Black Friday - best deals from 50 stores 3 Best Teva Hiking Sandals
In the realm of hiking sandals, Teva is among the top brands that never fail to impress. On the other hand, the meticulous process through which we were able to handpick Teva’s cream of the crop is equally flooring. We invested a lengthy period of time puzzling out which pairs are deserving of our vote to be on the top.
We have tested Teva hiking sandals while outside hiking and while inside, in our lab. We have selected the best ones in different categories. So, whether you need a super-affordable sandal or an agile hiker that can also be used in a variety of outdoor pursuits, we got you covered.
How we test hiking sandals
Have you ever come across gear reviews that seemed too biased? At RunRepeat, we swim in the opposite direction and toward objectivity. The points that follow detail our approach:
- We use our own funds to purchase Teva hiking sandals.
- We put every Teva hiker through a series of tests both on and off the trail. We gauge each sandal’s comfort level, durability, and performance—from cushioning and shock absorption to surface traction.
- We take everything to the next level by splitting the shoes in half and checking even the littlest details. We also whip our tools out to measure, weigh, and score the various parameters of the shoes.
Best Teva hiking sandals overall
What makes it the best?
Rock-solid stability, a durable, sticky outsole, and ample, plush cushioning make this sandal stand out from the crowd. After extensive testing in the lab and out on the trail, we can confirm that the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the best overall Teva hiking sandal.
Sandals by nature have a wider platform for added stability in lieu of ankle support, and the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is no exception. In fact, it measures 2.1 mm wider than average at the forefoot and 1.9 mm at the heel. The raised arch and contoured footbed are like a hug for our feet, and keep our feet feeling supported and stable all day long.
The grippy outsole is a real treat, biting on loose gravel and both wet and dry rock and loose gravel. Our measurements show the lugs are far more substantial than the average hiking sandal, coming in at 3.5 mm compared to the average 2.5 mm. We applied a Dremel to one of these chunky lugs at a pressure of 3.2N at 10k RPM. After 22 seconds, our tread gauge showed there was only 1.4 mm of damage, so we expect we will be getting a lot of use out of these sandals for a long time to come!
The plush midsole is ultra-comfortable, cushioning our footsteps and keeping our feet happy all day. We pressed a durometer to the midsole and found it to measure 21.6 HA – an incredible 63% softer than the Teva Original Universal!
With a high stack height and a heel-to-toe drop of 11.9 mm, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 feels more like a hiking shoe than a sandal. We don’t recommend this sandal to hikers who prefer a more grounded, barefoot-like experience.
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Well-cushioned
- Supportive footbed
- Durable for the price
- Grippy outsole
- Customizable fit
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Affordable
Cons
- No toe protection
- Runs a little large
Best Teva hiking sandals for casual wear
What makes it the best?
With its sleek and timeless design, the Teva Original Universal effortlessly transitions from urban streets to sandy shores and rugged trails, with its multiple colorways matching our outfits easily. For only $50, it’s the best Teva sandals for casual wear since hiking sandals average $90. Its weightlessness and grounded cushioning deliver an almost barefoot experience without any pain or discomfort.
The shoe feels non-existent on foot, confirmed by our scale at a mere 6.3 oz (179g). That’s almost half the current lab average of hiking sandals at 11.1 oz (315g). This airiness is due to the minimal cushioning that emphasizes ground feel, further enhanced by the 2.1 mm drop.
Despite its minimalist construction, the Original Universal doesn't compromise on cushioning. Its moderate 15.9/13.8 mm stack offers ample protection while maintaining a natural feel. To ensure it remains protective underfoot, its composition is a firm 35.1 HA at the bottom to shield us from rocks. Meanwhile, the foam closer to the foot is a softer 26.5 HA for comfort.
Surprisingly, this sandal boasts a thicker and tougher than average outsole: with lab results at 3.6 mm and 84.0 HC. Both results indicate a longer lifespan.
However, this sandal lacks stability for more strenuous hiking with its high flexibility and low torsional rigidity. Those who prefer more support should search for alternatives.
Pros
- Featherweight
- Versatile in use
- Comfortable strap system
- Affordable
- Cushioned for short hikes
- Durable
- Over 20 colorways and designs
Cons
- Lacks traction
- Texture is felt underfoot
- Back strap is not adjustable
Best floatable Teva hiking sandals
What makes it the best?
We cut open Teva hiking sandals in the lab, submerged them in our water excursions, and discovered Hurrican Drift to be the best floatable sandal. It’s super lightweight, super comfortable, and super supportive — satisfying the adventure-seeker’s drenched escapades.
We have no worries about this sandal drifting away as it floats right up. Made entirely of foam, it tips the scales to a mere 7.2 oz (240g). That’s 2.4 oz (63g) lighter than the average! Unlike the usual fabric straps of Tevas, Drift’s foam straps repel water easily. Goodbye, soggy sandals!
The platform feels buttery on foot, but not too soft that rocks can poke through. Our durometer confirms a 23.5 HA reading, 20.6% softer than average. Our caliper reading shows a thicker 28.9 mm heel for more impact protection, whereas the forefoot sits around the average for better ground feel.
Drift displays unquestionable grip on our wear tests through slippery smooth surfaces and unstable pebbles. The ride feels stable because of the wide platform that ensures our surefootedness. Our caliper shows 94.8 mm landing space in the heel and 105.6 mm width in the toebox area for our natural toe splay.
To our dismay, the wide platform is paired with a non-adjustable forefoot strap. Those of us with low-volume feet felt unsecured.
Pros
- Well-cushioned sole
- Floats on water
- Very affordable
- Among the lightest sandals
- Wide and stable platform
- Grippy outsole
- Doesn't stay wet
- Vivid color options
Cons
- Forefoot strap is not adjustable
- Too loose for narrow feet
- Not for serious hikes
Back in the day, it was generally understood that to venture into the great outdoors, you needed to don big and bulky boots to protect your feet from the elements. However, a lot has changed since the conception of that idea.
Specifically, hiking footwear has gotten increasingly more lightweight. For example, hiking shoes resemble sneakers you can wear around town but have extra features for better hiking performance, like grippy outsoles and extra rock plates in the midsole for protection.
Part of that transition to more lightweight footwear is hiking sandals.
The Teva hiking sandal craze
Sandals as footwear is not a new idea by any means. Some of the first examples of footwear manufactured and worn by ancient cultures look like the sandals you wear today.
That’s because there is something timeless about the simple and versatile design that sandals have. And Teva understands that, perhaps more than anyone else.
Teva has long been a major contender in the hiking footwear industry. In particular, they’ve become well-known for their hiking sandals. At any given moment, during the correct seasons of the year, namely the summer, there is probably someone wearing sandals on the hiking trail you are enjoying.
That’s because Teva sandals refuse to disappoint. Teva hiking sandals continue to shine as examples of rugged, lightweight, and versatile footwear for almost any hiking adventure. Now, let's get into the details.
Essential pieces of Teva hiking sandals
Above, we mentioned that the design of hiking sandals is simple. That’s absolutely correct. However, hiking sandals’ simplicity does not denote poor quality.
We would argue that it’s the opposite– the simplicity of hiking sandals’ design, most notably Teva sandals, contributes to Teva’s ability to go above and beyond with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
For the most part, Teva hiking sandals have three core components.
1. Secure closure system
Teva hiking sandals rely on a strap and buckle closure system to secure the sandals to your feet. Teva sandals’ closure systems are super easy to use and highly effective. For example, the Teva Hurricane XLT features two Velcro straps, one above your foot and the other behind your heel, to securely lock in your feet every time.
|
Strap Closure System (with buckles or Velcro) |
|
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. Cushy midsole
The primary job of the midsole in a hiking sandal is to offer stability and support. The midsole also absorbs the impacts your feet feel when you’re hiking along rough trails.
The midsoles in Teva hiking sandals are constructed with EVA foam. EVA foam is super effective at dissipating the forces your feet feel as they make contact with the ground.
The amount of cushioning and its softness varies from one Teva sandal to another. For example, you can go for the more cushioned Hurricane XLT2 (31 mm) or the more minimal Original Universal (16 mm).
3. Grippy outsole
The foundation of any pair of high-quality Teva hiking sandals is the outsole. The outsole of a hiking sandal is responsible for providing traction on various surface types like dirt, sand, gravel, pavement, or grass.
Outsoles in hiking sandals are made with special rubber compounds. The rubber is soft enough to provide grip yet durable enough to last a long time. In addition, hiking sandal outsoles are equipped with lugs with special sizes, shapes, and patterns that provide traction on loose and uneven off-pavement surfaces.
For example, the Teva Tirra Sandal features an outsole with a water-shedding tread pattern that prevents losing traction on wet surfaces. It also has multi-directional lugs that provide grip no matter the surface. And the outsole is non-marking, which is an extra bonus.
Advantages of Teva hiking sandals
Lightweight design prevents foot fatigue
Over the years, hiking shoe manufacturers have been obsessed with making light and lighter hiking footwear. If you are into lightweight footwear, well, there isn’t anything much lighter than sandals.
Hiking sandals weigh less because they are made with fewer materials. Therefore, you move over miles and miles of terrain without feeling like you’ve got two blocks of cement attached to your feet.
For example, the Teva Original Universal Sandal only weighs 6.7 ounces. On the other hand, the average weight of hiking boots is 18.5 ounces. That’s a big difference!
Getting wet doesn't matter
We already mentioned this briefly, but Teva's hiking sandals dry extremely fast. That's partly because there isn't much material to hold moisture. But it’s also because Teva uses quick-drying materials.
Therefore, when it comes time to cross a river or hike along the ocean's shoreline, you can get your feet wet without thinking twice or trying to avoid the water.
Hiking sandals are super versatile
One of our favorite characteristics of Teva hiking sandals is their versatility. You can practically wear them anywhere and do anything in them, assuming the weather is warm enough. But then again, if it’s cold, just add socks!
Disadvantages of Teva hiking sandals
Hopefully, at this point, the benefits of Teva hiking sandals have become clear. However, that doesn’t mean that they are perfect. There are a couple of disadvantages to wearing hiking sandals that we should mention.
Overall, hiking sandals simply do not offer the same level of protection to your feet as traditional hiking footwear does. In other words, when you wear hiking sandals, your feet are more exposed.
For example, in sandals, your feet are more at risk of abrasions, bruises, and cuts from rough hiking terrain.
Your feet are also more exposed to the sun. Therefore, on hot and sunny days, we recommend applying sunscreens to the tops of your feet. Sunburns are not fun, but sunburns on your feet are even worse!
Lastly, your feet are more exposed to insect and animal bites. Therefore, some additional precautions may be necessary, like insect repellent and refraining from wearing sandals if you are concerned about biting animals like snakes.
Ideal scenarios for Teva hiking sandals
We mentioned above that one of our favorite characteristics of Teva hiking sandals is their versatility. That’s because we think they are the ideal footwear for a wide array of scenarios.
Casual hikes
They wouldn’t be called “hiking sandals” if they couldn’t handle the trails. That’s because Teva sandals come equipped with attractive features ready for off-road travel.
For example, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 has a grippy outsole that mitigates slips and falls and offers more traction on wet surfaces. In addition, the Hurricane XLT2 has a very supportive and contoured footbed that stabilizes your arch and keeps your heel centered in the heel cup.
However, if we were going on a technical hike with a rough trail or a backpacking trip with a heavy pack, we’d probably opt for something more robust, like hiking shoes or boots.
Water-related activities
Hiking sandals are fantastic for water-related activities. They can offer you a grip on wet and slippery surfaces and dry out water faster than hiking boots and shoes.
Furthermore, some hiking sandals have purpose-built features, such as drainage parts, protective toe guards, and flat outsoles, that allow them to specialize in water-related activities, like kayaking, fishing, rafting, and paddleboarding.
Around the campsite
Hiking sandals are our favorite footwear for around the campsite. For example, on backpacking trips, you can pack additional hiking sandals to function as camp shoes to switch into after a long day in boots or shoes.
Or if you are car camping, you can wear sandals around the camp and to and from the bathrooms instead of wearing hot and stuffy shoes.
Everyday Use
Teva sandals are purpose-built for hiking. However, that does not mean you can't use them for normal everyday usage. For example, Teva sandals are ideal for running errands around town and walking the dog. Especially during the hot summer months of the year!
Final thoughts: Hiking sandals are the footwear you didn’t know you needed
If you are a hiker, adding a pair of hiking sandals to your quiver of hiking footwear could be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
Sandals have many advantages in hiking contexts– they are lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and provide great traction. Sandals can function as your everyday shoe, a piece of specialized footwear for water-related activities, or as your camp sandals when it’s time to relax around the campfire.
Overall, the versatility of a good pair of hiking sandals cannot be beaten by traditional types of hiking footwear like boots and shoes.
Similar buying guides
