I Never Thought I’d Wear These Waterproof Adventure Sandals — Now, I’m Trying Not to Buy a Second Pair

For most of my life, I never thought I would be a “Teva person.” I lived in New York City and enjoyed going on outdoor adventures, but reasoned that I could probably get by with a pair of hiking boots or flip-flops rather than purchase a pair of crunchy, outdoorsy sandals specifically for trekking through streams and the like. 

Then, in 2021, just before a vacation to Costa Rica, as I daydreamed about clambering under waterfalls and exploring untouched coastlines, I realized that not only was I entertaining the idea of becoming a Teva person, but I suddenly needed to become one. I was so convinced that a pair of Teva sandals was essential to my trip that I made a pitstop in Union Square to pick up a pair of the brand’s Original Universal Sandals on the way to the airport, suitcase in tow. 

Teva Original Universal Sandals in Sand Dune

My pre-trip mania proved to be warranted. The sandals came in handy for the entire two months I spent on the Nicoya Peninsula. I wore them to rock-hop, scramble down, and swim through the Rio Montezuma, hike 10k through the Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco in pursuit of a remote beach, walk through the rising ocean tide out to the Cabuya Island Cemetery, and to clamber along rocks on the Montezuma Beach coastline to watch big waves and reach a hidden waterfall. It’s safe to say, neither the flip-flops I brought nor a pair of hiking boots or sneakers could have stood up to those tasks.

Though plenty of people wear these shoes for daily life or out to lunch, the Teva Original Universal sandals really shine during outdoor activities involving water of any kind. They’re totally waterproof, allow you to swim or cross streams without worrying about wet socks, and they stay secure on your feet through hikes, climbs, and leaps. (And unlike flip-flops, they don’t fling mud or sand up your back after every step.) 

Their grip can’t rival a serious hiking boot, but the rubber lugs on the outsole really do hold their own, even on slippery surfaces like algae-covered rocks. I was surprised to find that my feet didn’t hurt even when I hiked 6+ miles in them, thanks to the cushioned EVA footbed.

In fact, these Teva sandals proved so useful, that I’ve brought them on many trips in the last three years of being a digital nomad. I wore them to tour the Hierve al Agua, a petrified waterfall in Oaxaca, Mexico; to hike the muddy 6-mile Valle de Cocora loop near Salento, Colombia; and traverse nearly 10 miles through Tyrona National Park, about four hours northeast of Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Their hook-and-loop closure strapping system allows you to easily tighten or loosen them depending on how secure you want the fit. You can also strap them onto the outside of a bag or backpack to hang dry after your adventures. After you’re done exploring, they’re extremely easy to clean; no matter how muddy or sandy you get them, all it takes is a good hosing down to have them looking as good as new.

When I bought my pair three years ago in a wild, airport-bound tear through DSW, I snagged a pair in tan with geometric-printed straps. Though that colorway is no longer for sale, Teva has perhaps too many different styles to choose from. For example, you can find a pair with bright color-blocked straps, printed with suns and moons, or simple all-black. They have 19 colorways on Zappos alone and an astounding 65 choices on Amazon.

Teva Original Universal Sandals in Mirage Multi

Fellow travelers are as happy with these Teva sandals as I am — the Original Universal Sandals have earned over 18,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and more than 4,700 five-star reviews on Zappos. 

“[These] are the only sandals I travel with and replace them whenever they wear out. They are great for walking and adjust to my feet in all types of conditions,” one Zappos reviewer shared “I use them for hiking, swimming, walking, and whatever life throws at me.” 

A travel photographer in the reviews even gave them their stamp of approval: “As a travel photographer I love these shoes. I often travel to hot places and these are perfect for day use, in addition to [being] cool, if I get them wet they always dry quickly. Lastly, they don’t take up much room in my bag which is always a plus!” (The shoes are extremely packable, weighing just 6 ounces and taking up no more space than a pair of standard foam flip-flops.)

Teva has a ton of other sandal options — including trendy platform pairs, ones with more support for hiking, and others with lace-up straps, if you’re looking for something a little fancier — but the Original Universals have been on the market for decades for a reason: They’re just that good. “I’ve tried several other Teva sandals but I keep coming back to the original,” one Zappos reviewer writes. “I find it to be the comfiest one yet. Great for travel and you can even wear with a sundress.”

Teva Original Universal Sandals in Sun and Moon Black/White

Like many other customers who’ve owned pair after pair after pair of these sandals, I’m now a Teva person for life. I don’t bring my Tevas for cold-weather trips or touring cities, and I favor sneakers or Birkenstocks (which provide a little more arch support) for really long days on my feet, but when I’m outdoors and in the elements, Tevas are the only choice. And TBH, I’m trying to resist the urge to buy another pair. 

If you’re headed somewhere warm with waterfalls or coastal hikes, hear me out: You need these. And if you can’t be convinced to go for the Original Universals, scroll for slightly different options below, instead.

Shop More Waterproof Sandals at Amazon and Zappos:

Teva Hurricane XLT2

Chaco Women’s Lowdown Slide Sandal

Birkenstock Arizona EVA

Teva Flatform Universal Sandal

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