Teva Original Universal - Women's Review

The Teva Original Universal is a velcro-adjustable casual adventure sandal. It features a rubber sole, an EVA footbed, and a molded EVA midsole. The straps are made of REPREVE recycled polyester webbing, and the size eight we tested weighs 11.1 ounces. It comes in just one standard width, but offers a plethora of colors and patterns.

Comfort

The Original Universal is a reasonably comfortable sandal with no break-in period — they feel good right out of the box. The soles are flat, with no arch support or other contouring, and are relatively flexible and squishy, making them pleasant to walk in. They're also reasonably thin while still protecting you from the ground underneath. If you need extra support from your shoes, whether arch support or a solid surface for aching feet while carrying a large pack, the Universal won't provide that for you.

The straps can be a bit scratchy due to their wide Velcro patches, but we only noticed this when we tightened them significantly. When worn a bit loosely, which was preferred by our testing team, the straps felt perfectly fine and did not rub. However, some of our testers with wider feet experienced difficulty wearing these sandals. Although they could still put them on and walk comfortably, the edges of their toes, where the straps lay, felt constricted, resulting in a less pleasant experience. Overall, though, most people should find these sandals quite comfortable.

Traction

The varied tread on the Original Universal offers solid traction. These sandals did well on less challenging hikes over dirt trails in the mountains. However, the very flexible rubber soles aren't ideal on tricky ground, especially when compared to some of the beefier adventure sandals we tested. When scrambling over boulders and steep terrain, these soft sandals couldn't quite keep up.

We experienced something similar with the footbed texture as well. The Original Universal footbed is a lightly textured EVA that works well with dry feet. However, once we crossed a stream — or had exceptionally sweaty feet — these kicks lost quite a bit of grip. Tightening the straps helped to stop our feet from sliding too far, but this isn't an overly comfortable fix. Overall, these sandals performed surprisingly well in our light adventure testing, falling short only when it came to tackling truly challenging conditions.

Stability

The strap arrangement of the Original Universal sandals is robust and securely holds the feet to the soles, offering good stability while walking. However, the completely flat footbed can limit stability under certain conditions. For instance, our testers found that their wet or sweaty feet often slid inside the sandals, even on flat surfaces. Additionally, we experienced slippage with dry feet while walking up or down steep slopes.

Even when we faced challenging conditions, the straps of these sandals effectively kept our feet from slipping over the edges—something we cannot say for all the models we tested. These sandals are also very lightweight for adventure footwear, which contributes to a sense of security while wearing them. Additionally, since they are entirely flat and have a consistent thickness throughout, the Original Universal sandals offer excellent balance.

Adjustability

We like these sandals, especially when compared to other options that have Velcro adjustments. The Velcro strips are very long and extend across the entire width of the straps, ensuring that everything stays securely fastened. Our main concern with adjusting these sandals is that they are not very accommodating for wider feet, primarily due to the placement of the strap anchor points, even when left fairly loose.

Versatility

The Original Universal is what we've come to think of as an “adventure sandal lite.” They're secure enough and have enough traction and stability for modest adventuring and all-day exploring. But when it comes to serious adventuring, they can't quite keep up with the level of support and grip required for intense activities. That said, we love them for traveling and taking them along as “camp sandals” because they're lightweight and easy to pack.

While the Original Universal sandals may not be everyone's top choice, they offer a retro, outdoor-chic vibe that pairs beautifully with a casual sundress or shorts and a linen shirt at the beach. Their versatility makes them suitable as your go-to sandals for all your summer outings, whether you're at a beer garden patio or an espresso bar. “These are my favorite festival sandals. I can wear them for hikes during the day, and they are nimble and light for dancing into the night. When it gets cold, I can quickly throw on my socks to get cozy,” comments one tester. Additionally, we love that these sandals come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, ensuring there's something for nearly every style.

Should You Buy the Teva Original Universal?

These sandals have been a cult classic for years, and for good reason. They offer the perfect blend of features that appeal to almost anyone: they're lightweight, easy to wear, comfortably casual, available in a wide variety of colors, and reasonably priced. They are an excellent choice for everyday wear, travel, and even some light adventuring. However, we wouldn't recommend them for individuals looking to engage in serious adventuring in challenging or wet conditions, or for those who require more supportive footwear for comfort.

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?

For the budget-conscious buyer who wears sandals infrequently, the Dream Pairs is a decent-performing sandal with more foot protection. On the other end of the spectrum, if you want a pair of sandals that can take you farther, adventure longer, and offer more support, check out a pair of burly adventure sandals like the cute yet functional Chaco Bodhi or the rugged Chaco Z/Cloud. If you like sandals (and sandals that rock socks) but want a more casual option with more arch support, then try the timeless Birkenstock Arizona.