Teva Original Universal Review

The Teva Original Universal sandal is a lightweight design and one of Teva's sandals. A molded EVA midsole provides comfort and mates with a rubber outsole for grip and durability. The straps are made from 100% recycled plastic, and the sandals are treated with a responsibly sourced peppermint-based anti-odor treatment. These sandals are offered in standard width and are whole sizes only.

Comfort

The Teva Original Universal requires no break-in period and feels good on the first day of use. These aren't the most comfortable sandals in our lineup, but they aren't uncomfortable either. I was able to wear them all day without any issues, but they wouldn't be my first choice due to their flat, flexible soles. These sandals don't provide arch support, so if you have high arches, then other sandals would be better.

I have slim feet, and the straps had to be snug to get a decent fit. If I had to tighten them more, then the straps would have been hanging over. The straps caused initial irritation with use, but they softened up after a while, improving the feel. The Tevas didn't take long to break in, which is nice if you need a pair for heading out. The cushion on these is adequate, and they give me a good feel of the ground on different surfaces. Easy for debris to get inside under your foot, especially in a watery sand mix. The straps can be irritating to the top of your foot and uncomfortable at times.

Versatility & Style

The Teva Universal Original is a general use style that Teva lists for everyday wear, water, or travel use. These sandals can be great for everyday use, especially around town, running errands, and going to the beach. The simple design works well for trails and off-road use, but it may not work well on really aggressive terrain. The lack of support wouldn't make these a good choice for steep and uneven terrain. These can easily be packed away for travel or stowed in a hiking pack for the end of the day.

A water-friendly sandal, these easily transitioned from mild trail use to walking in the streams while maintaining decent grip on wet surfaces. The minimalist design allows water to drain and keeps your feet cool on hot days. This sandal comes in a variety of colors to suit your design needs or add a little flair. They definitely give off a more laid-back, casual vibe, so maybe not choose these for social settings or gatherings when you want to pull off a clean look.

Adjustability

The toe and instep straps are Velcro, offering a wide range of adjustment options to fit your preference. The Velcro is strong and stays firmly in place; there was no incident of them loosening on their own or not staying secure when pressed together. The heel strap and lateral connection strap are non-adjustable and double-sewn into place.

Occasionally, straps will stretch out or fail with regular use, but that was not the case with these Tevas. There was no give in these straps, even when wet, so if you wear them all day and have swelling feet, you will have to loosen them to stay comfortable. Like most secure sandals, you have to undo the straps each time you remove them and resecure them when putting them on. You could try leaving the toe strap secure and sliding in, but it may not be worth the extra effort.

Stability

The stability of the Teva Universal Original is about what you would expect from the simple design. The dual straps maintain a secure purchase on the footbed without binding or pinching and limit sideways movement during sidehilling. The straps do prevent sliding forward or back and have a consistent feel, and don't require readjustment.

With flat sandals lacking arch support, the foot has more potential to slide around, especially when things get wet. When your feet get sweaty or moist, the EVA footbed loses traction, leading to slippage, especially on changes in pitch, making it more difficult to get a good purchase.

Traction

The traction on the Teva is adequate for everyday use, such as around town and on mild to moderate trails. The variable tread pattern provides necessary grip, and the flexible sole forms around irregularities to provide some purchase.

Despite having good traction in most dry environments, they begin to falter on steeper or more aggressive terrain. The lugs are shallow, so they can become slick in mud or don't bite into loose structures very well. The soft footbed can also become an issue when you want stiffness to push off or really dig weight into the sole.

These sandals don't provide the best traction when things get wet, and a wet footbed further complicates matters. Not only does the sole tread slip, but your foot also slips on the EVA footbed, leaving you feeling unsteady. These may not be the best for water adventures, but for regular everyday use, they are more than adequate.

Should You Buy the Teva Original Universal?

The Universal Original sandal has been around since 1984 for a good reason, they simply work. These sandals are a simple design that offers comfort and everyday performance without a hefty price tag. Teva has created a lightweight, travel-friendly option that can be used on wet or dry terrain and even after a hike. A basic, relatively flat sandal, these are not a good option for those requiring orthopedic support or who prefer aggressive or challenging terrain.

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?

For those who want a simple design sandal with great features, the Bedrock Cairn Evo is a minimalist design with great traction and performance. If you want something that performs better in the water and offers more protection, the Keen Newport H2 provides comfort and stability in a water-friendly sandal. If budget is on your mind, the Dream Pairs Adventurous Summer is on the lower side of the price spectrum while providing adequate performance.