5 Years of Teva Original Universal Sandals

The Teva Original Universal Sandals are the perfect unisex sandals for summer adventures. Once your feet find themselves in a pair, there’s no going back.

 

When I first started working at Wild Earth, I remember reading about the fact that the design of this sandal was so good, it had barely changed since the 1980s - so naturally, I wanted to put that to the test.

Now, 5 years and 4 continents later I can guarantee you that a pair of Tevas are in my bag when I hit the road. Let's break down what makes this timeless classic so good and talk through the rest of the Best Sandals of 2024 at the end of this article.

 

 

1. Comfy, Lightweight and Durable 

 

The Teva Universal Original Sandals are super comfy and lightweight (weighing in at only 153 grams each). Made with a cushioned EVA foam footbed, I can walk for miles and trust I won’t get any hotspots or blisters. They can handle most adventures from pounding pavements to walking through forests. I’ve tested these along the Camino De Santiago, the cobble streets of Portugal, the beaches of Morocco, to the alleyways of Vietnam to name a few. 

 

Side Note: If you’re a die hard Birkenstock person, I will say this… when you first try Teva’s in store they don’t feel right. But after a few wears your feet will get used to them and from then on, you’ll understand what the fuss is about.

 

My current pair are over a year old and have been worn most days this year. They’ve easily walked over 1,000 kilometres and are still going strong (although I will admit to getting the tops of the sole superglued while in Turkey a month ago as there was a tiny bit of separation beginning between the outer sole and the foam). Now they look as good as new.

 

 

2. Can Handle Various Types of Terrain (surprisingly!)

The Teva Universal Sandals can pretty much handle anything you throw at them. In particular, the tread is much more grippy than I first thought. I took a pair of these with me on the Camino Norte with the intention of only wearing them in the evenings. However, my friend's feet had other ideas. After 2 days of walking, she had a nightmare with blisters. My Teva’s pretty much saved her feet and performed wonderfully despite some wet, slippery trail (if you’re looking for some serious hiking sandals, I also recommend the Teva Tirra’s).

 

3. Fashionable Design

It’s no secret that the Teva Universal Original Sandal’s design has hit the mainstream. You’ll find plenty of imitation designs in the market due to their ability to pair with everyday clothing as well as technical outdoor gear. It comes in a range of colours for women, including the famous sun/moon designs.

 

Now that I've shared my love of these classic Teva summer sandals, let's take a look at some different styles that are on top of my wishlist for summer.

 

Best Sandals 2024

 

CHACO Z/CLOUD CUSHIONED ADJUSTABLE STRAP SANDALS

 

The Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals come in both Men's and Women's sizes and colors and feature their stand out Z design style. Whether you're exploring new cities or embarking on outdoor adventures, these sandals are your perfect companions. They use the same ChacoGrip rubber outsole with an added top layer of ultra-soft polyurethane (PU) to cushion every step. All Z Sandals feature a unique strap design that allows you to customise the fit to your liking. Say goodbye to uncomfortable straps that dig into your skin and sink your feet into cloud like softness!

 

BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA CROSS TOWN SANDALS

 

The Birkenstock Arizona Cross Town is a more adventurous version of the classic Arizona model. Build with the same level of comfort in mind but with a much more grippy and durable sole. Perfect for outdoor adventures, these comfortable non-slip sandals feature an oiled leather upper and strike a balance between trendy leisure wear and decent walking shoes.

 

ECCO OFFROAD HIKING SANDALS

 

We're stoked to finally get this epic brand in store. The Ecco Off-Road hiking sandals are sturdy and supportive sandals with a relatively lightweight build. The design features a soft leather upper with one side bar, 3-point adjustability and neoprene lining for a soft and comfortable fit. Moulded EVA footbed with soft microfibre cover for supreme cushioning and superior stability. The lightweight sole provides long-lasting cushioning and flexibility, using innovative ECCO FLUIDFORM Direct Comfort Technology and the durable rubber outsole makes for outstanding grip and traction on varied terrain.

 

 

OOFOS OORIGINAL SPORT

If you’ve had any injuries or are just looking to level up your comfort, these OOFOS recovery sandals are the OG. The OOriginal Sport Sandal is perfect for both men and women. The OOfoam footbed provides impact absorption, superior arch support, and unbelievable comfort. Revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam materials to reduce the stress on your feet and joints. *Please note that these sandals are UNISEX and are represented in US Men's sizing - Refer to the size guide for equivalent female sizing. 

 

 

Not sure what gear you need for your adventure? Chat with our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.

 

About the contributor:

Lauren Clark is the social media manager for Wild Earth. An obsessive gram counter who's always on the hunt for the lightest and most compact gear for hiking and travel. You'll find her overseas in one country or another attempting digital nomad life. When she's not working she's taking in as much culture as she can, eating all of the foods, hiking all of the trails and trying to find the secret spots. Follow her adventures on Instagram.