Why We Love: Teva Sandals

This week we have introduced Teva kid’s and women’s sandals to our footwear collection. Capturing the essence of innovation, the Teva Kids Original Universal and Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals showcase the brand's classic, much-loved design and patented Universal Strapping System™, which is also completely vegan. If you're looking for a go-to sandal for this summer, a pair of Tevas could be it!

Why We Love Teva…

There’s nothing better than an interesting brand origin story and Teva was launched from humble beginnings. Created in 1984 by Mark Thatcher, a young rafting guide at the time, today Teva sandals are celebrated for their comfort, versatility, and the freedom they provide.

Whilst working as a guide on the shores of the Grand Canyon, Teva founder Mark Thatcher realised the need for lightweight, water-friendly footwear. Discovering that trainers absorbed water and got heavy and that basic flip flops often slipped off feet, he attached a watch strap to a flip flop as the very first Teva sandal prototype! 

Teva sandals are a favourite of ours because they’re so versatile, practical, and easy to maintain (using mild soap and water). Whether we’re wandering around town or relaxing at the beach, these sandals are lightweight and packable in your bag or car. Plus, they’re sturdier than your average fashion sandals, yet they still look great with a dress, linen trousers, or a jumpsuit.

The outsole has great traction too, which we find extra practical in the UK - seeing as our sunny summer days are often accompanied by a random downpour.

Why We Think You’ll Love Teva…

Teva started as a brand for outdoor adventures and water sports, but its simple ‘strap and go’ styles have made it a staple name in everyday fashion. The classic Teva Original Universal sandal is crafted from quick-drying webbing made from recycled plastic, utilising traceable REPREVE® polyester yarn by Unifi® - making this classic design even more sustainable than previous editions. Plus, they float on water!

Featuring an easy hook-and-loop closure for quick adjustments, ensuring a snug fit every time for different foot shapes, the moulded EVA midsole includes heel cupping and an arch cookie for extra support, while the rubber outsole provides durability and grip. Each pair is treated with Life Natural, a peppermint-based anti-odour solution that’s responsibly sourced - which is always handy for any footwear worn without socks and in the warmer months.

The Teva Kids Original Universal Metallic Neutral is a mini version of the classic adult Universal sandal, designed for kids who love to explore. With water-friendly straps made from recycled plastic, these sandals are perfect for outdoor fun. They feature simple hook-and-loop closures that let little ones put them on and take them off by themselves and are ideal for all-day wear, trips to the playground, water play, and just getting around town.

The Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals available in Black and Sand Dune has become a symbol of enduring comfort and practical style. The three straps are adjustable allowing you to customise the fit individually in the forefoot, the ankle, and the heel. Teva sandals tend to stretch a bit as you wear them, so we recommend breaking them in slowly. If you're thinking about using your Teva sandals for lots of outdoor walking, you might want to go for a slightly bigger size to give your toes some extra space.

Representing freedom and an outdoor spirit, Teva works hard to make its designs more sustainable to support the future of the brand’s main inspiration - mother nature. As of 2020, every iconic strap in Teva’s product range will be crafted from recycled plastic that can be traced and verified.

Shop the full Teva collection at SMALL-FOLK here.