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Attractive as far as river sandals go, the Ahnu Tilden II retails for $89.95. I made the switch to a covered toe sandal in preparation for my four-day hike through Utah’s Virgin River narrows. While the Tilden II did hide my chipping pedicure, the cute shoe was no match for the challenging terrain.

The covered toe did prevent the lurking-under-the-water-dead-tree-branch-toe-stab; however, the mesh upper stretches when it’s wet, allowing the foot to slide side to side in the shoe. The last thing you want when you’re stepping across slick rocks in a swiftly flowing river is your foot sliding around inside the shoe.

The sandal has a soft waffle sole with little arch. I’m no Princess and the Pea, but the flexible sole had too much give, and I could feel every rock. The mesh upper felt soft on my skin and includes a padded heal strap to prevent chaffing; but the thin rubber straps on the sides cut holes in my ankles that even duct tape couldn’t prevent.

I recommend the Tilden II as a fun shoe that’s perfect for playing with the kids in the backyard sprinkler, but keep looking if strenuous river hiking is on the agenda.