In my teens, and even still in my twenties, I'd walk around all day without any problem in Havaianas. A sort of sandal-style version though, so the flip-flop wouldn't slap around. Except once you turn 30, the decline really sets in, and now my feet start hurting after even just a couple of hours wandering around in flip-flops. So I went and had a look at how the brand Teva is doing. Are they just those practical sandals? Or do they also have sandals where I don't feel like a camper? About two years ago I switched from Havaianas to Teva, for a bit more sturdiness. It started with a couple of standard models and of course that's now grown into a full-on Teva collection. Why?
Who is Teva?
Teva is known as the inventor of the world's first sport sandal, and you can still see that pioneering role reflected in their mission: connecting people with the earth, with themselves and with each other. Under the motto "For Playground Earth", they believe the whole world is one big playground, and that adventure should be accessible to everyone. That includes sustainability: since 2020 Teva has been making their signature straps from 100% recycled plastic, which by now accounts for more than 72.8 million plastic bottles that didn't end up as waste. They also work with certified tanneries, support the Better Cotton Initiative, and have already reduced water use per shoe by 33% since 2019, aiming for 45% by 2030. In short: Teva combines adventurous, sturdy footwear with a clear step towards a smaller environmental footprint.
The basics
You'd be surprised how much choice you have with the Teva brand these days. It's genuinely no longer just that dusty sandal you see 80-year-old men wearing with socks. They've really made an effort to keep up with the times. They now make a clear distinction between footwear for Lifestyle, Performance, Travel and Trail. You can go to Teva for waterproof hiking boots, and they'll also try to convince you that running in sandals is possible. But, want to start with a nice, slim, cute little sandal? Take a look at the Original Universal Slim sandal. This is their most iconic model, but in a more modern, slimmer version. Want to keep up with the times and go for a slightly trendier sandal? Then check out their Flatforms. Those are their classic sandals with a somewhat higher, or even high, sole. Like the Flatform Universal sandal, of which I own a pair myself.
Trail
As you get older, it's apparently also a thing that you start enjoying going for walks? At least, that's how it is for me. These days I love going for walks, especially on holiday. Except I don't always want to wear those warm hiking or mountain boots. Depends of course on what kind of route you're walking. To get around with a bit more support, I dove into their 'active' models: sandals suited for walking on so-called trails and also for actively exploring a city.
Tirra Sport Sandal
My first slightly more sporty sandal, genuinely designed for better support and grip while walking. I bought this model on sale at Bever, size 39 in black. It's great that the straps at the front are easy to adjust. The moment I tried them on, I got the hype around this model among hikers. You immediately feel the comfort and support of the footbed. On top of that, I definitely don't find them clunky either. How does Teva describe the sandals themselves?
Designed to keep the look and the well-known benefits of the Tirra, like arch support, stability and versatility, while at the same time offering improved comfort and grip underfoot. This style features a refreshed outsole profile with lugs for extra grip. There's also extra foam added in the midsole for even more comfort underfoot. The goal of this product is to offer improved/modernized design elements and functional benefits for the outdoors, while keeping the look consumers know and love.
The Tirra Sport Sandal is available in multiple colours and finishes, starting at €90,-. I also managed to snag the leather Tirra Sport Sandal, deep in the sale. As far as I'm concerned that one is a bit less sexy, because it genuinely looks really practical because of the colour (Caribou). Bought at Zalando Lounge for €51,-
TirraTraveler Sandal
Not entirely planned, a few days after my first Teva purchase we walked through Batavia Stad. The sale had started there, and I came across a Teva box for a steal. What was in this box? The really popular TirraTraveler Sandal. It's often sold out online and the in-store stock isn't huge either. For around €45,- I bought the Traveler and I couldn't believe my luck. On Teva's website it says the sandals are suitable for hiking and trails, but I probably won't be reaching for this sandal for that anytime soon. It's still a really lovely sandal, but you can't adjust the straps at the front, and the sole genuinely offers less support compared to the Tirra Sport. There's still plenty of support to comfortably walk around on while visiting a town, though. What does Teva say themselves?
The TirraTraveler is made especially for women's feet, and in warm weather you can really go anywhere in them. This outdoor sandal features beaded detailing on the forefoot and streamlined straps, a soft microfiber lining, a supportive footbed and a grippy rubber sole that performs well both on pavement and at the campsite.
Hurricane XLT2
If I really wanted a diehard clunky walking sandal, this is roughly what I kept landing on: the Hurricane model and/or Terra Fi. Since the latter is still a bridge too far for me, I started with an older Hurricane model. The XLT3 is out now, so I picked up the XLT2 at Zalando Lounge for a steal, €39,-. Seemed like a solid price to start out with and try. Online, in reviews on Teva's own site, the XLT3 sometimes gets absolutely torn apart. People are mainly unhappy about the new design. The difference seems to mostly come down to the sole... So I'm hoping I dodged that with the XLT2 series. I haven't been able to wear them yet, since I bought them at the end of the nice-weather season!
So, Teva, definitely practical, but fashion too?
