Facts
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Subcategory
Hiking Sandals
Made of lightweight materials. They don't have much top-of-the-foot coverage so they're mostly suitable for well-maintained trails and summer hikes. Also useful for crossing rivers and streams. They come in open and closed-toe designs. See the best hiking sandals.
Hiking Shoes
The low-cut equivalent of hiking boots. Comfort is paramount in the creation of these shoes so they often have flexible materials. Generally used for day hikes. See hiking shoes.
Hiking Boots
Mid to high-cut models designed for more aggressive hikes and backpacking. See hiking boots.
Mountaineering Boots
Specialized footwear. Often insulated and used in technical routes, ice climbing or expeditions. See mountaineering boots.
Good to know
For hikes that won't last for more than a day, go with hiking sandals or hiking shoes. Tackling trails with greater challenges will require hiking boots or mountaineering boots.
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Use
Day Hiking
Shoes or boots for hikes that only last for half a day. Flexibility and lightness are the highlights of these kinds of footwear. See the best day hiking shoes and the best day hiking boots.
Backpacking
For multi-day trips with a heavy pack. Manufacturers emphasize durability and support in the creation of backpacking boots. See backpacking boots
Speed Hiking
Designed for users who want to cover a greater distance by going fast, usually with a light pack. See speed hiking shoes.
Winter Hiking
Boots that grant insulation to the user during hikes. See winter hiking boots.
Multi-sport
Mainly sandals. Aside from hiking they can be used for other purposes such as water activities. See multi-sport hiking sandals.
Good to know
Casual hikers can choose day hiking footwear or multi-sport sandals. More info here.
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Price$80
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WeightMen: 12ozWomen: 9oz
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WidthMen: NormalWomen: Normal
Summary
We spent 7.5 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:
10 reasons to buy
- Many verified purchasers applauded the Original Universal Premier’s stylish design.
- Droves of users couldn’t help but admire this sandal for having ridiculous amounts of comfort.
- This strappy gear from Teva impressed quite a number of patrons on the lightness front.
- Some owners loved its fantastic color schemes.
- Several wearers spoke greatly of the Original Universal Premier’s excellent versatility.
- Its extraordinary sturdiness overwhelmed a small percentage of reviewers.
- A majority of those who bought the sandals commented that it was worth the purchase.
- The extra padding on the straps received flattering remarks from a huge deal of online buyers. They noted that it enhanced comfort exponentially.
- Hordes of outdoor lovers were pleased by its ability to dry quickly.
- A bunch of wearers were dumbfounded with the arch support provided by the Teva Original Universal Premier.
2 reasons not to buy
- Breaking in the Original Universal Premier from Teva proved to be quite a challenge to a couple of users.
- The sandal not being available in half sizes deeply disappointed a handful of consumers.
Bottom line
In terms of colorful style, Teva’s Original Universal Premier appears to have truly nailed it. Indeed, those who prefer to hike rather fashionably may be able to do so in this amazingly lightweight and comfortable hiker. That said, great patience is necessary to enjoy this sandal as it has been reported to have a rather long break-in period. All in all, the Original Universal Premier is something owners can be very proud of wearing, especially once it has been finally softened up nicely.
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are hikers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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Updates to Teva Original Universal Premier
- The Teva Original Universal Premier is a sandal built for those who wish to perform with agility on the trail. It allows day hikers to stay nimble with its lightweight upper, known as the Universal Strapping System.
- For a protected and cushioned hike, the sandal has been equipped with a cushy midsole made of ethylene-vinyl acetate. For surface traction, on the other hand, the gear has been given the Teva-exclusive Durabrasion outsole.
Teva Original Universal Premier size and fit
A multi-sport sandal with a fairly true-to-size fit for men and women is the Teva Original Universal Premier. It is offered in standard width and sizes. Its closure system, with its adjustable ankle and forefoot straps, grants users the ability to set their desired fit.
Outsole
What prevents users from slipping on uneven terrain is the sandal’s Durabrasion rubber outsole. It is designed to provide adequate grip with its aggressive tread patterns and low-profile lugs. It has been constructed with lightness and durability in mind, allowing hikers to stay agile for longer.
Midsole
Teva’s Original Universal Premier grants footing stability besides cushioning with its stout midsole. As it is made of EVA—a springy yet highly durable foam-like material—it is capable of withstanding weight and stress without being crushed.
Atop this soft yet resilient main platform is the sandal’s Float Lite footbed. This non-removable insole offers adequate arch support and additional cushioning. It also prevents underfoot slippage with its textured surface and slightly raised borders.
Upper
The Original Universal Premier has an easy-drying, water-ready webbing upper made of polyester. Its lining is amply padded at key locations for extra comfort. Both of its straps may be adjusted to preferred fit with the use of hook and loop fasteners. Linking these straps together are triangular joints made of hard plastic. Their rounded and smooth construction allows wearers to adjust and configure the straps with relative ease.
Additional Info
- A leather version of this sandal is also offered by Teva—the Original Universal Premier - Leather
