Teva Olowahu Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Teva Olowahu | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards | |||||
Price | $33.00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $50 List | $35 List $33.74 at Amazon | $38 List $35.00 at Amazon | $30 List $17.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A fun and stylish sandal that will mold to your feet over time and won't break the bank | A great way to experience the amazing contouring of a classic Birkenstock without forking over a ton of money | While it may lack contour, the yoga mat footbed makes for a pleasantly comfortable experience and the wide straps are just the icing on the cake | With its thick, soft straps and squishy footbed, this flip flop is an easy one to slip on for any casual occasion | If super simple and lightweight is your jam, this flip is a classic that comes in a ton of fun colors |
Rating Categories | Teva Olowahu | Birkenstock Gizeh E... | Sanuk Yoga Mat | Teva Voya Flip | Havaianas Slim |
Comfort (30%) | |||||
Support (20%) | |||||
Traction (20%) | |||||
Versatility (15%) | |||||
Style (15%) | |||||
Specs | Teva Olowahu | Birkenstock Gizeh E... | Sanuk Yoga Mat | Teva Voya Flip | Havaianas Slim |
Sole Material | Lightweight EVA-foam | EVA | Rubber | EVA | Rubber |
Footbed Material | Mush topsole (a trademarked type of EVA) | EVA | EVA | EVA | Rubber |
Strap Material | Fleece-filled polyester webbing | EVA | 95% synthetic/5% polyester | Polyester webbing | Synthetic |
Weight (per pair) | 6.4 oz (size 9) | 6.5 oz (size 40) | 5.0 oz (size 8) | 6 oz (size 8) | 5.2 oz (size 9/10) |
Available Sizes | 5 - 12 US | 35 - 46 EU | 5 - 11 US | 5 - 12 US | 6 - 12 US |
Animal Products | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Length | 10.75" (size 9) | 11" (size 40) | 10.25" (size 8) | 10.25" (size 8) | 10.5" (size 9/10) |
Length of Toe Box (just above toe post) | 1.75" | 1.375" | 1.50" | 1.75" | 1.50" |
Unique Features | Unique strap pattern | Adjustable straps | Made from real yoga mats | Unique strap pattern | Signature rice pattern sole |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Olowahu is a fun, plush flip flop that's easy to pair with summer attire. Attractive whether you're wearing it with shorts or a dress, the plush footbed will mold to your feet over time.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
The Olowahu is one of the sandals in our test group that we put on and didn't want to take off. The plush foam footbed is cozy, and as it molds to your foot, it becomes more personalized and comfortable. We did have some issues with the straps, though, which is why we can't award a higher score in this category. The textured fabric can chafe a bit, particularly when wet.
The strap configuration also makes this sandal a bit tricky to put on — it usually required us reaching down to adjust and pull them into place, an issue that lessens with time as the footbed compresses and breaks in. However, the other problem that cropped up was that, for some, the pinkie toe would slip out the side due to the high placement of one of the side straps. Because of these oddities, we recommend trying the Olowahu on in person if possible.
Support
With a lightweight foam footbed, it's no surprise that the Olowahu falls a little short in this category. The footbed is indeed quite thick, so it's better than many cheap bargain bin foam flips, but not by a ton. And one of the major issues with foot-molding footbeds is that if you have any abnormalities in your stance, like pronation or supination, they will get molded into the footbed instead of the footbed helping to correct the issue.
These things aside, the extra straps on this flip do add a bit of stability that would otherwise be lacking. But overall, if excellent support is a priority for your footwear, we recommend looking into a sandal with a well-executed contoured footbed.
Traction
Considering the Olowahu is super cheap and made from lightweight foam, it performed better in this metric than we anticipated. Decent, but certainly not the best. Things went pretty well on steep hills (we only slipped once), but overall we couldn't fully trust our feet on slick terrain. You'll be fine in the city on all manner of concrete, stairs, and dirt park paths, but this isn't the smartest choice as an approach shoe or river companion.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility, this sandal is just average. It's stylish, light, and comfortable once broken in, but its uses don't extend to anything very technical or rugged. The entire footbed is made out of lightweight foam — thick enough to last if taken care of, but no match for anyone who is super hard on their summer footwear. If you want something for hiking, biking, or water sports, this isn't the one to choose. There are even aspects to consider if you just want to spend the day lounging at the beach — if the Olowahu gets wet, you can expect the footbed to dry relatively quickly, but the fleece-lined polyester straps will stay damp for a long time and impede overall stability.
Style
Here is where the Olowahu gets to shine. Everyone we polled loved this sandal, and for the price tag, how can you go wrong? It's super cute and stylish and has some of the most fun and unique straps of all the models we tested. Easy to dress up or down, Teva offers this model in quite a few fun colors and patterns. If you want to stay stylish without having to suck your wallet dry, this is a fantastic choice.
Value
This sandal is a great value. While it isn't the most durable or stable shoe, it's chic, affordable, comfortable, and well-constructed enough to last you for a while, depending on what shenanigans you like to get up to during flip flop weather.
Conclusion
The Teva Olowahu is a lightweight and super affordable flip flop that is a winner for style and comfort. While the foam footbed and complicated straps aren't the best for heavy hiking or regular poolside soakings, there is no doubt that this is a great shoe for the price. The footbed will mold to your feet over time, making it even more comfortable and personalized. If you want something attractive and plush but don't want the stress of throwing down tons of money, you've found it.