Teva sandals are one of the most popular shoes for hiking and backpacking. They are durable, comfortable, and can take a beating better than any other shoe on the market. But is it really that simple? Is Teva really the best shoe for hiking?
No! In this post we’ll discuss what makes Teva’s great hikers, but also why they’re not always appropriate for all hikes.
If you’re the kind of person that likes to go on long hikes, then Teva’s are probably not for you. But if you like to go on short hikes with a few miles thrown in from time to time, then Teva sandals will work great for you.
Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons….
Pros of Teva Sandals
Durable – Teva’s can take a beating better than any other shoe on the market. Their rubber sole is perfect for hiking on rocky ground. I usually wear Teva’s during my road trips to hike around in my free time. I’ve destroyed more than a half dozen pairs in just a few months worth of use.
Great for hot weather – Most people associate Teva’s with summer because of the lack of a shoe. This leaves your feet exposed to the sun, meaning that your sandals will get hot, really fast. But this can be a pro too, if you’re hiking somewhere hot.
Very lightweight – These are very light duty shoes, so they’re not much to carry in a backpack. Makes them easy to travel with and great to just throw on when you plan on heading out onto the trail for an hour or two.
Durable – Teva’s are a lot tougher than they look. Having said that, they will take a beating in the wrong conditions. With all of the weight on your foot, instead of the shoe, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing the right socks for hiking in your Teva’s to ensure comfort. In addition, Teva sandals need to be broken in before you go out on a hike with them.
Cons of Teva Sandals
Not great for all hiking conditions – Teva’s don’t offer as much foot protection as a standard hiking boot. Even though they are durable, they can’t withstand the same kind of punishment faced when walking over sharp rocks and other obstacles.
Not great for all kinds of terrain – Teva’s are not good on uneven terrain. They work better on rockier trails than anything else. If you plan on going off trail, I would suggest not wearing Teva’s .
The quality control at Teva is now abysmal– There was a time when Teva’s were far superior to what they are now. The rubber sole on your new pair may be cracking or falling off after only a few uses.
Hard to get custom fit – I’ve had a hard time finding any shoes that are designed for hiking in the US. The best option is to buy the right kind of sandals a size or two too big. This allows you to stretch the shoes, so they work better for your foot shape while hiking in them.
Teva’s don’t offer as much protection as other hiking footwear on uneven surfaces like rocks and logs along a trail.
Are Teva’s good for hiking?
All in all, Teva’s can be great shoes for hiking. They’re a lot less restrictive than standard hiking boots, which is great if you like to hike in the summer. In addition, they are very durable and can take a beating better than any other shoe on the market. The biggest downside is that they don’t offer as much protection as other hiking footwear, so you can’t really wear them off trail. If you don’t mind that, then they’re a great purchase.
On the flip side, they’re not the best shoes for hiking in every environment and every season. So if this is your first time buying a pair of Teva’s or you haven’t worn them in a while, it’s a good idea to get a few different pairs and test them out. You never know if the ones you have are falling apart or if something else is wrong with them.
Are Teva sandals good for hiking? Yes, but only if you wear them for the right kind of hikes.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a good pair of sandals for hiking, then Teva’s are probably the best shoe to go with. But don’t be fooled into thinking they will work great for every hike. Before you buy, make sure to test them out in person and wear them on some shorter hikes first.