With solid support and a comfortable strap system, the Teva Hurricane XLT2s are a winner. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
I love a good pair of hiking sandals. While there is certainly a time and a place for a solid pair of hiking boots, I prefer to go as light as possible. When the weather is warm and the hikes are short, hiking sandals are the perfect compromise between bare feet and heavy-duty shoes. They provide protection, have a decent amount of support, and are ideal for hikes that navigate in and out of water. The Hurricane XLT2 Hiking Sandals further solidified what I love about hiking sandals with solid support, style, and traction.
First Impressions
| Pros | Cons |
| Extra padding on the heel strap | Require a break in period |
| Velcro straps | Pricey |
| Grippy soles | Rub a little before you break them in |
Upper: REPREVE recycled polyester
Topsole: EVA
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 15.6 oz
I purchased my first pair of hiking sandals in 2009 while I was working at a summer camp in San Diego, California. I don’t remember the model name, but it was the most classic option Teva offered at the time and I proceeded to have those same sandals in my closet for ten years. When it was time to retire my trusty sandals, I purchased a pair of the Original Universal sandals from Teva. While I did like the sandals, they didn’t provide the hiking support I was looking for. I found they were better suited for walks around town. I recently acquired the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Hiking Sandals with the hope that they would offer the kind of reliable support I depended on from Teva for ten years.
When I unboxed the Hurricane XLT2 sandals, they looked promising. The soles had a lot more support than the Original Universal sandals and the straps are a lot thicker and much more durable. I also enjoyed the looks of them, with a mix of fun, muted colors. I was eager to hit the trails.
The Hurricane XLT2s are perfect for beach walks with a variety of terrain. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Notable Features
I live on Oahu in Hawaii where it’s warm and sunny most of the time. As such, a pair of hiking boots and socks are often cumbersome and hot. Additionally, a lot of our hikes have stream and creek crossings, so it’s nice to have a pair of hikers that can go through water. The Teva Hurricanes address both of those issues spectacularly.
When it comes to the construction, the Hurricane XLT2s are made from recycled materials, so they get sustainability points out of the gates. The REPREVE polyester webbing uppers are made from recycled bottles, but feel incredibly strong and durable and dry quickly after exposure to water. The straps secure with Velcro, great for easy adjustments and quick on/off.
An essential feature of the XLT2s are the EVA midsoles. The EVA midsoles provide a generous amount of cushioning for sandals. Of course, there isn’t as much support as hiking boots or shoes, but it’s a perfect amount for short-to-mid-length hikes. These are one of the most supportive hiking sandals I have ever tried, and I’ve tried a lot of hiking sandals.
The grippy rubber outsoles is another major win in my book. As these are sandals, you’ll likely be using them on both wet and dry surfaces, so you want to make sure the grip is reliable. The traction is super sturdy and I never found myself slipping, regardless of whether I was on wet or dry terrain. I probably wouldn’t recommend them for say, bouldering, but for a trek through the forest or along the coast, they get the job done.
Another small thing I love is the extra padding on the heel strap. This is a major pressure point that tends to rub, so having a little extra padding is super helpful. I also liked that these sandals don’t have any toe straps, which allows you to wear socks with them. Admittedly, socks and sandals is a pretty dorky move, but when the temps drop it’s a good option to have.
The only drawback we found was that they require a bit of a break-in period, and can be uncomfortable until that broken-in feeling is achieved. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Drawbacks
One of my least favorite things about getting new shoes is getting new shoes. Sometimes shoes are comfortable from the get-go, but that’s in no way a given. And like many other pairs of shoes, the Hurricane XLT2s require a break-in period before they get truly comfortable.
When I first started wearing my Hurricane XLT2s, they rubbed a little bit at the front of the ankle and at the strap that goes across the toe area. Nothing terrible, but I’d definitely recommend wearing them on shorter hikes until you get them broken in. It’s also worthwhile to mess around with and adjust the straps – they’re much more comfortable once you find your perfect fit.
Whether on sand, rock, or pavement, the Hurricane XLT2s fit right in, and get the job done. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Final Thoughts
All and all, I’m really psyched on the Hurricane XLT2 Hiking Sandals. They’re durable, easily adjustable, comfortable, work well on both wet and dry terrain, have good grip, and they look good to boot (as good as hiking sandals can look anyways). To top it off, they’re vegan and sustainably made, which is the icing on the cake.
CHECK Women's PRICE ON REI CHECK Men's PRICE ON REI CHECK Women's PRICE ON AMAZON CHECK Men's PRICE ON AMAZONEditor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
The Best Beach Sandals for Women of 2024
