Teva Aventrail Review: You Can’t Sandal The Truth

What You Need To Know

Introduction to the Teva Aventrail

ALLISON: Ah, the summer of ’96 — a nostalgic time with the Olympics in my hometown and the Atlanta Braves dominating the World Series the year before. I can fondly recall packing my trusty Teva sandals for camp and feeling like life couldn’t get any better.

Fast forward to today, when the new Teva Aventrail landed on my doorstep. While the Braves are busy trying to reclaim their glory in the NL East, I was more interested in seeing what upgrades Teva had cooked up since those camp days. And, with Iron Mike Wardian endorsing this shoe for an Appalachian Trail adventure, I couldn’t resist strapping on my Tevas for a whole new adventure.

As someone who’s never strayed from traditional trail shoes, let alone ventured into minimalist or sandal-like footwear, I approached this new experience with equal parts curiosity and excitement. Here’s hoping this shoe can handle more than just nostalgia — it’s got some ground to cover!

What we like about the Teva Aventrail

ALLISON: I was pleasantly surprised by the Teva Aventrail’s exceptional arch support, a feature I hadn’t typically associated with Teva designs. This added support made a noticeable difference during my run, providing stability and reducing fatigue in my feet.

The Spider Rubber outsole was another standout, offering outstanding traction on a variety of terrains. Whether I was navigating rocky trails or slippery mud, the grip provided by the outsole gave me confidence with each step. It contributed significantly to my overall security and control while running.

One of the aspects I appreciated most about the Aventrail was its lightweight design. Unlike bulkier trail shoes I’ve worn in the past, the Aventrail felt remarkably light on my feet, which allowed for a more agile and responsive running experience.

In terms of aesthetics, the trail-ready color of the Aventrail was not only stylish but also practical. Unlike my usual white running shoes that quickly show signs of wear and dirt, the beige of the Aventrail cleverly concealed the inevitable scuffs and stains from frequent trail running. This helped the shoes maintain a clean and presentable appearance, even after extensive use.

What we don’t like about the Teva Aventrail

ALLISON: While the Teva Aventrail offered decent cushioning and traction, several notable drawbacks overshadowed my overall experience.

Unlike the natural stride afforded by traditional shoes, I found it challenging to achieve a comfortable gait in the Aventrail. The front of the shoe also caused some persistent blisters on my pinkie toe after extended runs — a frustrating and painful consequence. One thing to note is that I didn’t wear socks with the Aventrail (I mean socks with sandals, isn’t that a cardinal sin?), but now, thinking about it, I wonder if that would have helped with said blisters.

Moreover, the shoe’s lack of sufficient toe protection frustrated me as I repeatedly stubbed my toes on rocks along the trail. This issue not only compromised my comfort but also raised concerns about potential injuries during rugged trail runs.

Adding to my woes was the fact that dirt and small rocks got into my shoes during runs, which became increasingly irritating over time. This constant distraction detracted from my focus and enjoyment on the trails, highlighting a practical inconvenience that persisted throughout my testing.

Final thoughts on the Teva Aventrail

ALLISON: While the Teva Aventrail won’t be my go-to for epic trail adventures, I’m definitely keeping it around for leisurely hikes and countless creek crossings this Georgia summer. Props to Teva for stepping out of the (toe)box.

You can pick up the Teva Aventrail right now for $145 from REI using the buttons below.