Compared to the Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandal, the Cairn Adventure sandal offers a more minimalist feel and is lighter in weight.

One aspect that stood out during my testing was the overall construction of the sandals. The high-quality materials, such as the polyester webbing upper and sturdy rubber outsole, contribute to their durability. Good footwear is easy to maintain and clean. Teva shoes don’t require a lot of expensive shoe treatments or time-consuming upkeep. Shoes that need a lot of effort, time and money to maintain, don’t sell as well as shoes which are easier and cost less to keep. What is new about this year’s Teva sandals is that their synthetic straps are now made using 100% recycled polyester which they get from used plastic bottles. Teva has managed superbly to maintain the quality of their sandal straps while also stopping 24 million bottles from entering landfills! As with the best outdoor companies nowadays, sustainability is at the heart of what they do and Teva is always looking for ways that they can improve environmentally. In my mind, all of the best outdoor gear makers should be taking this approach. The Teva products generally run true to size. The shoe sizing chart provided by the manufacturer was reliable, and the sandals fit me well based on my usual shoe size. The original Hurricane XLT was one of the brand’s most popular sandals, and the latest update brings users some welcome design changes aimed at improving the comfort and support provided. These sandals are ideal for active wear, whether it’s hiking or running errands. It is available in a huge variety of color options, so you’ll easily find the version that’s perfect for you.

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Some other materials used to create Teva shoes also include leather which is durable, comfortable, and breathes well. Do keep in mind, however, that it won't do well with water.

The legend has it that the founder, who was a river guide, invented the brand by attaching some Velcro straps to a pair of old flip-flops so they wouldn't float away in the Grand Canyon River. This happed in the 80s, and since then the brand has followed the same philosophy in making footwear for the outdoors. The Original model is a classic and follows the same design as those flip-flops made by the river guide. They look like regular flip flops with the signature thong, but the difference is the ankle strap that is anchored to the sole by two straps on both sides. I was pleasantly surprised by the stability and confidence the sandals offered, especially on steep and challenging terrains. While it remained functional during my testing, repeated adjustments and exposure to dirt and debris might affect its longevity. 4. Breathability

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?

Built with a contoured EVA soft footbed, the Teva Hurricane XLT 2 sandal can be very comfortable during long expeditions. The Velcro straps, made from soft and adjustable polyester, hugged my foot securely without causing any discomfort or chafing. While the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is a reliable outdoor pair of sandals, it does have a few areas where it could be improved.

Additionally, some users have reported that the Velcro straps can loosen over time, requiring frequent readjustment. The ankle strap has a hook and loop closure for easy adjustability, while the heel strap features both padding for protection, and a pull tab for easy on and off (as well as easier storage). As for the footbed, it’s slightly contoured with a little bit of arch support, and it’s made from EVA foam which is known for its cushioning capabilities. The outsole is made with EVA as well, which results in an overall lightweight sandal. It's hard to go wrong with Teva sandals — river rats and climbing dirtbags alike love them. While some of the performance upgrades of the Terra Fi 5 provide modern comforts and upgraded traction, some of our testers were disappointed with the bulky strap material that caused some rubbing and chafing. While these are certainly very versatile sandals that would be suitable for rafting, travel, or simply lounging around camp, they face a competitive footwear market that makes it difficult for them to stand out. The Terra Fi 5 is one of the more expensive sandals included in this review, but it has high-quality materials and construction that will last for years to come. While this sandal could be a good value for the right user, we think other offerings are more comfortable and better performing for the same or lower list price. What Other Sandals Should You Consider? I have been given the honour of testing out a wonderful pair of Teva’s Terra Fi Lite Sandal, a lightweight version of their classic, ultra-tough and supportive Terra Fi model. The sole of the Ysidro Wedge is made of rubber, while the straps are made of leather. Usually, with rubber soles, there is a synthetic cushioning to ease the pressure on your feet. Not with these sandals, which have the footbed wrapped in luxury leather. The leather wraps around the insoles padded with porous foam which adds extra cushioning. This means you can walk in these sandals all day. Don’t worry about the heels, as they rise at a respectable 2”.

Performance Comparison

The only complaint I have is that in dusty or sandy environments, the open design of the Teva Hurricane XLT2 allows small particles to enter. While this didn’t significantly impact their overall performance, it required occasional cleaning to maintain optimal breathability. 5. Comfort At only 1 lb. 4 oz., this great pair of sandals felt lightweight and airy, which was particularly appreciated during hot weather.