Teva Footwear Review: Eco-Friendly Sandals, Flip Flops and Boots for Outdoor Adventures

When gearing up for your next hike, river rafting trip or camping excursion, what you wear on your feet can make all the difference. You need a sandal or shoe that provides comfort, support, traction and durability to handle any terrain or conditions. And if you‘re concerned about the environmental impact of your footwear, you also want a brand that incorporates sustainable practices.

Enter Teva, an outdoor footwear company that has been creating functional, eco-conscious sports sandals, flip flops and boots since 1984. With a loyal following of over half a million on Instagram alone, Teva has made a name for itself among adventurers who want to "give people the freedom to roam."

As an avid hiker and nature lover myself, I had to put Teva to the test. I tried out several of their most popular styles for both outdoor excursions and everyday wear. I also did a deep dive into the brand‘s history, values and customer reviews to provide a comprehensive look at whether Teva‘s footwear lives up to the hype.

Here is my ultimate Teva review, including the brand‘s background, best-selling products, sustainability efforts, and overall pros and cons. Let‘s go!

The Origins of Teva

The story of Teva begins with a young geophysicist named Mark Thatcher. An avid outdoorsman, Thatcher worked as a rafting guide in the Grand Canyon in the early 1980s. He quickly realized that the footwear options available at the time weren‘t suitable for the demands of river sports. Flip flops would come off too easily in the water, but bulky sneakers would become waterlogged and uncomfortable.

Thatcher‘s solution was to create a new type of sandal that combined the best features of both. He took a traditional flip flop and added nylon straps that could be adjusted and tightened around the ankle to keep the shoe securely in place. And so the world‘s first sports sandal was born.

Thatcher named his invention Teva, which means "nature" in Hebrew. He partnered with California-based Deckers Corporation to manufacture and sell the Teva sandals. Marketed to outdoor enthusiasts, Teva quickly gained a cult following among rafters, kayakers and hikers, particularly on the West Coast.

In 1985, Thatcher patented his sandal design, but he continued to iterate and improve upon it. For example, he developed a specially formulated rubber sole to provide stronger grip on slippery river rocks and muddy trails. He also experimented with quick-drying, water-resistant webbing materials to prevent the straps from becoming stretched out and soggy.

Teva‘s popularity continued to grow over the following decade. In 2002, Deckers Corporation acquired the Teva brand completely, though Thatcher remained involved as a product tester and designer until 2008. Since then, Teva has expanded their product offerings to include closed-toe water shoes, hiking boots, and casual sandals and flip flops. However, the Original Universal sports sandal remains one of their most iconic and best-selling items to this day.

Teva‘s Sustainability Practices

In addition to creating innovative outdoor footwear, Teva has also developed a reputation as a leader in sustainable fashion. As a brand whose target audience is nature lovers, Teva recognizes the importance of minimizing their environmental impact and preserving the great outdoors for future generations to enjoy.

One of the primary ways Teva incorporates sustainability is by using recycled and recyclable materials in their products. For their signature sandal straps, Teva sources REPREVE polyester yarn, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. According to the company, each pair of Teva sandals contains the equivalent of 4-5 recycled bottles. By repurposing this post-consumer waste, Teva has been able to keep over 9.5 million plastic bottles out of landfills since 2020 alone.

Teva also partners with the Leather Working Group, a non-profit organization that certifies tanneries based on their environmental stewardship practices. By sourcing their leather from gold-rated LWG tanneries, Teva ensures that the leather production process adheres to high standards for water and energy usage, waste management and chemical safety.

Teva doesn‘t just focus on sourcing more sustainable raw materials – they are also taking steps to reduce waste and extend the life cycle of their products. In 2020, Teva launched the TevaForever recycling program, which allows customers to send back their well-worn Teva sandals to be recycled into new shoes or repurposed for other uses. Teva provides a free shipping label to make the process as easy as possible for customers. They‘ve also redesigned their shoebox packaging to use 80% recycled paper in order to save trees and reduce their carbon footprint.

For their vegan-friendly styles made without any animal products, Teva has even developed special plant-based straps and outsoles. And across their product line, Teva continues to experiment with new eco-friendly materials like BLOOM algae foam, which transforms harmful algal blooms into a flexible yet durable substitute for EVA plastic.

It‘s clear that Teva doesn‘t just talk the talk when it comes to sustainability – they are actively walking the walk and setting an example for other footwear brands to follow. By supporting eco-conscious companies like Teva, consumers can feel good about their purchase knowing that they are helping to drive positive change.

Teva Product Reviews

Now that we‘ve covered the company background, let‘s dive into the actual products. I tested out some of Teva‘s most popular sandals, flip flops and boots in the great outdoors and in everyday life. Here are my honest thoughts:

Teva Original Universal Sandals Review

The product that started it all, Teva‘s Original Universal sports sandal remains a best-seller decades later. It features a cushioned EVA footbed, quick-dry webbing made from recycled plastic, and a rubber outsole for traction. Retailing for $50, this classic sandal comes in a variety of strap colors and patterns for both men and women.

I wore my Teva Original Universal sandals on a 5-mile river hike, and I was impressed by how comfortable and secure they felt. The contoured footbed provided good arch support, while the adjustable ankle strap kept my foot locked in place even when wading through slippery rocks. The tread on the outsole also held up well on both wet and dry terrain.

After fully submerging the sandals a few times, I was pleased to find that they dried quickly and didn‘t feel soggy or stretched out. The straps maintained their shape and didn‘t chafe or dig into my skin, even after hours of hiking.

Aesthetically, the Original Universal has a chunky, sporty look that may not be for everyone. However, I appreciated the fun color combinations and the visible stitching details that gave the shoe a handcrafted feel. I could definitely see myself reaching for these sandals all summer long, whether I‘m hitting the trails or running errands around town.

Customer reviews for the Original Universal are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars from nearly 4,000 reviews on Teva‘s website. Many reviewers praise the sandal‘s durability, versatility and comfort. One customer raved, "I finally found a pair of sandals that I can wear for hours. They have great support and aren‘t stiff […] If you‘re looking for a switch, these cool cats are definitely for you. Will definitely be purchasing more!"

The only consistent criticism I found was that the Original Universal can take some breaking in at first. A few reviewers noted that the straps felt stiff and rubbed their feet raw the first few wears. However, most agreed that the sandals softened up and molded to their feet over time.

Teva Flip Flops Review: Voya Wedge and Pajaro

For a more casual, everyday sandal, I tested out two of Teva‘s flip flop styles: the Voya Wedge for women and the Pajaro for men.

The Voya Wedge features a 1.25" platform sole made from lightweight, cushiony EVA foam. The two-toned matte straps are made of recycled plastic and have a nice thickness to them. Available in understated colors like black, blue and olive, these flip flops could easily be dressed up or down.

I found the Voya Wedge to be surprisingly comfortable for a thicker soled flip flop. The added height didn‘t feel clunky or make the shoe difficult to walk in. The wedge style also provides a bit more support and stability compared to a completely flat flip flop, while still being easy to slip on and off.

My only gripe is that the toe post felt a bit stiff and took some getting used to. However, I think this is a fair trade off for the durability and quality of the recycled material straps. At the sale price of $20 (regularly $40), the Voya Wedge is an affordable, eco-friendly choice for all day wear.

On the men‘s side, the Pajaro flip flop has a sportier look with a chunky silhouette and angular sole design. A padded, water-friendly webbing strap offers a secure fit, while the contoured EVA footbed provides plush cushioning underfoot. The Pajaro also features a special traction outsole with lug patterns to provide added grip.

I could see the Pajaro being a great choice for beach days, boat trips, or light hikes. The level of traction and support you get definitely exceeds your average rubber flip flop. The Pajaro runs slightly big, so I‘d recommend sizing down if you‘re between sizes. At $55, it‘s on the higher end for a flip flop, but the rugged construction and versatility may be worth it for the right customer.

Teva Boots Review: ReEmber Mid and Grandview GTX

To round out my Teva testing, I took their ReEmber Mid and Grandview GTX boots for a spin in the colder months. As a brand known for their sandals, I was curious to see how Teva‘s boot offerings would perform.

The ReEmber Mid is an ankle-height boot with a trendy hiking sneaker silhouette. It features a quilted, water resistant upper made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon. The inside of the boot has a cozy knit lining and microfiber footbed cover for warmth and softness. Meanwhile, the sole is made of EVA foam with a rubber outsole pod for traction.

I found the Reember Mid to be a comfortable, lightweight boot ideal for casual hikes or outdoor trips in mild weather. The recycled ripstop material gave the shoe a cool, textured look while providing protection from rain and snow. While I probably wouldn‘t choose this boot for more extreme winter sports, it serves as a great casual option that looks stylish both on and off the trails.

On the more heavy duty end, I was impressed by the Grandview GTX. This rugged hiking boot has a full grain leather and recycled polyester mesh upper with a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. A Vibram Megagrip outsole offers superior traction even on wet or uneven terrain.

Out on the trails, the Grandview GTX provided the stability, protection and weather resistance I‘d expect from a serious hiking boot. The midsole had a good balance of cushioning and support, while the GORE-TEX lining kept my feet dry through stream crossings and muddy conditions. I especially appreciated features like the gusseted tongue, protective toe cap, and heel lock strap that allowed me to customize the fit.

Retailing at $175, the Grandview GTX is definitely an investment piece. However, if you‘re an avid hiker or backpacker looking for a reliable, well-made boot, I think the cost is justified. With proper care, I could see these boots lasting for many adventures to come.

The Bottom Line: Is Teva Worth It?

After wearing Teva extensively over the past few months, I can confidently say that this brand is the real deal for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious shoppers alike. While their prices are higher than some competitors, I believe the quality, performance and sustainable practices of Teva make their products a worthwhile investment.

All of the Teva footwear I tried felt solidly constructed and held up well to the elements. I appreciated the thoughtful design details like arch support, adjustability, water resistance and traction that make Teva shoes equipped for any adventure. The fact that Teva incorporates recycled and plant-based materials into their products is also a huge bonus.

One thing to note is that Teva‘s sizing and fit can be inconsistent across styles. I‘d recommend going up a half size in closed-toe styles like the boots to allow for thicker socks. It‘s also a good idea to read individual product reviews and size charts to get a sense of whether a shoe runs large or small.

While Teva‘s more outdoorsy, sporty aesthetic may not be for everyone, I think they strike a good balance of form and function. Their sandals and shoes are certainly built for performance first and foremost, but many of the colorways and designs are on-trend and easy to style.

Perhaps most importantly, Teva as a brand has proven that they are truly committed to environmental responsibility – not just as a marketing tactic, but as a core part of their business model. From material sourcing to product innovation to community partnerships, Teva is constantly working to minimize their impact and preserve natural spaces. For consumers who care about supporting sustainable brands, that‘s a big selling point.

If you‘re in the market for a new pair of adventure-ready sandals, boots or shoes, I highly recommend giving Teva a try. And with their 30 day return policy and free shipping on orders over $35, you can shop with confidence knowing that you have time to make sure your new Tevas are the perfect fit.