Native Shoes Miles Wanderfoam Review: All-in-One for Summer Travel

It’s easy to pack way too many shoes for summer travel. You can pack beach sandals for the water, walking shoes for exploring or flip-flops for the shower. I changed my mind about this after getting the Native Shoes Miles Wanderfoam.

In this review, see why I opted for them over the best-selling and most famous “Native” shoe, the Jefferson, and why I prefer the fit. You’ll also see how they worked out for an entire weekend at the Jersey Shore.

I’m convinced these are the only warm-weather shoes you need for vacations and trips when sandals are key. In this review, learn about the fit, size, style and if they’re for you.

Meet the Miles Wanderfoam

I wore the Miles Wanderfoam as my ONLY pair of shoes for the whole weekend at the beach. I walked to the beach, walked ON the beach, strolled around town, wandered to the bay and even chased our toddler around the yard during barbecue dinners, all while wearing them with my default jean shorts.

The look of them is cool, and they’re a hybrid sandal-sneaker that’s laces-free. They have soles that don’t let me slip, and a closed-toe design that is perfect for avoiding tripping on steps, sidewalks or my kids’ beach toys.

The Miles Wanderfoam handled every single scenario on my trip without giving me a single foot ache. The Jefferson shoes from Native Shoes would’ve done the same thing, but keep reading as to why I prefer the Miles Wanderfoam (my hot take!).

Also, the uniqueness

I find that “everyone” chooses the Jefferson by default as their Native Shoe. I like that the Miles is the slightly-less-chosen option, and it’s more of a, “Oh, wow, those look really cool” shoe.

If you have not yet checked out what to expect with Native Shoes, head to my Native Shoes brand review at my lifestyle blog’s apparel reviews.

The perfect fit (compared to the Jefferson)

What I love most about the Miles Wanderfoam is how they actually work out okay for my feet. I have low arches and flat feet, and most slip-on shoes either don’t provide enough support or feel too tight. In the summer, I live in Birkenstock sandals, but the issue is that they are not closed-toe. I was happy to welcome an alternative.

I originally tried the Native Shoes Jefferson style too, thinking I’d prefer the higher ankle design for foot support and steadiness.

But the Miles Wanderfoam runs narrower (I should’ve read this on the website rather than being surprised…) and fits my foot shape much better.

The Wanderfoam material is incredibly soft and supportive. I walked for miles in the heat while pushing the stroller, then again with our 15-pound baby in the carrier (adding 15 pounds to my total body weight), and my feet felt fine the entire time.

I say “fine” because I’m not asking for miracles with the Miles Wanderfoam. They’re not a real sneaker. They’re what I call a sandal hybrid. So if I can wear a shoe that makes my feet feel better than my hard-soled Birkenstocks, while protecting my toes and my heel, I’m happy.

Sizing

I first ordered a size 7, because I’m a true 6.5 in sneakers for most brands. Right away, that was huge on me. I was a little disappointed, but glad I tried. I re-ordered and did an exchange with Native Shoes’s customer service, to get a 6.

The size 6 Miles Wanderfoam fit a lot better. They’re almost a dab small, but I prefer that to having them big and sliding off. What I really need is a half size. I wish they made those.

For you, size down. if you’re a half size or generally in between shoe sizes.

And the last thing to know is that the Jefferson runs even BIGGER than the Miles. I’m glad I was able to compare them both. Getting both in a re-order in size 6, the Jefferson is still bigger and wider than the Miles style, in the same size.

How do they perform?

These really are a warm-weather do-it-all shoe. I did not know it was possible. I’m already having to pack light with a baby and a toddler, so I just don’t have room for 3 pairs of shoes in my duffel bag weekender anymore.

I tested this theory by literally taking only this single pair for my entire weekend trip. No beach sandals, no separate walking shoes, no shower flip-flops. The Miles Wanderfoam was on my feet every minute I wasn’t in the beach house. You’d see it in all my trip photos, and I took hundreds!

The closed-toe design meant I could chase after our toddler without worrying about stubbed toes. The water-friendly material handled beach walks and poolside lounging. And the slip-on style made them perfect for quick trips to the convenience store or backyard barbecues.

I also wore them (or kicked them off) in the car, and the last thing is that I can put them on both feet, without using my hands.

And because I tested these at the beach, it was nice to spray them off to knock off all of the loose sand, and then let them dry overnight and have them ready to wear the next day.

Let’s talk about the style

Being a millennials, I miss the days when I could wear VANS slip-ons as my signature shoe. I wore VANS for years, and they were the easiest slip-on to throw on (or slide on) with jeans.

The flat soles don’t work for my arches, they just don’t cut it for long-distance walking anymore, and they definitely are not sandals!

So, I’ve switched to supportive sneakers for daily wear. And in summer, I’m thrilled to return to that look, via Native Shoes.

The slip-on nature of the Miles Wanderfoam is growing on me even more than the “Converse Chuck Taylor” style of the Jefferson. They give me that casual, effortless vibe I love while actually being comfortable enough for real adventures.

Key Takeaways

You’ll find that the Miles Wanderfoam has a lot in common with the Jefferson shoes from Native. But I prefer the Miles, for the following reasons (spoiler: it is mostly all about the fit).

• Perfect for flat feet: The Wanderfoam material provides excellent support without feeling restrictive
• True versatility: Handles beach walks, city exploring and everything in between
• Travel-friendly: One pair eliminates the need for multiple summer shoes
• Comfortable from day one: No break-in period needed
• Water-friendly: Perfect for beach and pool activities

If you’re looking for a summer shoe that can truly do it all, the Native Shoes Miles Wanderfoam is worth every penny.