Teva
Teva sandals, the original sport sandal, built for rivers, beaches, trails and summer days. Shop the Original Universal and Midform Universal sandals, the Hurricane XLT2, Hurricane XLT3 and Hurricane Drift, and the Tirra and Forebay, in men's and women's sizes.
Find Teva in our women's footwear and men's footwear ranges, alongside other sandals and slides for summer.
Teva straps adjust for a custom fit, so come and try a pair on at our Grey Lynn concept store at 36 Pollen Street, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Teva Footwear
About Teva
Teva was founded in 1984 by Mark Thatcher, a river guide in the Grand Canyon who wanted a sandal that would stay on his feet in fast water. He attached a simple strap system to a flip-flop sole, and in doing so created the sport sandal. The name Teva means nature in Hebrew, and the brand is now part of Deckers Brands.
Four decades later, Teva is still the name most people think of for sandals that can handle rivers, rocks and long summer days, and the Original Universal remains close to that first design.
Teva sandals use quick-dry webbing straps, many made from recycled plastic, and grippy rubber outsoles designed for wet rock and riverbanks. They also pack flat, which makes them a favourite second pair of shoes for travel.
Which Teva is which
The Original Universal is the classic: a flat, lightweight sandal with quick-dry webbing straps and hook-and-loop closures that adjust at the ankle and forefoot. The Midform Universal adds a slightly thicker sole for more cushioning and a little extra height. The Hurricane XLT2 and XLT3 are sport sandals with a cushioned, contoured footbed and a grippy outsole for walking, river crossings and travel, and the Hurricane Drift is a lightweight, water-friendly version that dries quickly.
The Tirra is a supportive women's sport sandal for walking and the trail, and the Forebay is a men's sport sandal built for water and rough ground.
Teva at Land & Sea
We carry Teva sandals for men and women in a range of colours and sizes. Teva straps are fully adjustable, so a pair can be tuned to your foot for a secure fit on uneven ground and in the water. Our team can help you choose between a flat Original Universal for everyday wear and a cushioned Hurricane for walks and trips, and every Teva rinses clean after a day at the beach or the river.
Frequently asked questions about Teva
Are Teva sandals good for hiking?
Yes, many Teva sandals are good for walking and light hiking. The Hurricane XLT2 and XLT3 have a cushioned, contoured footbed, a grippy outsole and adjustable straps that hold your foot securely on uneven ground, and the Tirra is a supportive women's sandal for the trail. For long tramps with a heavy pack, proper boots are better, but for summer walks, river crossings and travel, a Teva sport sandal works very well.
What is the difference between the Teva Original Universal and the Hurricane XLT2?
The Original Universal is Teva's classic flat sandal: simple, lightweight and packable, with adjustable webbing straps. The Hurricane XLT2 is a sport sandal with a thicker, cushioned and contoured footbed, more support and a grippier, more rugged outsole. Choose the Original Universal for everyday wear and travel, and the Hurricane XLT2 for walking, light hiking and more active days outdoors.
Can you get Teva sandals wet?
Yes. Teva was created for river guides, and its sandals are made to get wet. The webbing straps and soles handle water, and styles such as the Hurricane Drift are designed to dry quickly. After swimming in the sea or a muddy river, rinse them with fresh water and let them dry out of direct sun. Avoid drying them on a heater or in a hot car, which can damage the materials over time.
How should Teva sandals fit?
Your foot should sit fully on the footbed, with your toes and heel not hanging over the edges. Teva straps adjust at the ankle and forefoot, so you can tune the fit until your foot is held securely without the straps digging in. Teva comes in whole sizes, so if you are a half size it is worth trying both sizes on to see which feels best, as the adjustable straps take care of the rest.
Who invented the Teva sandal?
Teva was invented in 1984 by Mark Thatcher, a Grand Canyon river guide who was frustrated that flip-flops kept slipping off in the water. He added a strap system to a sandal so it would stay on securely, creating the first sport sandal. The name Teva comes from the Hebrew word for nature, and the brand is now part of Deckers Brands, which also owns Hoka.
How do I clean Teva sandals?
Most Teva sandals can be cleaned by hand with cold water, a little mild soap and a soft brush, paying attention to the footbed and straps. Rinse them well and let them air dry away from direct heat. A regular clean keeps the footbed fresh, especially after time in the sea, sand or mud. Check the care notes for your style, as the materials vary across the range.