I've spent the whole summer wearing the 'ugliest hiking sandals in the world' and I regret absolutely nothing — here's why
I want cool and comfortable summer shoes. Finding the perfect summer sandals can be a hassle for several reasons. The worst one?
Women's summer footwear is often very toe-y. There are days when I'm just not in the mood for that. I've been craving a closed-toe summer shoe... and I've finally found the perfect pair.
So what are the best walking sandals for women? Well, there's no one right answer, but for me, it's got to be the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals. I tested these shoes back in April, and they still have me floored.
Weirdly, there's not one specific price for the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals on Amazon. Each colorway and size is a different price, but the MSRP is $119. The exact style I have is currently $106, down $13, but it differs in larger or smaller sizes.
As much as I love wearing sandals in summer, there's always one thing that holds me back: my toes.
Now, don't get me wrong, I don't hate my feet. I hate what other people think about feet. I'd rather not put my toes out there for the world, you know.
So when it's super hot and I want to wear sandals, I'm usually a vibrating ball of anxiety — especially wearing them to the office. What do you mean, everyone's going to see my toes? Thankfully, that's not an issue with the Keen Hyperport H2s. Thanks to the toe cover, the Hyperport H2s blocks as much toe as ballet flats or moccasins.
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As you can see from the photo above, no toes are visible. Phew.
So while the Hyperport H2s are a little more modest than other hiking sandals (I love my Tevas, but sometimes I just don't want my toes to be out), they're still just as breathable. Thanks to the ribcage-like design, my feet were able to breathe during hot weather while staying somewhat hidden.
When it's extremely hot outside, I can't wear my Skechers or Converse sneakers. Well, technically I can, but I'd rather not. That's where the Keen sandals come in clutch — they keep my feet cool, comfy, and covered up, even during a heatwave. I'm wearing the Hyperport H2 sandals as I write this, and it's currently 28°C (82°F), which is very hot for the U.K., and my feet couldn't be happier.
Given that Keen's entire mission is to create reliable, sturdy, and long-lasting shoes, I think it's fitting that the Hyperport H2s have been my go-to shoe all summer. There's no need to buy multiple pairs of varying styles, because the Hyperport H2s do it all.
But the Hyperport H2s are sandals, so surely they're only for super hot days? That's where you'd be wrong. Seeing as they're waterproof — and designed to be river shoes — they're ideal for warm but rainy days. I wore them yesterday when it was about 80°F and rainy, and they were the perfect shoes.
Not only did they keep my feet cool, but they also dried relatively quickly after I got inside. No more stressing over my sneakers that are still wet the next day.
Although the Keen sandals don't have Gore-Tex, trust me when I say they may as well have. A splash of water slides right off these sandals, and they dry within a few hours, should they get soaked through.
When I was testing the sandals for my review, I actually dunked them in the bathtub and timed how long it took them to dry completely. In two hours, the Hyperport H2s were 100% dry. This is no mean feat — I've had hiking boots that I've had to spend hours drying with a hair dryer before.
And the best part? The Hyperport H2s are grippy. Like... so grippy. I have never slipped while wearing these shoes, even during torrential rain on slippery pavements, and I'm one of the clumsiest people in the world.
While Keen has self-described the Hyperport H2 as "the ugliest sandal in the world", I think that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Yes, the Hyperport H2 has a polarizing design. But doesn't that make them all the more charming? I love bickering with my sisters about the ugliness of these shoes, or jokingly defending them against my colleagues (who think they should be burned).
What's the point of having boring shoes? I'd rather have something that is as comfortable as wearing literal clouds (true, the Hyperport H2s have an injected foam sole, which makes them as bouncy as a marshmallow) than something that feels like thousands of tiny needles piercing my skin with each step.
So who cares if these sandals are ugly? I don't. I will actually defend these shoes until I'm blue in the face. I think they're cool in an uncool sort of way.
I've been wearing the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals almost every day since April, and I don't see our love affair ending anytime soon.
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The best cat toys, tested and reviewed
The best cat toys are the closest thing a house cat gets to unleashing their inner predator — aside from the occasional housefly, of course. Whether it's a catnip kicker, crinkly ball, or feather wand, toys give cats a healthy outlet for their natural hunting instincts, making it less likely that they'll turn your hands, feet, or furniture into prey. When providing interactive play, always end the session with a small treat or meal to complete the hunting experience. Between professionally testing cat products, fostering, cat sitting, and being a lifelong cat mom, I've handled more cat toys than I can count. Drawing on that experience, I narrowed our testing pool to 30 standout toys, recruiting a panel of Business Insider cats and their humans to help assess them all. With input from experts, the toys in this guide were chosen for their ability to spark a cat's natural hunting behavior while standing up to cat claws and teeth. Our top pick is the SnugglyCat Ripple Rug, which features an adaptable design that caters to nearly every cat's unique play style and preferences. If you're still figuring out what kind of toy excites your cat the most, The Original Cat Dancer is also a good place to start. It comes recommended by cat behavior and retention specialist Rachel Geller for its unpredictable, bug-like movements, and costs just $3.99. Our top picks for the best cat toys Best overall: SnugglyCat Ripple Rug - See at Chewy Best wand: Pet Fit For Life Interactive Wand Bundle - See at Chewy Best mouse: Hartz Cattraction with Silvervine and Catnip - See at Amazon Best automatic: Potaroma 3-in-1 Hide-and-Seek Cat Toy - See at Amazon Best catnip kicker: Yeowww! Chi-Cat-a Banana - See at Chewy Best crinkle: SunGrow Mylar Crinkle Balls - See at Chewy Best ball: Franklin Table Tennis Balls - See at Chewy Best puzzle overall: Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle and Play - See at Chewy Best overall What we like Engages multiple instincts Versatile play options Suitable for cats of all ages and physical abilities Durable Non-slip backingNon-slip backing Instead of thinking of toys as just entertainment, it can help to see these items as tools, or, as veterinary behaviorist Dr. Carlo Siracusa calls them, "the essential toolkit for cat behavior." The Ripple Rug isn't a toy in the typical sense. It's an all-in-one cat playground that taps into almost every feline instinct and hunting style: stalking, pouncing, hiding, scratching, foraging, and even lounging. It features two layers of carpet — a bottom with a non-slip backing and a top with hidey holes. Cats or toys can pop out of the openings, or you can stash treats between the layers. My cats love slipping through the holes and bunching up the rug for rabbit kicking, which the carpet is durable enough to handle. Other than taking up nearly 12 square feet of floor space, the rug's main drawback is the need for additional toys to maximize enrichment, like a feathered teaser wand to weave through the openings. Lily Alig, former Business Insider Reviews kitchen editor, enjoyed the rug's adaptability, using its detachable layer to create tunnels for her cats Salem and Luna. When Salem burrows inside and is jumped on by Luna, Lily can just reform the tunnel to reset the play. Best wand A cat without toys isn't just bored — they're missing out on an essential part of being a cat. Without a way to act out their natural hunting sequence (including stalking, capturing, and killing), cats are deprived of behaviors as essential to them as daily movement is to us. Over time, that lack of stimulation can lead to stress and unwanted behaviors. "A lot of the conflicts that we see between cats or cats and people are stress-related," Siracusa says. Interactive wand toys are an especially effective way to satisfy your cat's instincts and get them moving. Because you control the speed and direction, you can mimic the way prey would behave, like dancing away from your cat instead of moving toward them, Geller says. She recommends the Pet Fit For Life Wand, which has a plush foam handle, a metal wand, and an extra extension piece to make the wand even longer. That added reach keeps your hands safely out of the play zone. Different cats — and even the same cat on different days — will gravitate to different textures and movements, Siracusa says. In Geller's experience and for our tester's cats, the Pet Fit For Life feather attachment was the clear favorite, while my cats were just as excited about the worm. To cover all your bases, the Pet Fit For Life bundle comes with an easy-on/off metal clasp and four interchangeable attachments — a worm, two feather attachments, and a mouse with feathers. Always put wand toys away between play sessions to prevent accidental tangles or chewing. Best mouse Mouse toys are a classic choice for cat parents because they look like a cat's most iconic prey. Our experts say that toys mimicking real prey in size and texture can spark your cat's hunting instincts. Hartz Cattraction with Silver Vine and Catnip Kitty Frenzy mice are the best mouse cat toys we tested because they're stuffed with catnip and silvervine, which trigger a burst of playful energy in many cats. After that initial excitement fades, cats often like to cuddle up with or even lick their "prey". These mice don't make a satisfying rattle when shaken, which would help to grab a cat's attention and spark their drive to chase. That said, no sound at all is often better than loud squeaks, especially for timid cats. "Loud electronic squeaks may frighten more than entice," says Dr. Aimee Warner, a veterinarian at Waggel. Constructed from hollow plastic wrapped in soft fabric, they're sturdy yet lightweight enough for cats to carry or slide across floors. Rather than hard plastic eyes and nose that could come loose and be ingested, these mice feature soft felt pieces that are glued in place. I pulled firmly on the ears, tail, seams, and felt details, and everything stayed securely attached. "Usually cats try to grab the object, the prey, and run away with it," Siracusa says. "So it's important that it is safe." Best automatic Each morning, my cat Atlas waits patiently for me to switch on her favorite toy, the Potaroma 3-in-1 Hide-and-Seek Cat Toy. This has been part of her routine for over two years. We love it so much that I've gifted one to my brother-in-law's cats and recommended it to several friends. It has a motorized butterfly that spins and flutters on top and a fluffy toy that circles unpredictably under a fabric cover. "Motorized 'prey under fabric' mats invite low-impact, extended activity — perfect for calorie burn without joint stress," Warner says. The butterfly moves realistically, and the hidden toy pops out with an element of surprise. "If the toy always moves in the same way, the cat will quickly realize it isn't real prey and lose interest," says Heather Alvey, certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Felidae Behavior Consulting. The best automatic cat toys don't run endlessly, Siracusa says. "If you leave the game going and the cat can't grab anything, the cat will lose interest and might even become frustrated." While cats can bite the butterfly and fluffy toy, the Potaroma also stops automatically after five minutes of inactivity. It stays in standby mode for two hours, so your cat can reactivate it with a touch. I typically charge it overnight about every three days, turning it on twice daily for my cats to enjoy. Replacement toy attachments are sold separately. Best teaser wire Cat Dancer Products Original Cat Dancer This affordable cat toy uses springy wire and soft cardboard ends to mimic unpredictable bug-like movements. Check price at Amazon Check price at Petco What we like Springy wire creates random, lifelike movements Affordable Rolled cardboard ends satisfy cats' urge to bite Expert recommended Providing your cat with the best toys isn't about having the fanciest ones, Siracusa says. What matters more is finding toys that entice your cat to play and give them a chance to complete the hunting sequence. Enter the Original Cat Dancer — a $4 piece of metal wire with rolled cardboard on each end. "Does your cat love chasing moths? Try the Cat Dancer," Alvey says. Its secret is the springy wire that makes the cardboard rods bounce unpredictably, like a real bug. For our cat tester Chowder, the Cat Dancer isn't just a toy — it's an obsession. Chowder becomes completely locked in when the Cat Dancer is in motion, like a fly buzzing around the room. When it's put away, he whines for its return. The soft cardboard gives your cat something satisfying to bite or claw into, fulfilling the "kill" part of the hunt. Geller recommends letting your cat successfully grab the toy in their mouth or paws before starting the game again. "Real prey might lose stamina during the hunt or play dead to trick the cat," she says. These little captures are what trigger feel-good chemicals. The soft cardboard also gives your cat something satisfying to bite or claw, fulfilling the "kill" part of the hunt. Geller recommends letting your cat successfully grab the toy in their mouth or paws before starting the game again. "Real prey might lose stamina during the hunt or play dead to trick the cat," she says. These little captures are what trigger feel-good chemicals. I've gone through several Cat Dancers over the years, since determined cats can eventually rip the cardboard off. But for its low price, it's an easy toy to replace when the old one finally gives out. For a deeper dive into what makes it a fan fave for one editor's cat, check out our Cat Dancer review. Best ring Some cats will turn just about anything into a toy — milk rings, bread ties, you name it. It's entertaining to see them get creative, and it might save you a few bucks on toys. But those household items aren't designed to hold up to rough play or a cat's teeth and claws. They can break into small pieces or cause an intestinal blockage. Fat Cat Cat Crazies are a safer, more durable alternative. These colorful rings skitter and slide across the floor like little bugs. I can twist and tug them without snapping them apart. After a few years of tossing these rings across our house, I still haven't found a single broken one. My cat goes wild when they zip across the tile floor, sending her sliding after them on her furry paws. Sometimes I'll add the Ripple Rug to the mix so the ring skips over the carpet before gliding onto the hardwood. Your cat might even retrieve the ring and bring it back to you, ready for another round. The rings will definitely end up under your stove or couch, but at around $4 for a pack of four, it's a small price to pay. Best catnip kicker Yeowww! is well-known for making cat kicker toys that many cats love. They use only catnip leaves and flower tops for maximum strength — a combination that revs many cats up. I especially like their rainbow and banana kickers because they have a slight curve. Warner says curved kickers hug the belly, making them easier for cats to grab and hold compared to straight ones. Our tester Chowder was particularly enthusiastic about her banana kicker. "She likes to get super 'high' on it and bounce around the house. I'm not sure if she enjoys the catnip or the toy more, but she's having fun," says her human, Lauren Savoie, Insider Reviews deputy executive editor. While my cats might not bounce around the room the house after playing with their rainbow kicker, they certainly enjoy intense bunny kicking sessions, often pausing to bite and lick the toy between kicks. "Kicking with the back legs is a behavior cats will use with larger prey, like if they catch a rabbit," Siracusa says. With all that kicking power, you need a kicker that's built to last. Yeowww! toys are made of sturdy twill with strong seams, and their catnip stays impressively potent. The best cat kicker toys are large enough for your cat to firmly grasp and kick with their back legs, about 8 to 10 inches, Warner says. The Yeowww! rainbow and banana kickers measure 6 and 7 inches, respectively. Best crinkle These crinkle balls have been a longtime favorite of our feline tester. They make a soft rustling sound and have an irresistible texture. "Papaya loves the noise these crinkle toys make! She especially enjoys when we squish them in our hands to create fun sounds before tossing them for a few minutes of batting and kicking," says her human, Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews executive editor. According to Siracusa, short bursts of play — about three to five minutes — are ideal for cats. As soon as their interest starts to fade, it's the perfect moment to wrap up with a treat or a small meal for a satisfying "game over" in the hunting sequence. Each pack comes with 12 brightly colored crinkle balls. Papaya has been enjoying hers for years without any shredding or damage. Each ball measures about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, meeting Warner's safety guideline to avoid any toy smaller than 1 1/4 inches across. Best ball What we like Affordable Unpredictable bounce Durable and resistant to chewing or tearing Suitable for solo or interactive play Specifics Best for:Stalking, chasing, pouncing, pawing, batting Materials:Plastic When your cat prefers a ball with a little more oomph, a ping pong ball might do the trick. I like to bounce them off the floor or send them rolling down the stairs. My cat Lyra will leap into the air trying to swat them down, and both cats love chasing them down the stairs, only for the balls to ricochet and bounce off in a new direction. Ping pong balls aren't ideal if your cat wants to retrieve the toy, but they're a smart choice for cats who chew or try to ingest softer materials. Siracusa says if your cat happily bats and chases them, ping pong balls work well. You can also make an enrichment game for your cat by adding them to a cake pan filled with shallow water, creating an extra challenge when your cat tries to scoop them out from an unstable surface. Best food puzzle toy overall Daily food enrichment is essential to the emotional well-being of cats and supports their natural behaviors of hunting, foraging, and eating multiple small meals. Food puzzle toys dispense food or treats when manipulated and allow cats to think through challenges in a physically active way, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. Food puzzles range from beginner to expert levels, and Geller recommends the Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle and Play as an expert-level challenge — but don't let that intimidate you or your cat. What I love about this puzzle is how adjustable it is to many skill levels. I introduced this puzzle slowly to my less food-motivated cat Atlas to keep her engaged without frustrating her, which Siracusa says can look like giving up or walking away. At first, I placed kibble in the open wells, then started covering some with the swiveling raindrops. Once she got the hang of that, I added the spinning wheel. Now she's solving the scent peg challenge, which requires her to move the peg over the well to release the food within, then shift it again to reach the prize. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider There are lots of ways for your cat to use this puzzle, which is exactly what makes it such a worthwhile buy. Atlas has been working on it for a few years now, and it also works with wet food. On special occasions, we'll squeeze Churu treats into a few compartments. It has no removable parts, which can easily become lost. The shallow wells and raindrop shapes take a little extra effort to scrub with a sponge, but I find it easier to clean than other puzzles we've tried with narrow tubes or deep ridges. Best easy food puzzle toy Catit Senses Food Tree The Catit Senses Food Tree encourages your cat to move for their food without being too challenging for novices. Check price at Chewy What we like Encourages movement Slows down fast eaters Good for beginners What we don't like Doesn't work with wet food May be too physically demanding for cats with limited mobility Specifics Best for:Foraging, problem solving, pawing, batting Materials:Plastic Even though this puzzle is ideal for beginners or cats who get frustrated by moving parts, your cat will still have to work for their reward. The three-tiered Catit Senses Food Tree encourages them to sit up, paw, and bat for their food. They may even need to circle around it to find the best angle to reach their treats. Siracusa says some of the best food puzzles for cats are the ones that get them moving. To use this puzzle, pour kibble or crunchy treats into the top. As the pieces fall through, they land within the staggered levels, which feature slots. It's up to your cat to reach in through small holes to pull the food out or push it downward, level by level, until it finally drops into the dish at the base. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider The Food Tree doesn't work with wet food, but the openings are large enough to fit many kinds and sizes of treats and kibbles. It's easy to take apart and wash by hand. Best ball on track Catstages Chase Meowtain Interactive 4-Tier Cat Track Toy This ball track toy offers a low-impact hunt for cats, whether they prefer to lounge and bat or circle and chase. Check price at Chewy Check price at Amazon What we like Safer to leave out for solo play Non-slip feet help keep it in place Low-impact play can be great for lower-energy or mobility-challenged cats What we don't like Slides around a bit on hard floors despite non-slip feet Some cats may lose interest in the repetitive movement Recommended for cats 12 weeks and older Specifics Best for:Batting, pawing, chasing Materials:Plastic Cats often lose interest in toys when they move too repetitively or predictably. "Unpredictable movement is key," says Dr. Sarah Cortright, chief medical director of the Under Dog Community Project. Still, lower-energy adults, cats with mobility challenges, and kittens may enjoy the low impact of ball track toys — something I saw firsthand while fostering a semi-socialized cat who'd just given birth to five kittens. She was exhausted and wary of people, and no toy seemed to catch her eye. That is, until one day, I heard the rhythmic clack of the roller ball track toy. The Catstages Chase Meowtain features four circular tiers, each with a lightweight plastic ball that circles its track. Some cats like to lie on their sides and lazily bat the balls, like my foster kitty. Others sit and paw at them, watching and waiting for the ball to circle the track for the next swat. More engaged cats might walk or sprint around the pyramid for a more active play session. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider The balls aren't removable from the track, so there's no risk of losing them under the couch. In fact, there are no small or removable parts, wires, or strings, which makes this one of the best cat toys to leave out for solo play. It has non-slip feet, though it still slides around a bit on hard surfaces. Best tunnel Kitty City Cat Tunnel This rustling tunnel encourages cats to hide, stalk, and ambush, then doubles as a cozy nap spot once the hunt is over. Check price at Chewy Check price at Amazon What we like Rustling material enhances stimulation Two entrances/exits Cushioned bed offers a resting spot after play Versatile configurations What we don't like Cats may pounce on passing feet without the addition of interactive play Takes up floor space Tunnel portion is spot-clean only Specifics Best for:Hiding, stalking, pouncing, swatting, chasing, wrestling, lounging Materials:Wire frame, polyester tunnel cover, fiberfill bed In the wild, cats spend a lot of time stalking their prey and pouncing at them from under cover. A cat tunnel can create that feeling for your cat, down to the sound of tall grass subtly rustling. As my cats race through the Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed, it rustles just enough to mimic the thrill of sneaking through vegetation. It has two entrances, each with a dangling toy, though my cats are usually too busy stalking and pouncing on passing wands and teasers to pay them much notice. Don't underestimate the importance of interactive play alongside the tunnel. You don't want your movement to be the only thing that looks like live prey, Siracusa says. A tunnel offers cats a place to hide and plan ambushes, but it's up to you to direct that hunting instinct toward toys — not your feet or ankles. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider When the "hunt" is over, reward your cat with a treat before allowing them to curl up in the cozy bed at the tunnel's center before the next hunt. The Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed also took top honors in the tunnel category in our guide to the best cat beds, where it won praise for its versatility and dual uses for lounging and play. Best subscription KitNip KitNipBox The KitNip monthly cat toy subscription box is a fun way to explore a variety of high-quality toys and treats, helping you discover what your cat enjoys. Check price at KitNip What we like Great way to discover what types of toys and play styles your cat prefers Can swap treats for an extra toy Choose from three box sizes to fit your budget and number of cats No long-term commitment What we don't like Limited customization options Some cats may still ignore certain toys despite the variety Little information on website about treat options Specifics Pricing:Starting at $25.99 per box per month Customizable:Can exchange treats for an extra toy Shipping cost:Free What's included:5 items; 4 toys plus a treat (or swap for a fifth toy), larger boxes are also available If you've made it to the end of this best cat toys roundup and still feel unsure where to start — or if it seems like your cat doesn't like anything you've tried — a subscription box can be a smart way to discover what excites them. "Don't give up," says Siracusa. "Don't just try one or two toys because they're popular. If your cat doesn't like them, it doesn't matter. We're all different, and cats are too." Even if you don't stick with it long-term, a few deliveries can help pinpoint your cat's play style. If you do find toys that are a hit with your cat, rotating toys every few days can help maintain novelty. With the KitNipBox, five new cat items arrive monthly, with 5% of the proceeds supporting animal welfare. You can pick larger boxes if you'd like more toys, and cancel anytime before the next charge. The variety and quality of toys in my first box really impressed me, and my cats were instantly drawn to all of them. The second box, however, was less exciting, with fewer unique toys, though Atlas still happily purred as I unpacked it. While this suggests the boxes may lack variety some months, all the toys are designed in-house, which makes each box feel special. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider Our first Happy Cat Box, intended for one cat, included a two-pack of '90s-inspired catnip-filled hair scrunchies, a sisal and raffia chew toy (Lyra went straight for this), two strong catnip kickers, and a wand with a long ribbon, bell, and sturdy wooden handle (my cats' favorite). The featured treats were Vitakraft lick treats made with salmon broth, salmon, and other meats, and just 8 calories each. A lick mat was included for serving, but you can swap the treats for an extra toy instead. The second box was packed mostly with plush kicker toys, one of them filled with catnip, plus crunchy Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats. Despite the lack of variety in my second box, it's worth giving KitNip a chance if you're striking out elsewhere, don't know where to start, or just want to mix things up for your cat. What to look for in cat toys The word "toys" doesn't fully capture how important playthings are for cats. "Playful behavior is something that is part of the nature of cats themselves, because it allows them to kill animals multiple times throughout the day," Siracusa says. My experts recommend choosing toys that spark your cat's hunting instincts. This way, they can complete their "hunt" and won't seek out other, less desirable activities or outlets. Here are the key qualities of the best cat toys to help channel your cat's instincts: Biologically appropriate features: Experts agree that the best cat toys tap into a cat's instinct to hunt. When evaluating a toy, consider: Movement: Does it move sporadically and realistically, or can you manipulate the toy to mimic the motion of prey? "The best automated toys move erratically, stop and start, or hide under fabric — like a mouse scurrying under a blanket," Cortright says. Automatic toys should also be designed to be caught by the cat to prevent frustration. When it comes to the best teasers and wands, look for wires that bounce or feathers that flutter. "Prey doesn't dangle in a cat's face or bop them on the side," Alvey says. Functionality: Does the toy inspire stalking, chasing, pouncing, biting, foraging, or hiding? These are all important activities that allow your cat to be a cat. Design: Does it resemble real prey in size, shape, or texture? Look for fur-like fabric, feathers, or crinkly materials. Surprise: Are there moving or disappearing elements, like toys that pop out from fabric or tunnels? "Predictability is a fast death for interest," Warner says. Safety and durability: Cat toys are meant to be hunted and "killed" through chasing, pouncing, biting, and kicking, so they need to hold up to rough play. According to my experts, these safety guidelines will help keep your cat safer while playing: Choose toys without small parts like beaded eyes, noses, or foam pieces. Check seams and parts regularly by gently pulling on them. Toss any toy with loose pieces or exposed stuffing. Avoid toys smaller than 1 ¼ inches in diameter, Warner says. Anything smaller can be swallowed and cause choking or a blockage. Store anything with long strings out of reach (like wands) until supervised playtime. Safer options for solo play include catnip kickers, soft mice, and rubber balls. Suitability for your cat's age and physical abilities: Siracusa says kittens prefer social play — like chasing, wrestling, and mock fighting — but few toys truly replicate that. A simple mouse toy can come close for kittens who like to retrieve. On the other hand, adult cats develop their own hunting styles and usually prefer object play, using toy objects to practice their skills. If you have an aging cat or a cat with mobility issues, you'll likely need to adjust both the toys you choose and how you play. A senior cat with arthritis in their back legs, for example, may not want to bunny kick a catnip toy or jump after a wand. Warner says in these cases, try low-impact toys like treat balls, slow-feed puzzles, and motorized "prey under fabric" mats. You can also adapt your wand play by scooting the toy under a blanket or engaging your cat with slow, low movements of the toy so your senior isn't forced to overextend their arms. Siracusa says a change in how often or how engaged a cat is in play can be a normal part of aging. However, any sudden changes in play or activity level should be discussed with your veterinarian. He says diseases as common as dental disease can make play painful for cats. Enticing extras: Some plants, including catnip, silvervine, and valerian, release chemicals meant to keep plant-eating insects away. But for cats, the effect is anything but threatening. Sniffing it sends many cats into a state of joy: rubbing their heads on objects, rolling around, and purring in what scientists dub the "catnip response." Not every cat feels the same euphoria from catnip. However, our experts say fresh dried buds and cut leaves are often more exciting than powdered catnip. Sound and texture matter, too. Crinkle materials can mimic the rustling of prey through grass, triggering a cat's hunting instincts. The texture adds tactile interest. However, loud squeakers or motors could be scary rather than fun to some cats. How we tested the best cat toys Janelle Leeson/Business Insider I'm a lifelong cat parent, including one cat with orthopedic issues, and I've fostered nearly 50 cats and kittens. I know firsthand how selective cats can be, and how rough they can be on their toys. To get a wide range of opinions, I recruited six Insider Reviews editors and reporters and their cats to help test the best cat toys. We tested over 30 cat toys, taking note of their features, our cats' level of enthusiasm, and how they held up to play. Some toys were tested in multiple households. Here's the approach we took: Safety and Durability: We inspected every toy straight out of the box, checking for small parts, glued-on pieces, or fabric trim that could come loose. We gently tugged on any attachments to see if they detached easily. For soft or fabric toys, we pulled and twisted them to test the seams and stitching. We also bent or lightly compressed plastic components to see if they cracked, warped, or popped apart. For electronic toys, we let the battery run all the way down to measure battery life, then noted how long it took to recharge. During play, we watched closely for wear and tear. Biologically appropriate features: Based on expert advice, we awarded points to toys that triggered a cat's hunting instincts, such as ones that wiggled, fluttered, or moved erratically. We checked each design to see if it looked like real prey in size, shape, or texture. We preferred toys with details like feathers, fur-like fabric, or a crinkly feel. Finally, we also gave high marks to toys that offered an element of surprise, like components that popped out from tunnels or disappeared under fabric. Subscription boxes: In addition to evaluating the toys themselves, I evaluated each cat toy subscription based on ease of sign-up, customization of the plan, and ability to swap toys for other toys or treats. I also checked whether the service provided clear shipping and delivery notifications and whether you could easily pause deliveries or cancel the subscription. Cat toys FAQs Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider What toys do cats like the most? Play is all about hunting, so the best cat toys are ones that look, move, smell, and/or sound like real prey. "Wand toys, crinkle balls, and kicker toys are among the most popular cat toys," Cortright says. What toys are best for indoor cats? Toys that encourage your indoor cat to move and practice their natural hunting skills help keep them physically fit, and protect your feet, hands, furniture, and other pets from becoming their "prey". "Cats typically prefer soft textures like plush or felt, and movements that are fast, fluttery, or unpredictable," Cortright says. How do I figure out what toys my cat likes? It can take some trial and error to figure out which toys your cat likes best, but Alvey has a helpful tip: "Observe what your cat is already interested in and find toys that mimic those experiences," she says. For example, if your cat likes chasing bugs, a wand toy with fluttering feathers or a toy like the Cat Dancer might be a great fit. If they enjoy breaking into cupboards, try a challenging food puzzle. If your cat is known to shred toilet paper rolls, a catnip-filled kicker toy can satisfy their need to kick and bite. You can also explore DIY food puzzle options and see examples of commercial food puzzles rated by difficulty level through this cat food puzzle resource. What toys make cats lose weight? Any toy that gets your cat up and moving can help them lose weight. Wand toys, like the Pet Fit For Life wand, are a great choice because you control how vigorously the "prey" moves. Even if your cat only walks behind the toy at first, that's a good start. The Catit Senses Food Tree even encourages your cat to circle around the puzzle to bat pieces of food. What kind of toys do senior cats like? Even older cats enjoy playtime, but they often prefer gentler activities due to lower energy or mobility issues. Many senior cats like toys they can bat at rather than pounce on or chase. You can adapt your play style to accommodate their mobility by playing closer to the floor. Watching a toy move slowly can be just as enriching for cats as leaping through the air. Ultimately, you know your cat best. Consider their unique preferences and physical abilities when choosing the best cat toys. Janelle Leeson Freelance Writer Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based contributor for Insider Reviews, where she tests and writes about products for pets. She holds a bachelor of science in biology and transitioned to freelance writing after a decade-long career in the field. Her approach to pet care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles which consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition, and environmental enrichment. In addition to writing about animal health, behavior, and nutrition, Janelle also writes about sustainability, beauty, and fashion. Her work on pets and other topics appears at Daily Paws, Great Pet Care, Rover, Shop Today, USA Today Reviewed, Fetch by The Dodo, and elsewhere. Her work has also appeared in print in Inside Your Dog's Mind, Inside Your Cat's Mind, and Paw Print magazines. You can find Janelle on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Read more You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@
Business Wire
4 hours ago
- Business Wire
MANSCAPED ® Launches New Loyalty Program, Members Only Rewards
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Shop. Earn. Shave. MANSCAPED ®, the global leader in men's grooming, is rolling out Members Only Rewards, an elevated loyalty program that goes beyond points to integrate seamlessly with the brand's longtime subscription offering. Built from real customer insights, this simple yet benefit-packed program provides meaningful rewards, exclusive benefits, and a highly generous earning structure with up to 10% back on every dollar spent. As part of the launch, MANSCAPED's signature subscription offering, The Peak Hygiene Plan, is getting a major refresh. Now reintroduced as the VIP tier, this upgraded membership club delivers unmatched value and unlocks exclusive pricing with 50% off power blades and 20% off everything else added to your subscription box. 'We've built one of the most unique subscription programs on the market, and now we're launching a best-in-class loyalty program to celebrate those subscribers and to reward every purchaser, no matter how or where they choose to shop,' said Stephanie Hinze, VP, Global Direct-to-Consumer at MANSCAPED. 'We believe loyalty should be easy, rewarding, and built around our customers, and that's exactly what Members Only Rewards is designed to deliver.' With Members Only Rewards, customers earn points on every purchase – whether they shop online, in-store, or on Amazon – and those points can be redeemed as Rewards Cash on The program's straightforward three-tier structure celebrates loyalty at every level, from first-time shoppers to longtime subscribers, making it easier than ever to shop, earn, and shave with serious perks. The more customers shop and engage with the brand, the more exclusive benefits they unlock. Members Only Rewards Tiers Enrollment in the entry tier, 'Guest List,' is free and available during checkout. Customers are elevated to 'A-List' status after spending $100* per year and skip the line to 'VIP' status by enrolling in MANSCAPED's exclusive VIP Package subscription. Members earn between 5 and 10 points per dollar and automatically redeem $10* in Rewards Cash every time they reach 1,000 points. Guest List – Earn 5 points per $1* spent. Enjoy Rewards Cash, bonus point opportunities, and a free birthday gift. A-List – Earn 8 points per $1 spent. Includes all Guest List perks, plus a Manniversary gift and early access to new product drops. VIP – Earn 10 points per $1 spent. This subscription-based tier unlocks the best of MANSCAPED, including VIP pricing on everyday purchases, even bigger savings on subscription shipments (50% off power blades and 20% off all other box items), extended product warranties, free samples, and an annual loyalty gift. To earn points on purchases made outside of members can upload receipts from authorized retailers or MANSCAPED's Amazon storefront using the Retail Receipt Scanning feature located in the 'My Account' section after logging in. Members Only Rewards is now available to customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. To learn more and enroll in MANSCAPED's Members Only Rewards program, visit *In regions outside of the U.S., the local currency equivalent will be used to determine spend thresholds and point calculations. Founded by in 2016, San Diego, California-based MANSCAPED ® is the global men's lifestyle consumer brand and male grooming category creator trusted by over twelve million men worldwide. The product range includes a diversified line of premium tools, formulations, and accessories designed to introduce and elevate a whole new self-care routine for men. The collection is available globally in 40 countries on on Amazon in more than 100 countries worldwide, and in major retailers including Target ®, Walmart, CVS, Best Buy, Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Military Exchanges, and many more internationally. For more information, visit or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Tumblr, and YouTube.
NBC News
7 hours ago
- NBC News
7 best shoe racks, according to professional organizers
As the seasons change, it's usually a good reminder to swap out your clothes. But while you're in your closet, take a good look at the shoes, sneakers and heels scattered all over the floor and consider whether you want to keep them or donate them. If you decide you want to keep them, a shoe rack could help. We spoke to Nancy Meck, a professional organizer and owner of Meck Organizing, who said that you have a much better chance of wearing — and appreciating — your shoes when you can easily reach them. In order to find the best shoe rack options to consider to help you get the most use from your current shoes, we consulted Meck, as well as Caroline Solomon, founder of home organizing business Caroline Solomon Home, and Kelly McGreevy, founder of home organization business Styled Neatly, for their shoe rack, shelf and organizing recommendations. How we picked the best shoe racks There are a few important factors to keep in mind when choosing the best shoe rack and storage options. Here's everything our experts recommended we keep in mind when making this list: Dimensions: Since shoe racks are available in many different sizes, heights and widths, we made sure to include options on this list with several different sizes, especially since how much room you have in your home will determine which ones are best for you. Some options may only have two shelves but have room crosswise, while others are quite tall, but don't have as much width. We also made sure to keep height in mind, since it leaves more surface area for other types of furniture in your home. Style: We made sure to include shoe storage options that are made of different materials like wood and metal, and ones that are mostly made up of shelving without any type of door. We also included options that have a cabinet style to them, meaning they often have doors to keep shoes out of sight while also doubling as decor or furniture. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Here are a few shoe storage solutions to consider. All of the options below are either recommendations from our experts or have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon. This durable metal shoe rack has three shelves, though you can stack multiple ones on top of each other to store more shoes. Alternatively, you can put multiple shelves adjacent to one another, too. With a 4.6-star average rating from 36,090 reviews on Amazon, it can hold many types of shoes, like sneakers, sandals, and boots, depending on their heights. This shoe rack is a great option if you want one for almost all of your shoes, including one of different sizes and shapes. This rack has shelves for short shoes like sneakers and sandals, but also has a side for tall boots. The surface of each shelf is flat and holds multiple types of heels without them potentially falling through. To set it up, all you have to do is connect the metal tubs with the connectors. Plus, the rack, which has a 4.5-star average rating from 1,010 reviews at Walmart, has multiple pockets on the side for storing more accessories. An over-the-door shoe holder is a go-to option for storing shoes, especially when you have an extremely small room, since they allow you to have more surface area on your floor for furniture. This option has 24 pockets that are around 4 inches across each. While it isn't the best choice for storing boots or tall shoes, the brand also sells an option with extra-large pockets. It also has a 4.7-star average rating from 130,110 reviews on Amazon. While it may seem unconventional to use a bookcase for a shoe rack, Solomon said the Billy Bookcase from Ikea is one of her favorite 'no-nonsense' ways to store her heels and show them off for visitors. The bookcase has adjustable shelves so you can move them around according to the height of your shoes — boots, for example, will need more space than a pair of sandals. But each shelf is only about 11 inches deep (about a size 11 in men's shoes or a women's 12), so make sure that works for your shoe collection. There are six shelves, and assuming you can place around three pairs of shoes per shelf, it should fit 18 pairs of shoes. Solomon also recommended the shorter version of the bookcase for those with half the pairs of shoes. Meck prefers a classic shoe shelf: She feels it's a no-fuss fix for lining up shoes easily, efficiently and neatly. Even better, you can find shoe shelves in many different flavors, from custom builds to those that have been repurposed (like we mentioned above) or ready-made. For those who don't want to spend the time or money on customized builds, Meck recommended this stackable shoe shelf from The Container Store. It's made from bamboo, which the brand says 'is easily renewable, so it's an environmentally friendly material.' It has two shelves that can typically hold around eight pairs of women's shoes or six pairs of men's shoes, according to The Container Store. McGreevy said this Large Drop-Front Shoe Box Case from The Container Store made 'organization a breeze.' Part of the appeal of a box like this one is that you can keep your shoes safe from external forces while also letting you see them. (And if this particular profile or aesthetic doesn't fit your closet, The Container Store has lots of other options, too: check out its Tall Side Profile Drop-Front Shoe Box and the Cambridge Drop-Front Shoe Box in Linen. No matter which you buy, the store doesn't recommend stacking more than seven or eight boxes on top of each other for stability. Meck mentioned this 15-Unit Stackable Organizer from ClosetMaid for those who want cubbies, which can be great if you want order and division between pairs of shoes (or single shoes). Because the height of each cubbyhole doesn't reach very far, the organizer is only good for accommodating flip flops, sandals and other low-profile shoes, it says. ClosetMaid specifically singles out any that measure smaller than 5.75 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide by 11 inches deep. The organizer comes in three colors: white, espresso and dark cherry. How to decide what shoe storage solution to buy Organize your shoesBefore buying any kind of shoe storage, McGreevy encourages a shoe cleanse: Categorize all of your shoes first and then place them side-by-side and decide whether to hold on to them, donate them or throw them away. 'Going through this step is important so that you don't end up organizing extra pairs of shoes or buying more storage than you need,' she said. 'Count how many pairs — and how many of each type — you have after decluttering. Purchase storage based on those numbers.' Factor in shoe sizeAfter you assess which shoes need to go in the shoe case, look at your space as a whole. The type of shoe organizer you buy should also depend on the size of your space and how often you wear each pair, McGreevy said. Wear frequencySolomon agreed and added that the frequency at which you wear your favorite pairs is especially important when searching for shoe storage, since you won't want to tuck away shoes into individual storage bins if you plan on wearing them frequently. Instead, opt for open storage like a shoe cubby or shoe rack that allows for easy access, Solomon suggested. An over-the-door shoe bag could work for someone who doesn't need their collection in plain sight, she said. Plus, it frees up floor space. How to properly store shoes Generally, you should make sure you're storing shoes somewhere that isn't directly hit by sunlight but is well-ventilated and cleaned regularly, according to Meck. This can help prevent shoes from becoming damaged or collecting dust. For shoes that you want to pack away, Meck explained that wrapping them in tissue paper (and even old clothes) can keep them from scraping or scuffing together. For those shoes you reach for regularly, Solomon recommended leaving them around an entryway to prevent dirt from traveling further into your house or apartment. Here are a few other expert-recommended tips to consider when arranging your shoe storage: Boots: Both McGreevy and Solomon suggested using shapers in order to help maintain their shape and keep them standing straight. The two recommended this affordable option from The Container Store. For seasonal shoes like winter and rain boots, Solomon recommends the best place for storage is in an entryway closet or mudroom, especially if you don't want to drag in dirt from outside. Sneakers: Avoid sealed storage like storage bins for sneakers since these shoes need to breathe to look fresh and new, Solomon said. She's a fan of stocking sneakers in shoe cubbies, especially for someone who has a larger collection that they want to show off. Heels: Those who have a bigger selection of high heels should look between the shelves of a shoe shelf. Solomon recommended avoiding shoe racks with slats, as they 'always lead to heels getting stuck in between the rungs,' or slanted shelves, as shoes tend to fall off the racks more easily.' Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Ambar Pardilla is a former reporter for NBC Select. Justin Krajeski and Cory Fernandez contributed.
