Unfortunately, where I live the terrain is quite pebbly, whether on dry land, on the shore, in stream, lakes, rivers or the ocean.  This leads to accumulation of pebbles in the sandal which are very difficult to remove with the closed toe and raised edges of the sole.  I actually have to take the sandals off to get pebbles out.  I would expect to do this with a boot but I rarely pick up pebbles in a boot; on the other hand it is happens all the time with sandals.<br /><br />One would think that they would make great water shoes, however, pebbles raise their head again - I feel I am constantly having to take one or both shoes off to clear the pebbles.