Thread Labs Redway Sandal Review: Worth it or not?

If you’re serious about outdoor footwear, you know how rare it is for a sandal to truly surprise you. After years of testing gear, I’ve seen plenty of “new” releases that barely move the needle. That’s why the Thread Labs Redway Sandal immediately caught our attention.

We've tested dozens of adventure sandals this season, but the Redway stands apart in both design innovation and practical performance. Designed by Marc Paigen-the same mind behind the original Chaco-this sandal promises a genuine leap forward in comfort, support, and sustainability. In this review, I’ll break down how the Redway performs where it matters most: on your feet, out in the real world.

The Origin of Thread Labs

 

Thread Labs is the brainchild of Marc Paigen, a pioneering figure in the outdoor footwear industry and the original inventor of Chaco sandals. Mark has always believed exceptional footwear can change lives. He's been in the footwear industry for over 30 years, working with podiatrists, pedorthists, foot care experts, and footwear makers. After Chaco sold in 2009, Mark ultimately started Tread Labs to continue transforming people's footwear so they can walk better, feel better, live better.

"We've seen countless iterations of outdoor sandals come through our testing lab. What makes the Redway exceptional is how it addresses longstanding pain points while introducing genuinely useful innovations."

With the Redway, Paigen and his team have leveraged over three decades of expertise to address the evolving needs of outdoor enthusiasts. This legacy is evident in every aspect of the Redway’s design, which reflects a deep understanding of both the technical and practical demands placed on adventure footwear.

Forest Green Performance

The anatomical footbed is designed to support your arches, making a significant difference on long days. Your feet feel stable and less fatigued, even after hours of walking or hiking. Based on Thread Labs' 26•33 ARCHitecture to support each of the 26 bones and 33 joints in the foot, improving alignment throughout your body.

The best method to find your arch height is to get the bottoms of your feet wet and step onto a surface where you can see the footprint. This will indicate the proper support for your foot. You don't want an arch that's too aggressive and you also don't want one that's too low. Then, compare the footprint to this Thread Labs chart here.

Tread Labs’ insole technology enhances arch support, so if you’re accustomed to flat sandals that leave your feet sore, you’ll notice the improvement right away. The microfiber suede footbed feels soft and cool against your skin, and it’s treated to resist odors, so your sandals stay fresh even after hot days or water adventures.

This material also helps wick away moisture, keeping your feet dry and comfortable, whether you’re crossing streams or just dealing with summer heat.

Standout Features That Matter

During all-day wear testing, we noticed reduced fatigue compared to conventional sandals. The arch support distributes pressure evenly, preventing hot spots even during extended hikes.

"The 3D-knitted uppers are flexible and breathable, hugging your foot without causing hot spots or rubbing while walking. The unbreakable aluminum buckles remain our favorite hardware feature. Low-profile and non-slip, they remained secure during testing, even on uneven terrain or during rapid movements."

Made from recycled polyester, they’re lightweight and dry quickly after getting wet, which is perfect for river crossings or unexpected rain.

Solving Slippery Sandals

Perhaps most impressive is how the Redway addresses a universal complaint with sport sandals. Traditional models become soggy and uncomfortable when wet, often leading to slipping and blisters.

"We've tested hundreds of sandals over the years, and moisture management is where most fail," our editor explains. "The Redway's ability to remain comfortable when wet and dry quickly represents a genuine advancement in design."

The Redway's microfiber suede footbed with antimicrobial treatment actively dissipates moisture, keeping feet remarkably dry even in hot weather. After deliberate testing in creek crossings, we found the sandals dried quickly and never developed the notorious "wet sandal smell."

Underfoot, the ultra-lightweight polyurethane midsole provides a cushioned feel similar to EVA foam, but with significantly improved durability, offering both comfort and long-lasting support.

All these features come together to make the Redway Sandals an excellent choice for anyone who wants reliable comfort, support, and versatility, whether you’re out for a hike, running errands, or traveling somewhere new.

Our Verdict

After extensive testing across multiple environments, we're confident in declaring the Thread Labs Men's Redway Sandal in Forest a new benchmark in outdoor footwear—and worth the $130.00 price.

What ultimately impressed us most was how thoughtfully every element addresses real-world problems that outdoor enthusiasts face. For anyone seeking a premium adventure sandal that will perform reliably season after season, the Redway represents an investment in both comfort and sustainability that few competitors can match.