May 27, 2008

Rider Sandals advertises in several running publications and according to their website, their
sandals are "Specifically designed for the athlete in you who prefers sports and exercise to sitting on
the couch. Rider was the first to define after sport and continues to lead the way with max comfort in
tech enhanced slides. Beware the imitators".

Thus, when I stumbled upon a pair of Rider Relay II  at my local DSW, I took heed and carefully
checked to see if these were "imitators" or if they were in fact genuine, OEM Rider Sandals.  After
doing my due diligence, I confirmed that these were not imitators, even though they were marked
down $5.  

I never paid attention to their ad in RunnersWorld, so I asked myself, why would Rider advertise in a
Running Magazine? I found their add slogan to be a bit zany, after all were there a lot of other
companies rushing to define "after sport"?  I carefully examined these sandals and was intrigued to
read about the "Hydronic Cooling", which uses "this revolutionary concept of surrounding the foot
with 360 degrees of air circulation".  In layman's terms, the sandals have holes in the bottom to allow
your feet to breathe which also aids in the drainage of water.  

Before we go any further, I must disclose some information.  My feet are sudoriferous.  I'm not a
sweaty guy per se, in fact, I probably perspire less than the average guy.  You know those guys at
the gym who work out and their entire shirt is drenched, or the guy at work who wears a white
collared dress shirt and has the pit stains, well that's not me.  I'm going to guess that my body does
80% of it's perspiring through my feet and hands.  So when I read about this ventilation system, I was
eagerly willing to exchange my currency for these sandals.

After a hard weekend road race or a hike in the mountains, I am eager to do two things.  First,
change out my shoes and socks and slip into some sandals, followed by changing my shorts.  Thus,
"After Sport" is a great term, because after working out, nothing beats putting on a pair of sandals.  
Great marketing Rider and they even take a stab at the guy who likes to sit on the couch, to show
you how athletic their sandals truly are.

The Rider Relay II is everything that it was billed to be.  The "Anatomically Contoured Thermal
Polymers" allow proper cushioning and support for my size ten feet.  The sandals fit my feet well, stay
snug, and the breath ability is top notch.  My sweaty feet are neutralized due to the "Hydronic
Cooling" system.

I'm now sold on Rider Sandals.  I also noticed they have a fully enclosed "sandal" called the Rider
Running which offers more protection, stylish looks and breathability all in one!  I may have to order
a pair.