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.

The Score View detailed breakdown

4.32 / 5

The Native Shoes Miles Wanderfoam is a hybrid sandal-sneaker with Wanderfoam material that provides excellent support for flat feet, featuring water-friendly construction and slip-on design perfect for beach walks, city exploring and all summer travel activities in one versatile shoe.

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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.

Detailed score breakdown

4.32 / 5

The Native Shoes Miles Wanderfoam is a hybrid sandal-sneaker with Wanderfoam material that provides excellent support for flat feet, featuring water-friendly construction and slip-on design perfect for beach walks, city exploring and all summer travel activities in one versatile shoe.

All-day comfort

86%

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, and my feet felt fine the entire time. I have low arches and flat feet, and these provide excellent support without feeling restrictive. They're comfortable from day one with no break-in period needed.

Support & stability

84%

The Wanderfoam material provides excellent support for flat feet. They're not a real sneaker - they're what I call a sandal hybrid - but 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. The support is adequate for the type of shoe this is.

Fit & sizing consistency

76%

I first ordered a size 7 because I'm a true 6.5 in sneakers for most brands, and that was huge on me. The size 6 fits 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.

Breathability & moisture control

88%

The water-friendly material handles beach walks and poolside lounging beautifully. They breathe well in warm weather, which is crucial for summer travel. I wore them as my ONLY pair of shoes for the whole weekend at the beach, and they never felt stuffy or uncomfortable. The material allows airflow while still providing protection.

Weather & water performance

90%

The water-friendly material handled beach walks and poolside lounging perfectly. I tested these at the beach, and it was nice to spray them off to knock off all of the loose sand, then let them dry overnight and have them ready to wear the next day. They're perfect for beach and pool activities. The closed-toe design protects from splashes and sand.

Traction on different surfaces

86%

They have soles that don't let me slip. The closed-toe design is perfect for avoiding tripping on steps, sidewalks or my kids' beach toys. I walked on the beach, around town and on various surfaces without any slipping issues. The traction is good for the type of surfaces you encounter during summer travel.

Weight & balance on foot

90%

They're lightweight and feel balanced on foot. I can put them on both feet without using my hands, which is perfect for quick transitions. The weight is minimal, which is great for travel when you're already carrying luggage and managing kids. They don't feel clunky or heavy.

Slip-on convenience

92%

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 I can put them on both feet without using my hands. This is critical for airport security, plane comfort and hotel use. The convenience factor is excellent.

Packability in luggage

88%

One pair eliminates the need for multiple summer shoes. 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. They pack efficiently without taking up valuable luggage space.

Durability over time

84%

After a weekend of heavy beach use, they've held up well. The material handled sand, water and various surfaces without showing excessive wear. I sprayed them off to knock off loose sand and they dried overnight ready to wear the next day. The construction feels solid for the type of shoe this is.

Style & outfit versatility

88%

The look of them is cool, and they're a hybrid sandal-sneaker that's laces-free. Being a millennial, I miss the days when I could wear VANS slip-ons as my signature shoe. The slip-on nature 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.

Overall value for price

88%

If you're looking for a summer shoe that can truly do it all, the Miles Wanderfoam is worth every penny. These really are a warm-weather do-it-all shoe. I did not know it was possible. The versatility and comfort justify the cost, especially when you consider that one pair can replace multiple summer shoes. Perfect for travelers who want to pack light.

How we score gear

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.