking, rafting and light hiking.
I’m glad the Teva Tirras worked out for you! They’re a great sandal–so adjustable!
I have a solution for you. By the same size in the men’s version! Colors are more limited, but you’ll gain the width you need for the bunions. For reference, I have narrow heels, and one medium forefoot (slight bunion) and one wide forefoot (large bunion). The men’s version can accommodate all that! Last summer I literally lived in the women’s 41 but this year I’m just finding the forefoot strap intolerable on that bunion area. I just got the men’s version today – and am crying tears of joy! And was also trying to figure out what makes these shoes so darn comfortable for difficult feet.
I love wearing my Teva Tirras at home (multi-level so lots of stair climbing), but like a sturdier sandal for walking around town and for longer walks – better cushioning. The Ecco yucatan was my favorite outdoor summer shoe until my bunions reached a point of no return. This year it dawned on me that I could try the same shoe (same size) in the men’s version. It fits perfectly! You might want to give it a try. For reference I have narrow heels, and one medium and one wide forefoot (due to the bunions). Good luck!
Such a simple yet brilliant solution!! Thank you, Susan.
I am so glad i found your website. I’m already in here for over an hour looking at every single shoe brand!
I love Ecco sandals. Bought several pairs via Amazon last year and the fit is perfect as is the comfort factor. I was particularly pleased yesterday when I decided to tape around my foot for extra support using a fabric band first to keep the actual tape off of my skin and was able to adjust the top of the shoe to compensate for the extra depth and width.
Thank you so much for all of the great information!
Thanks for stopping by, Fran!
You can try an Aetrex sandal orthotic.
I just hiked ten miles in my Ecco’s and they were great. I have arthritis in the top of my foot and at one point, I switched to my Hoko running shoes thinking those would be better for the hike, but then my feet really started to hurt, so I switched back to the Ecco’s.