Backside Line
Should you benefit from the Teva Authentic Common Sandal however need a extra rugged design, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the proper resolution. Whereas they share many traits with the Authentic Universals—together with a simplistic, utilitarian type, Velcro strap closure, open-toe design, and textured footbed—additionally they have distinct variations. Notably, the footbed is considerably wider, accommodating a wide range of foot shapes, and there’s a appreciable heel-to-toe drop. We recognize these sandals for his or her sneaker-like put on, because of the chunky midsole and three adjustment factors that present a safe match.
Though they won’t present most shock absorption on account of their dense midsole, these sandals ship vital power return, making you are feeling lighter in your ft. They provide dependable traction on varied surfaces, together with gravel trails, grime, free sand, or naked rock. As with most climbing sandals, they struggled considerably on steep scree slopes, however this isn’t a crucial disadvantage. We imagine they’re excellent to be used as strategy footwear, water footwear, and informal footwear—all at a really affordable worth, positioning them on the high of our climbing sandal information. Nonetheless, if in case you have slender ft, the XLT2s is probably not ideally suited, because the footbed might really feel too spacious for these with slimmer ft.
How We Examined
We put the Teva Hurricane XLT2 climbing sandals via a sequence of exams to judge their consolation, stability, sturdiness, traction, ease of use, and weight and packability. Our testing concerned carrying them in moist and dry environments, on trails of various issue ranges, and slopes of various grades throughout a number of path surfaces.
Fast Specs
Teva Hurricane XLT2
Finest climbing sandals total
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.8/5.0
Worth:
$80
Weight (Pair):
15.5 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
3
Closure Mechanism:
Velcro (heel, ankle, forefoot)
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- Vast footbed creates stability
- Presents sneaker-like assist because of thick midsole
- Rubber outsole gives traction on most surfaces
- Heel-to-toe drop helps with ankle mobility
- Padded heel strap prevents pores and skin irritation
- 3 adjustment factors
- Contoured footbed cradles the heel
Cons
- Heavy and considerably cumbersome
- Outsole lugs are a bit shallow for scree faces
- Vast footbed is just not ideally suited for slender ft
- Midsole is tough, not plush
Consolation
The Hurricane XLT2s excel in virtually each measure of consolation. The footbed is huge—noticeably wider than the Authentic Common and broader than many different climbing sandals we’ve examined—which permits for a really thrilling quantity of toe splay. Whereas toe or forefoot motion is usually considerably restricted in sandals, that’s not the case in any respect with the Hurricane XLT2s. Our toes really feel unrestricted from high to backside.
As well as, the footbed is contoured, making a cradle for the heel. The straps, though tightly woven for sturdiness, stay versatile and comfortable on the within. The heel strap includes a small, plush pad to forestall any discomfort on the Achilles tendon. Our tester wore the XLT2s for hikes over varied surfaces, together with gravel, very dry free grime, not-so-dry grime, and brush. She didn’t encounter a single scorching spot, abrasion, blister, or some other uncomfortable pores and skin problem.
Because of the huge footbed, people with slender ft might discover the XLT2s uncomfortable. Our lead tester has a neutral-width foot and needed to tighten the straps significantly to attain the best match. These with very slender ft would possibly run out of Velcro and be unable to safe a correct match. Moreover, hikers preferring a really comfortable, shock-absorbing midsole might not recognize these. In our tester’s expertise, the midsole materials is a considerably onerous EVA, which gives bounciness however lacks shock absorption.
Stability
The huge footbed, triple adjustment system, and stiff midsole make the XLT2s a really stable selection—actually. Whereas the thick midsole minimizes any sense of connection to the bottom (these definitely aren’t a minimalist choice), the XLT2s compensate for that with stability.
From talus fields to creek beds, these carried out nicely in most path situations. The huge and contoured footbed gives ample area on your toes to splay and grip, which assists with stability when traversing uneven floor. This characteristic is especially useful when climbing over massive rocks or uncovered tree roots.
When climbing down steep descents, we encountered some bother with our ft shifting ahead within the footbed, inflicting our toes to poke out over the entrance of the shoe. It wasn’t so dangerous that we wouldn’t put on them on comparable trails once more, however it was positively annoying.
Notably, the heel-to-toe drop on the XLT2s is critical. This contributes to stability, particularly for people with restricted ankle mobility in dorsiflexion (pointing the toes up towards the shin). Though not particularly talked about on the Teva web site, we estimate the drop to be between 9 and 12 millimeters primarily based on 1) the way it feels compared to our expertise with different footwear and sandals with drops in that vary, and a pair of) the very non-scientific measurement we carried out (we used a tape measure to judge heel stack peak and forefoot stack peak, then subtracted).
Traction
These are on the excessive finish of common for climbing sandals relating to traction. The lug sample is just not notably spectacular, and whereas this didn’t trigger any issues for us in the course of the hikes we accomplished within the XLT2s, we are able to envision it inflicting instability on steep scree faces and on algae-covered rocks when crossing water.
On grime and gravel surfaces, the XLT2s carried out splendidly. Our favourite terrain to cowl in them rapidly turned dry boulders and naked rock. The outsole is impressively sticky; we felt like frogs hopping round on naked rock. Nonetheless, because of the shallower lugs and thick midsole, which reduces floor really feel, we wouldn’t dare do the identical in moist circumstances.
Sturdiness
It will take lots to beat up the Hurricane XLT2s. With their tightly woven polyester straps, very dense EVA midsole, and rubber outsole, these sandals are designed to endure the weather. The one potential problem we anticipate is with the plastic connectors between the straps.
These parts are produced from comparatively skinny plastic, however they appear sturdy up to now. If one had been to interrupt, nevertheless, the sandal would turn into unusable with out some type of substitute half. The midsole is hard and dense, so we don’t count on compression to be an issue. The outsole lugs are considerably shallow, however they’re unlikely to put on down prematurely given the onerous rubber used.
Weight & Packability
These fall someplace within the center relating to weight and packability. They’re not the heaviest or bulkiest sandals, however they’re definitely not minimalist, both. They’re heavy sufficient that almost all hikers and backpackers wouldn’t wish to carry them as a second pair of footwear.
Weighing in at 15.5 ounces, they’re virtually one pound precisely. That mentioned, they’re secure and sturdy sufficient to function your solely pair of footwear, relying on the climate and path circumstances. In case your hike is on the gentle facet—suppose no considerably steep scree faces or moist rock-hopping—the XLT2s will work nicely as your sole pair of path footwear. Slip on some climbing socks at camp, and so they additionally make nice camp footwear.
Ease of Use
Altering out and in of those sandals couldn’t be simpler—it’s virtually too easy. With three adjustment factors, all outfitted with Velcro straps, you may effortlessly put them on and take them off, even whereas carrying a pack. Plus, the Velcro closures permit for fast changes with out the necessity to cease and sit.
Ought to You Purchase the Teva Hurricane XLT2?
The Hurricane XLT2s are priced decrease than many different high climbing sandals, but they assist simply as many, if no more, adventures than some fashionable choices. For the value, we advocate them to anybody looking for comfy, sturdy, and versatile sandals. They are often worn round city simply as simply as on trails.
On account of their weight, we don’t advocate them for ultralighters or these planning to put on climbing footwear and pack sandals as an additional instrument. They’re additionally not ideally suited for people with slender ft. Nonetheless, for many others, you may’t go mistaken at this worth.
What Different Girls’s Mountain climbing Sandals Ought to You Take into account?
Finally, the Hurricane XLT2s are a dependable selection for hikers in search of a rugged but versatile open-toe sandal that provides a sneaker-like really feel. They’re well-suited for average trails and informal hikes, although not the best choice for extremely technical or moist circumstances. Take a look at all of the choices in our climbing sandal gear information.
Teva Authentic Common Overview: Should you love Teva’s simplistic, iconic design however don’t want the beefier midsole or extra options of the Hurricane XLT2, the Authentic Common is a good various. It’s light-weight, minimal, and excellent for informal hikes or city adventures, although it lacks the improved traction and assist of the XLT2.
Ecco Yucatan Overview: For hikers in search of a sandal with extra arch assist and plush cushioning, the Ecco Yucatan is a standout selection. Crafted for all-day consolation, it gives superior shock absorption and a safer match in comparison with the Hurricane XLT2, though it does commerce the minimalist design for a extra textile-heavy look. Its footbed can also be noticeably slimmer than the XLT2, making it a greater choice for these with narrower ft.
Astral Webber Overview: One other sensible selection, the Astral Webber includes a minimalist but sturdy design, together with a quick-drying higher and a grippy outsole. It’s a stable choice for many who prioritize water efficiency and ultralight weight, though it’s not as secure because the Hurricane XLT2.
