Are Tevas Good For Hiking? [9 Things to Consider] 2023
Choosing which pair of shoes to wear for hiking can be hard, especially when there are so many varieties out there.
And it’s totally understandable why some people would opt for a sandal, such as Tevas, rather than a closed-toe shoe or boot.
They’re breathable, comfortable, and more. But there are also many reasons why you shouldn’t wear sandals for hiking.
So, are Tevas good for hiking? Let’s dive a little deeper and find out the verdict.
Are Tevas Good for Hiking?
To make a long answer short, it depends.
Tevas can be great for a lot of reasons, but they also can cause a lot of issues.
If you’re going for shorter hikes and know that you won’t be doing a lot of climbing, then Tevas might be a great choice for you.
But if the hike is going to be longer and more rugged, I would recommend you stick with the good ole’ classic hiking shoes.
That’s not to say that people don’t take them on longer hikes, because I’ve seen plenty of people do 10+ mile hikes in sandals!
And they seem to love them and get by super well.
But if you’re searching for the most comfortable option that will also protect and support your feet, I would stay away from sandals.
What you choose to wear for footwear as a hiker completely depends on your comfort level and what you like.
But there are some factors that you should consider. Let’s go over the pros and cons of wearing Tevas for hiking.
Pros of Wearing Teva Sandals for Hiking
Below you’ll find some of the most important positives that come with wearing a pair of sandals on a hike.
Comfortable for Short Hikes
Teva sandals do great for shorter hikes, and in fact, I’ll sometimes wear my sandals on a 1-2 mile hike.
They’re easier than gearing up completely and lacing up my boots.
Plus, I don’t have to change out of them when I get back to the car.
I stick to hikes that are under 2 miles if I’m going to be wearing my sandals, and these usually have very minimal elevation gain and smooth trails.
Good for Rain
One of the positives of wearing Tevas out on the trail is that if it rains, they will dry a lot faster than a pair of boots will.
I’ve also found myself stepping through puddles or crossing streams with them because I know that they’re fast drying.
When Tevas get wet, they also don’t bog your feet down like a pair of soaked boots would.
Good Traction for a Sandal
Most sandals don’t have a lot of great traction and I wouldn’t recommend them for hiking.
But Tevas tend to have a pretty sturdy bottom that has good traction.
Compared to other cheap sandals or flip-flops, Tevas are one of the best choices for hiking sandals.
Because they are meant to be outdoor shoes, they’re built to stand up against different terrains that you’ll come across.
This is very important in a pair of hiking shoes because you never know what you’ll come across on the trail.
Breathable
Of course one of the best pros of wearing Tevas on the trail is that they’re breathable and you won’t find your feet getting sweaty.
And even if they do sweat, it’s really easy to slip your feet out and stick them in a river or water source nearby.
With closed-toe shoes, you’ll have to spend time drying your feet off and yanking on your socks to get them back on your wet foot.
But with Tevas, you can slip it back on your foot even when it’s wet.
This is especially great on hot days when you want to go for a hike but can’t even imagine putting your bulky boots on your already hot feet.
Lightweight
Another great positive of wearing Teva sandals on the hiking trail is that they’re lightweight.
It’ll feel like each step is easy to take, rather than how sometimes a hiking boot can make your foot feel heavy.
Even when they get wet, they maintain a pretty lightweight feel and are easy to walk in.
Cons of Wearing Teva Sandals for Hiking
If you find yourself asking, can I wear my Tevas while hiking, you’ll want to consider these cons before heading to the trail.
No Support
Of course one of the biggest cons of wearing Tevas hiking is the fact that there is little to no support for your feet and ankles.
Having supportive shoes is one of the most important factors in making sure that you have a pleasant hiking experience.
No one wants to step on a tree root and end up with a sprained ankle because they weren’t wearing the proper shoes.
I will say that Tevas provide decent arch support for a sandal, but the ankle support is non-existent.
Because of this, you could end the day with sore feet and you risk the chance of hurting your feet more.
Risk of Hurting Toes
Tevas sandals are open-toe shoes, which means that you run the risk of stubbing a toe when you wear them.
This will happen most often if you’re hiking on rugged trails with lots of rocks or exposed tree roots.
There also is no protection to the top of your foot if you were to accidentally scrape it against something.
If you do plan to wear Tevas hiking, just be careful and watch your step a lot more than you would with sturdy hiking boots.
Collects Rocks
One of the most annoying things that I’ve noticed when wearing sandals on the trail is that rocks get trapped under my feet.
When I’m walking on a dirt trail with loose rocks, small pebbles and dirt make their way between my foot and the bottom of the shoe.
This causes me to have to stop, kick the rock out, continue, and just wait for it to happen again, two minutes later.
This doesn’t have to be a deal breaker for anyone, but just be prepared to make more stops along your hike to get rid of that obnoxious rock.
Not Good in Cold Weather
Because Tevas are sandals, they’re of course not going to perform their best in cold weather.
As soon as the snow starts to fly or temperatures drop, it’ll probably be time to store them away until next season.
Best Tevas for Hiking
If you’ve been convinced to try out a hike for yourself in a pair of sandals, then these options are going to be your best bet.
Teva Hurricane XLT2
The Hurricane XLT3 are some of their most comfortable sandals with amazing traction.
They have a quick-drying strap, which is perfect for crossing streams or rain.
Plus, they come in TONS of beautiful colors and patterns.
Teva Terra Universal
If you’re going on longer hikes, these are the Teva hiking sandals for you.
Built to be worn on rugged terrain, the Teva Universals are great for hiking.
They’re durable, comfy, and have excellent traction.
FAQs
Here are a couple more questions that are frequently asked when wondering, can you hike in Teva sandals?
Are Tevas Comfortable?
Tevas are definitely one of the most comfortable outdoor sandals and do really well for a lot of things.
The adjustable straps are soft and clasp right to your feet so your feet aren’t sliding out of them, and the bottoms are sturdy.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing, or any other summer outdoor activity, Tevas are a great, comfortable shoe option.
Are Tevas Slippery When Wet?
Surprisingly, Tevas are not that slippery when they get wet!
I’ve worn my sandals through stream crossings and in the rain and I have no problem maintaining traction.
Do Tevas Cause Blisters?
Yes, Tevas can cause blisters, just as any other shoe can.
If you choose a pair that fits you properly and you break them in before wearing them for long distances, you should be okay.
But not every shoe works for every person.
Having wet feet and then walking long distances can also cause blisters.
How Do I Keep Rocks Out of My Sandals?
There’s not really a foolproof method to avoid getting rocks in your sandals.
It’s just the nature of the beast.
But wearing properly-sized shoes can help avoid getting debris in your shoes.
Can You Walk All Day in Tevas?
Yes, you can most definitely walk all day in Tevas, as long as they’re comfortable for you!
I’ve walked miles on end in my hiking sandals and find them very comfortable.
But for walking on uneven or rocky ground can get tough real fast.
Are Tevas Waterproof?
Because Tevas are open-toed shoes, they aren’t exactly waterproof, although some models are labeled as this.
This basically just means that it is okay to get your Tevas wet.
But they make getting your feet wet easier because you won’t have to drag around a bulky, wet shoe!
What Are Teva Sandals Good For?
Teva sandals were first made back in 1984 when a river guide in the Grand Canyon needed a shoe that wouldn’t float down the stream.
He attached two pieces of Velcro watchbands to a pair of flip-flops and thus, Teva was born.
They were built to be outdoor shoes that can withstand any adventure that people take them on.
Many people use them for hiking while others wear them for lounging around the campfire.
Fishermen wear them out on the boat and swimmers may jump into a lake with them on.
Really, Tevas are good for any sort of outdoor adventure that you might have, as long as you’re careful with your feet in them.
Are Tevas Good for Walking?
If you’re just setting out to do some simple walking, Tevas can be great!
In fact, I wear my Teva sandals almost everytime I take my dog for a walk when there’s no snow on the ground!
Wrap-Up: Can You Wear Tevas Hiking?
So, the verdict is in. Are Tevas good for hiking? The answer is- Yes. They are good for short hikes.
But they aren’t as great for longer distances.
As long as you’re sticking to shorter hikes and are being more careful with how and where you step, you should have no problem in them.
Their comfort, flexibility, and breathability are attractive features to a lot of hikers.
So maybe next time you head for the trail, you’ll grab a pair of hiking sandals instead.
