I remember the 90s when owning a pair of Tevas was a fashion statement. Back then, I had some “knock-off” flip-flops, but my friends with those rugged, strappy Tevas were the envy of everyone. Over the past 20+ years since, I haven’t paid much attention to sandals—until recently.
Around five years ago, as I hit 35, comfort and support for my feet suddenly became crucial. I wanted to keep running for the long haul, so investing in supportive slippers, casual shoes, and yes, sandals became important. Fast forward, and here I am, reviewing the Teva Aventrail, coming full circle from my elementary school days.
Looks:
Let’s address the looks first—these are definitely going to be hit or miss for most people. Personally, I love footwear with a unique flair. My closet is filled with an array of colors and styles, and I’m not afraid to go bold. My wife, on the other hand, prefers neutral tones; her closet is full of whites, blacks, and browns. When we first saw the Teva Aventrail, it was clear who loved them (me) and who was less enthused (my wife).
That seems to be the response you’ll get from most people – and the question comes. Are you willing to step outside the box with your footwear, or are you committed to a more subdued, toned-down style?
Both the men’s and women’s versions of the Teva Aventrail come in two colorways. Honestly, I feel the women’s options have the men’s beat. The women’s Marshmallow/Marigold version is actually beautiful looking —there’s a bit of flair, but it stays neutral enough for most tastes.
I received the men’s Black/Charcoal version, which is mostly gray with red accents. Personally, I would’ve preferred a bit more pop. The other men’s option also didn’t really appeal to me, but if they made the women’s Marshmallow/Marigold version for men, I’d be all over it.
Construction:
Teva brands the Aventrail as an adventure sandal, and even suggests that you can run in them. While I wouldn’t go that far, if any sandal could pull it off, it’s probably these. They’re very comfortable for walking. The footbed is incredibly soft and plush, thanks to the HYPER-COMF technology combo of Super Critical Foams and supportive EVA, as well as a Nylon plate. Sound familiar?
The upper features the classic Teva W-shaped strapping, but with a twist—it has an engineered knit upper (again, sound familiar?) that offers breathability and forefoot stability. This added structure across the top of the foot gives it a more secure fit, and with the multiple Velcro straps, you can customize the fit over the foot and heel. While Velcro wouldn’t work for running shoes, it’s functional here, allowing you to really dial in the fit.
Despite Teva’s claim, I don’t think these provide the pure lockdown you need for serious running – at least for me. But I can definitely see people attempting a jog or two in them, maybe even a Guinness World Record attempt for “fastest marathon in sandals.”
While I wouldn’t choose them for a full run, they are “joggable” and could be a great option for summer adventures. These sandals could handle a day of hiking, a dip in the river, and even a stop at a brewery on the way home—all in efficient doses.
Overall:
Overall, the Teva Aventrail feels like a successful re-entry into the Teva world for me. They might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for something fun, unique, and extremely functional (a rare combination), these might be up your alley. I’ve worn them a lot more than I anticipated, even just around the house, and they’ve quickly become a go-to option for casual, comfortable days.
Teva Aventrail $145
Specs & Socials:
Weight: 11.9 oz – Men’s 8.5
Offset: 33.5mm (heel), 27.5mm (forefoot)
Teva
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Thank you to Teva for providing us with a test pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
