Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Teva Terra-Fi 2 Sandals > Owner Review by Eric Palmer

Owner Review: Teva Terra-Fi 2 Sandals

July 7, 2006

Backpacking background: I started backpacking when I was seven years old, on family summer vacations to Estes Park, Colorado, which my dad took my brother and me hiking on. Since then I have moved to Colorado and have been hiking hardcore for five years now. I completed a Hikemaster’s Course in the Rocky Mountain National Park and have led numerous groups on hikes, both short and long, dispensing information on the various ecosystems in the area. My backpacking style is mostly ultralight or light.

Here is an underside view, Lateral View, and Top view of the Terra-Fi 2

Non-specific Info:
Sizes Available: Men (7-16 US) Women (5-12 US)
Average weight: 1 lb 3 oz (1.3 kg) (Average weight specification is per pair, based on size 9)
Upper: Nylon webbing
Lining: Nylon/EVA
Topsole: EVA
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Rubber
(EVA = ethylene vinyl acetate)

From the manufacturer's website: “Technology for support and cushioning for comfort. The Teva Terra-Fi® sport sandals are proven performance for use in water, on land, or wherever adventure takes you. The Terra-Fi 2 has fresh updates for 2006.”

Product description: The Terra-Fi sandals are meant to be used for moderate on-trail hiking, water activities, or just to wear around town. The sole is thick and made of rubber with deep treads. The heel is adjustable and cushioned with a Encapsulated Shoc Pad™. Teva also has a patented universal strapping system which is very durable and easy to use. The sandals are strapped in by a heel strap and an ankle strap. There is no vertical strap between the big toe and second toe. There is however, a strap that runs along the inside of the edge of the foot, adding extra support. A Microban® zinc-based anti-microbial protection system fights odor-causing bacteria buildup for the life of the sandals according to the website and midfoot shank provides support for one's feet. The sandals also have a non-marking outsole with lugs that grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The color-scheme options are Black, Drew Brown, Drew Lime, Gandolf Blue, Gandolf Cub, Gringo Coffee, Mood Sage, Rhythm Brown, and Rhythm Sierra. The pictures above are the Mood Sage.

I had wanted a pair of Tevas for quite awhile and finally had some gift cards saved up to an outdoor store and I finally put in an order. There was very little “breaking-in” required as these sandals conformed nicely to feet. Many people in Colorado own a pair of Tevas and I can see why. They are comfortable and offer those who want to wear open-air footwear a product that provides hours of support that other sandal-like products such as flip-flops would not provide. Tevas are also professional-looking, making them versatile with the places where they can be sported. I have actually worn mine to work and church many times.

I have worn these sandals while walking in shallow rivers and they provide great grip even when submerged. I most recently wore the Tevas white-water rafting. They held up beyond my expectations and dried fairly quickly. I did notice a small amount of fraying on the straps, but nothing major.

One problem I do have is the odor that the sandals have collected. This usually occurs after more than an hour or two of wearing. I’ll admit my feet do sweat a lot and I have smelly feet, but it has never been this bad. I have tried scrubbing them with soap and water to no avail. I have put foot powder in them and that seems to have a satisfying effect. The website also suggest bending the heel and toe under water pressure so that any dirt in the grooves of the top sole will wash away. Also putting the sandals in a chlorine pool may get rid of the smell. I’m unimpressed with the Microban® zinc that is supposed to fight odor-causing bacteria. Either it's not fighting very hard or I have really smelly feet! I tried placing them in a chlorine pool and that has reduced the odor. I have not worn socks with these sandals, so I do not know if this would decrease or stop the odor problem.

Locations used: I have had these sandals for about 5 months and have hiked in them mostly in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon between 9,000 ft (2,740 m) and 10,000 ft (3,000 m). On-trail and off-trail hiking, rocky terrain, and steep terrain, The sandals have been used on short day hikes and white-water rafting in the Cache La Poudre River.

Weather conditions: Dry to wet ground, temperatures of use range from 70 F to 102 F (21 C to 38.8 C). Clear to overcast skies. Used also in water ranging in temperature from 40 F - 50 F (4.4 C to 10 C). Raging rapids to calm mountain streams.

Comments: The sandals have performed excellent in all of the seasons and weather conditions that I have used them in.

Pros: In my experience with different sandals, the versatility of these sandals is by far the best trait. The sandals have provided me fashionable and at the same time, comfortable footwear.

Cons: The odor that results after wearing them for multiple hours.

Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Teva Terra-Fi 2 Sandals > Owner Review by Eric Palmer