The Complete Buyer’s Guide to Teva: Supportive Sandals, Hiking Sneakers, and More Editor-Loved Shoes
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Our team tested eight popular styles on city streets, hiking trails, and sandy beaches
People / Brian Kopinski
Founded in 1984, Teva has evolved from an outdoor heritage brand to a trendy footwear label sported by the likes of Katie Holmes and Gigi Hadid. One of the first Teva sandals was the Original Universal — which is still popular today — but everything from hiking sneakers to puffy slip-ons are now part of the brand's lineup.
“Born from function, this is still a core part of every product we make,” Jess Bensley, Teva's Director of Product and Merchandising, tells PEOPLE. “It’s our top priority to make sure that our products lead with comfort and function while injecting style, trend, and newness.”
From hiking North Carolina trails to traipsing through the New York City streets, our editors tested eight sandals and sneakers and evaluated qualities like comfort, traction, arch support, and more, to determine which styles are worth adding to your shoe collection.
Keep reading to learn more about the best Teva shoes of 2024, vetted by PEOPLE editors.
"“While Teva’s heritage is in the outdoors, we don’t define what the outdoors means to our consumer.” — Jess Bensley"
Our Top Picks
Flatform Universal, $70
Terrawave Sneaker, $150
Voya Infinity, $42
Olowahu, $34
Mush II Flip Flop, $34
Flatform Mevia, $80
ReEmber Terrain, $90
Flatform Universal
Nordstrom
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 14 | Materials: Recycled plastic, vegan polyester yarn, EVA foam | Best for: All-day wear, festivals, walking
Some of the most comfortable sandals we’ve ever tried are the Flatform Universals — multi-strapped, Velcro-fastened sandals finished off with nearly double the sole height of the classic Original Universals.
The quick-dry webbing is suitable for wet environments and the rubber outsole keeps you grounded when the terrain is a bit uneven. We especially liked that this style includes a supportive arch and a molded midsole, which provides comfortable even after a full day on your feet. From classic neutrals to Barbie pink, it's easy to find what you need to complete your spring wardrobe.
Our Editors Say
“I bought my first pair of Teva flatforms in 2021 and have worn the heck out of them in the springs and summers since. I've dubbed them my ‘summer rain shoes’ since they dry quickly and their height gives me (some!) protection from puddles. With their cushy soles and adjustable straps, the platform sandals are supremely comfortable for everyday wear, and I've only noticed irritation from the straps when I walk in them for miles on the sweatiest summer days.” — Laura Gurfein, Shopping Director
Terrawave Sneaker
Teva
Sizes: 5-15.5 | Colors: 4 | Material: Waterproof leather, waterproof suede, recycled polyester, memory foam, rubber, recycled mesh, | Best for: All-day wear, city walking, festivals, light hikes, travel
Sleek enough for the city yet perfectly sturdy for the great outdoors, the unisex Terrawave Sneaker amalgamates utility and style. Between its four color options and rippling “wave” design, the aesthetics of this shoe are completely on par with its functionality.
Its makeup includes waterproof suede and leather, rugged rubber outsoles, and one of the brand’s comfiest memory foam insoles yet — in fact, this shoe was named to our list of the comfiest sneakers we’ve ever tried. The shoes are weather- and slip-resistant enough to keep you steady on both hiking trails and paved streets while preserving its look and material, so you get as many years of use as you can out of these cute, comfortable, and dependable sneakers.
Our Editors Say
“The Terrawave sneakers are some of the most versatile shoes I’ve ever worn. The insole is surprisingly comfortable for its rather sturdy outsole and tread, but I appreciate this on rainy days or when I’m in rougher terrains (I went on a hike in these and they were perfect). Plus, they’re cute enough to style an outfit around, which will always win me over.” — Alyssa Brascia, Shopping Writer
People / Alyssa Brascia
Voya Infinity
Teva
Pro Tip!
For Tevas that don't come in half sizes, we recommend sizing up if you typically fall in between.
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 3 | Material: Elastic, leather, EVA foam | Best for: All-day wear, walking, festivals
More delicate in design, but just as resilient when it comes to structure, the Voya Infinity sandal is one of the more feminine styles that Teva has to offer. The strappy upper is made from elastic lacing and leather trim to offer both style and comfort — the stretchy bands making it easy to slip in and out of these shoes as necessary.
The sole is a delightful, cushiony footbed that keeps your feet feeling comfortable even after long hours of wear, and the material itself is treated with an anti-odor technology to keep your sandals smelling fresh (even after long walks on the beach or days dancing at a festival).
Our Editors Say
“I was immediately amazed at how lightweight these sandals felt out of the box. With my blister-prone feet, I was a bit worried these too would give me blisters as most strappy sandals do, but so far my feet have been unphased. The traction isn't as great as other Teva sandals, so I wouldn't recommend wearing these on serious outdoor adventures or anywhere it could get slippery; they work better as an everyday sandal.” — Erika Reals, Senior Shopping Editor
Hurricane Ampsole Volt
Teva
Sizes: 5-16 | Colors: 3 | Material: Recycled polyester, EVA foam | Best for: All-day wear, walking
One of the newest (and most comfortable) styles this season is the Hurricane Ampsole Volt, a less-strappy version of the Hurricane XLT2 Ampsole Sandal — a shoe Katie Holmes has been spotted wearing (particularly this pair from the Chloé x Teva collaboration).
This new and improved silhouette includes everything we love about the older Ampsole design — from the ultralight EVA sole to the adjustable Velcro straps — just with modern mesh details. Though a bit more modest than most sandals, the upper is breathable and quick-drying for comfortable wear on even the hottest days, and the plush footbed acts as a serious cushion for your foot.
Our Editors Say
“As someone with a bunion on my right foot, traditional flip-flops just don’t look cute on my feet. I love that these design-forward sandals have a full-coverage mesh upper to hide this particular part of my foot while delivering plenty of comfort and cushioning that make trekking around the city pain-free. The first time I wore these shoes, I walked miles on a paved outdoor trail and had no blisters or hot spots after — this is rarely the case with new sandals.” — Kayla Kitts, Shopping Editor
People / Kayla Kitts
Olowahu
Teva
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 6 | Material: Recycled plastic, EVA foam, polyester | Best for: All-day wear, running errands, walking around town
Your old flip flops are a thing of the past now that the Olowahu sandals have stepped onto the scene. The soft, quick-drying straps that detail this style secure your feet in place in a more unique way than your typical thong sandal, elevating your outfit at the pool and on the go.
Aside from attractive straps, this style is known for its cushiness and comfort. The soles are both lightweight and cloudlike, forming to your foot and providing pillowy comfort for all-day wear or running errands around town. You can grab them in six different shades, from color-blocked pastels to staple neutrals.
Our Editors Say
“As a former Floridian, I'm no stranger to thong sandals and these have the same element between the toes, with additional straps for visual interest. The base is a good height, cushy without being a platform, and they are secure enough that they don't slip off in use, which is nice. I could see these being great sandals to walk around in during the summer, to bring on a beach vacation, and for other day-to-day activities.” — Madison Yauger, Shopping Writer
People / Madison Yauger
Mush II Flip Flop
Zappos
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 4 | Material: Recycled plastic, EVA foam, polyester | Best for: All-day wear, beaches, walking around town
The original Mush sandal takes on a new and improved form in the Mush II, a cushy flip flop that molds to the shape of your foot while simultaneously making a fashion statement. Its thick straps are the standout design aspect of this style, featuring plaid and paisley patterns in hues from black and white to sea blue-green.
These decorative thong-style straps are made from recycled plastic, which not only adds a sustainable element but also makes them quick-drying. Plus, its airy soles are plush and extremely light, so you can throw them in your beach bag without adding much more weight to your pack.
However, we will say that these straps may be a bit too thick for some people with narrow feet, as the toe post can feel a bit large. Aside from this, we found that our typical size fit perfectly.
Our Editors Say
“As someone with high arches, I need lots of support from any pairs of shoes that I wear. This pair has a soft, squishy footbed that rises up to meet my arch, making them so comfortable that I've started wearing them around my apartment like slippers. The only thing that I don't love about them is the strip of fabric that goes in between the toes, because it’s a little too thick — it feels like it might start rubbing uncomfortably after wearing the flip flops for a prolonged period of time.” — Cai Cramer, Shopping Writer
Flatform Mevia
Teva
Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 3 | Material: Recycled plastic, EVA foam, polyester yarn | Best for: All-day wear, festivals
Arguably one of the trendier styles we tried is the Flatform Mevia — the Teva-fication of a classic gladiator sandal. This strappy shoe features four Velcro closures across the top of the foot and around the ankle for a secure fit, plus a 2-inch platform that’s sure to put you a cut above the rest. (Plus, you can remove the ankle strap to change up your styling options.)
Despite the word “flat” in its name, the footbed of this sandal is actually quite supportive for people with high arches and heel pain. You can snag them in three classic shades — ivory, brown, and black — and wear them everywhere from the pool to the grocery store.
Our Editors Say
“I'm a long-time fan of the Teva flatform, so I was curious to try this version of it. Spoiler alert: I love these sandals. I was worried the straps across the front might rub my foot, but I adjusted the top strap to accommodate my wide little foot, and they fit perfectly. The back cushion is a great and comfortable detail, and overall, they've proven to be just as comfy as the classic Teva flatform.” — Erin Johnson, Associate Shopping Editorial Director
People / Erin Johnson
ReEmber Terrain
Teva
Sizes: 5-16 | Colors: 2 | Material: Recycled polyester, foam, recycled rubber, polyester yarn | Best for: All-day wear, relaxing
Though you may know Teva for its beach and hiking sandals, that’s certainly not all the brand creates. The ReEmber Terrains are comfy, puffer-style slides that are engineered for the campsite (or wherever you like to relax). The upper features a quilted puffer design similar to the kind that Kendall Jenner sported a few years ago.
Its soft exterior may make you think twice before wearing these outside, but the fabric is protected with a topical water repellency treatment that helps water roll right off of the surface (which also makes them easier to clean). The foam footbed makes a supportive, cushy place for your feet to rest after a long day of walking, hiking, or camping.
Our Editors Say
“I love a shoe that I can easily slip in and out of, and I’ve actually used these as house slippers for a few months now. The footbed is so comfy that I basically sink into them after a long day at the office in heels or running my feet weary in New York. I'm also a fan of their Mid style, which is more of a boot (thus making me feel a little better about wearing them out and about). Basically, these feel like a hug for your feet.” — Alyssa Brascia
People / Alyssa Brascia
FAQs
Do Tevas run big or small?
Each style runs differently, so we suggest checking the size chart included in your favorite pair’s product description or looking at the brand’s sizing information. Another way to gauge your perfect fit is to consult reviews on the site — which you can find at the bottom of the page.
In our testing, we discovered that people who typically fit a half size (like a women’s 7.5) should size up for the best fit.
How do you clean Tevas?
Your Tevas are meant to be adventured in — which means that they will eventually need a good cleaning.
According to the brand’s site, your sandals can be washed by hand with warm water and antimicrobial soap. If you have dirt stuck into the grooves of your shoe, you can use an old toothbrush or bristle brush to slough away at those stubborn spots. Check out this video on Teva’s Instagram for a visual on how this is done.
Shoes and boots, however, should be washed with cold water, gentle soap or detergent, and a soft-bristled brush.
Are Tevas waterproof?
While not all of Tevas products are completely waterproof, most have water-repellant features. For example, the Original Universal sandal and its sister styles are all made from the same quick-drying materials (a mixture of recycled plastic, polyester yarn, and more) which can get wet and be washed in water without damaging the materials (if left to air dry).
Even the Terrawave Sneaker is made with waterproof leather and suede to protect the show from the elements.
On the other hand, some products are only water repellant because of a topically-applied treatment, like the ReEmber Terrain. This doesn’t mean the shoe is completely waterproof, but it allows water to roll off the surface instead of absorbing it.
Where can you buy Tevas?
You can buy Tevas directly from the brand’s site, but there are also other places you can grab them if there’s a surprise sale or a gift card burning a hole in your pocket. Other retailers include Amazon, Zappos, and Famous Footwear, to name a few.
People / Alyssa Brascia
Take Our Word for It
Alyssa Brascia is a shopping writer at PEOPLE who specializes in fashion and beauty content and covers products in the lifestyle space. As someone who does extensive research and some of her own testing when making PEOPLE’s product recommendations, Alyssa has tried tons of shoes, from work flats to comfortable sandals, and various other wardrobe essentials to determine which styles are worth investing in.
After testing some of Teva's most popular styles with the PEOPLE team, Alyssa consulted with the brand’s director of product and merchandising, Jess Bensley, about the humble beginnings and current state of Teva’s journey to better understand this outdoors-centered brand.
PEOPLE shopping director Laura Gurfein, associate shopping editorial director Erin Johnson, senior shopping editor Erika Reals, shopping editors Madison Yauger and Kayla Kitts, and shopping writer Cai Cramer also contributed their insights to this real-world shoe test.
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Read the original article on People.
