Why are Tevas SO Popular?

Teva sandals are known as the very first “sport sandal”, and since the 90’s they have been growing in popularity both on and off the trail. Today, they’re having a bit of a renaissance… so what’s the hype all about?

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Script: Caroline Eaton Pickard
Editor: Reid Valaitis
Lead Editor: Kirsten Stanley
Project Manager: Lurana McClure Rodríguez
Host: Levi Hildebrand

[sonipitts]

I suppose one upside is that at least the durability of Tevas (and Chacos) means you're not buying annual (or even seasonal) replacements for cheaply-made knock-offs that are probably made in the same or worse factory conditions and materials. Which tbh is probably more sustainable than buying a more confirmed sustainable option that doesn't hold up. Hubby just switched to Tevas after buying (and returning, twice, within a single year) a sandal from a popular sustainable shoe company (local, even) that kept failing in the same place due to insufficiently sturdy hardware fittings. If the Tevas last even a year, we're already cutting our consumer-end "sandal waste" by a significant margin.

[av_oid]

I’ve been wearing Tevas for 15 years. Only 2 pairs for that whole period. Wore the first pair until they had no tread, but otherwise they had stayed together. And they are super comfortable, which is the point for sandals.

[paigedement]

I bought a pair of Teva's over 5 years ago on a clearance rack at REI, paying maybe $40 for them. I am obsessed with them! Still going strong, and I look forward to my "Teva Tan" on my feet every summer.

[franciscoalvarezhigareda]

"Tevas are ugly"... wow Levi chose violence today. I've been wearing the same pair of navy blue Tevas for beach trips, pool days, après hiking, & showers for over five years. these have been my most durable & versatile pair of strap-on sandals ever & their minimalist profile makes it so simple to match these sandals with basically any casual outfit.

[theTeslaFalcon]

I bought my 1st pair of Tevas in the 2000s. After 7 yrs of solid use, I put them in the dryer to dry out after a river walk ... and the sole fell off. Unfortunately, I threw them away and bought another pair. I say "unfortunately" because my 2nd pair lasted 5 yrs before the sole was completely worn through. I ripped the old sole off, cut a new sole from an old motorcycle tire, and am still wearing them now 7 months later. In retrospect, I could've replaced the sole like I did with the 2nd pair and still be wearing my original pair from way back when. I enjoyed the process of resoling these Tevas so much that I'm actually considering making complete sandals from "scratch" for the whole family and (possibly) for sale.

[Saratrooper]

I got my first pair of Hurricane XLT2 Tevas this year because my Birkinstocks were starting to give me really bad foot pain, and I wanted a pair of sandals for hiking trails and/or water activities. Really happy so far, the no nonsense design is just perfect and I hope they can last me for many more years to come.

[olavsantiago]

Been using teva's since the late 1990's as I was a kayak/canoe instructor, so needed something that would dry quickly without stinky feet, tough, and durable. Only had 3 pairs since then, they usually last 8 years. Used them for hiking in the alps, white water kayaking, and swatting mosquitos.

[portiabartel]

Yeah LOL I love my Tevas. I'm transitioning into my comfy shoe era, and all I want to own are Dr Scholl's, Sketchers, Crocs, and Tevas

[baophan]

I wore my on-sale Tevas for three years until the bottom wore out from countless hikes. I loved being able to get them wet during long hikes and never having to worry about wet shoes. Love them!!

[PaulStrandlund]

I have a pair that I bought over 25 years ago that I still wear. I've had to replace the velcro 3 or 4 times as it wears out but the sandals are still going strong

[embodythejotun]

I'm glad you addressed the pronunciation because your "Tee-va" was driving my brain crazy until then lol

[ChristianBehnke]

"Why are these dad-sandals everywhere?"

Because I'm a dad and still have the pair I've been wearing since the late 90's because I'm cheap and they are solid. lol
(They actually blew-out YEAARS ago, but I cant bring myself to throw them out or buy replacements.)

[sophiaisabelle]

We will always support this channel. Bless them.

[jennajeffries]

I bought a pair of tevas when I was in Dollywood on my honeymoon with my ex when my shoes broke, and they outlasted my marriage

[hollydrouillard]

Thank you!!! I have Tevas and Keens that I've had for YEARS!!!

[zbigniew]

i have mine for like so many years now and they don't want to die.
and if they do i'll just get another pair, i can't be bothered to look for anything else man, they are good

[MagicalMandi]

I really learned about Tevas after exploring the music festival circuit. So many Tevas at Bonnaroo etc.

[karinarey]

Hey, would love to see a video on Chacos too. I have both. Both the Chacos at an REI garage sale and I mainly use them for yard work outside since they’re heavy/bulky. I use my Tevas for daily use, camping, hiking, at the beach, Disneyland, etc. I also use the Moc Embers on a daily use since I’m always cold in the winter and spring. Sad to hear that Tevas isn’t better, though not surprised from what their website shows. Thanks!

[hawkatsea]

I'm 100% TEAM CHACOS and would love a deep dive on that brand. I'm 5 years into my 2nd pair after my 1st gave out after 18+ yrs, having been re-soled and re-strapped. At the time (still?), I was able to design my custom Chacos piece-by-piece, strap-by-strap, down to the soles' materials (buoyant uppers, extra arch support, and "sticky" bottoms for amphibious adventures!), and I look forward to another 15+ years of criss-cross Chacos Tan!

[sarahwatts]

I think Levi feels self conscious in his Tevas because he's forgetting to wear socks with them 😄