Published on June 3rd, 2024 | by Kirsten Borrink

OTBT Shoes and Sandals: Wonderful for Wanderers with Wonky Feet

OTBT Wandering

Kirsten wears OTBT Wandering sandal

You might suspect that with a company name like OTBT shoes (Off The Beaten Track), their shoes’ style is anything but ordinary. “Made for walking the road less traveled, we’re the comfortable shoe of choice for restless wanderers,” says the company’s website. Have you heard of OTBT? This unique brand features quality materials, earth-inspired leathers, and great attention to detail.

Many OTBT shoes feature platforms, wedges, secure straps and footbeds that have good support and/or cushioning – all great comfort features that make their shoes feel good on most average feet, and suit some special-needs feet as well. The thick outsoles and adjustable straps on many models make this brand a must-try for those dealing with hallux rigidus.

We’ve road tested several styles and found OTBT shoes to be fashionable, supportive and versatile. This summer we’re loving their sandals, but OTBT makes a full line of shoes, boots, and sneakers as well.

I’m wearing the OTBT Wandering platform sandal in the photo at right. I love the three-strap adjustability: over the forefoot, across the instep and behind the ankle. I know velcro closures can be a deal-breaker for some, as buckles are more secure. But let me tell you, this velcro is seriously grippy!

OTBT Alstead–like the Wandering sandal but in sneaker form from the Travel Lite collection.

The OTBT Wandering sandal features a cork footbed with moderate arch support and metatarsal support–there is a heel cup but it’s not that deep. This one-inch footbed sits atop a 1.5 inch outsole made of OTBT’s Step Lite™ foam which provides spring back technology, “re-forming after every step for a cushy experience you can feel.” So if you’ve been told to find a sandal that offers firm support but your tender tootsies crave a little cushioning, the Wandering is a fantastic choice.

I find that the OTBT Wandering fits true to size and best fits a slightly narrow to slightly wide foot (due to adjustability). Find it in sizes 5.5-11 for $68-138.95 from Nordstrom and Amazon. Check out the entire collection of supportive, stylish OTBT shoes, sandals, heels and boots at Nordstrom, Amazon, Zappos and OTBTshoes.com.