Pioneer of Sports Sandals, Teva: Why Take on Trail Running Now?

Teva is rolling out new sandals that merge its signature strap system with cutting-edge technology, designed for diverse activities including trail running.

But why would a brand born from water-based activities venture into creating products for grueling mountain trails, packing them with technology on par with serious running shoes?

To understand the development behind these ever-evolving models and the brand's current vision for the outdoors, we talked with Megumi Ito, Teva's Product Merchandiser at Deckers Japan G.K.

Innovation Born from the Water and a Universal Design

Born in 1984 from the mind of a river guide in the Grand Canyon, Teva carved out an entirely new category: the sports sandal. As the pioneer that developed the world's first sandal with an ankle strap, it continues to lead the industry.

Back then, the standard for water activities was the common flip-flop. But this design had a critical weakness—it would easily slip off and be washed away in strong river currents.

The brand's origin story begins with the solution to this very problem: attaching an ankle strap to a basic flip-flop. This sparked a quest to discover the most effective way to secure the human foot.

Through trial and error, the "Universal Strapping System" was born, securing the foot at three key points: the instep, heel, and ankle. This foundational design, which provides a secure hold without losing the open, airy feel of a sandal, remains a core part of the brand's DNA.

While the 'ORIGINALS' series, which echoes the simple design of the first models, continues to be a fan favorite, the diversification of outdoor activities created a demand for even greater functionality.

"We started with water-based activities, but as we imagined people using our sandals for a wider range of outdoor pursuits, we knew we had to upgrade their functionality. That's what led to the creation of the 'HURRICANE' category, designed for trail use like casual hiking," explains Ito.

Having made the leap from the water's edge to diverse outdoor terrains, Teva, driven by the philosophy of "enjoying nature," began elevating its classic models to the next level.

Updating a Classic and Responding to New Demands

While the "HURRICANE" has long been a beloved staple, it was updated to achieve even greater functionality, resulting in the "HURRICANE XLT3."

The most significant change was the shape of the sole. To ensure stability on impact, the heel was redesigned to flare outwards. This design increases the landing surface area, reducing wobble when walking.

The outsole features Spider Rubber® Endure for superior grip. Additionally, the hook-and-loop strap fastener was upgraded to FuseLock™, boasting twice the strength of its predecessor, evolving into a system that locks the foot down securely in one go.

To meet the diverse needs of today's outdoor enthusiasts, a new spin-off was born: the "HURRICANE XLT3 CT," a closed-toe model.

Many users feel anxious about exposed toes when navigating tricky terrain in the wild. Created in response to this feedback, the model features a breathable, quick-drying mesh, making it an amphibious sandal that’s comfortable even when worn barefoot.

"You can also pair them with socks like sneakers, extending the season you can wear them compared to regular sandals. Sizing is easily adjusted by tightening the bungee cord lace, while the ankle and heel are perfectly secured by the strap system that is part of our brand's DNA," says Ito.

The "HURRICANE XLT3 CT" is now so popular that it frequently sells out. Having expanded its territory from the water to the mountains, Teva's evolution was now set on conquering new activities.

A New Experience: Running on Mountain Trails in Sandals

Teva's latest venture is into the demanding world of trail running. Launched in 2023, the 'AVENTRAIL' is a revolutionary sandal crafted specifically for conquering serious mountain paths.

The sole features an incredibly high-rebound supercritical foam (SCF). It has a dual-layer design: the top layer, which serves as the insole, is soft for cushioning, while the bottom layer is made of a firmer material for stability.

Furthermore, a nylon plate is embedded between these layers to generate propulsion. Despite being sandals, they are packed with technology comparable to full-fledged running shoes.

The upper design has also significantly changed from the traditional Universal Strapping System. By combining a W-shaped 'W-Strap System' with a knit mesh, it achieves a secure hold that envelops the entire foot while leaving the toes open.

"In trail running, you need a snug fit across the whole foot. The combination of the knit mesh and the W-Strap structure creates a feeling of being securely held and wrapped, even with an open toe. Our goal is to let runners feel the wind and comfortably tackle longer distances," explains Ito.

In 2025, the 'AVENTRAIL R2T,' designed for road-to-trail use, also arrived. As a model for running on paved roads and city streets, it is approximately 100 grams lighter than the 'AVENTRAIL.'

The midsole uses LITE-COMF®, which is excellent for rebound and lightness, and incorporates a bucket structure that cradles the foot. A prominent rocker shape with a significant toe-spring enhances forward propulsion. In addition to praise from Teva-sponsored athlete and ultrarunner Mike Wardian, e-commerce reviews have even reported runners completing full marathons in this model.

Teva's journey has always been a history of trial and error, dedicated to supporting the feet of those who explore the outdoors and pursuing comfort. The evolution of the sandal, which started in raging rivers, has journeyed through mountain hiking trails and now reached the new frontier of trail running.

Today, the brand's focus extends beyond active sports to product development for more everyday adventures, such as camping and travel. They recognize that even within the broad category of 'the outdoors,' how people enjoy it and the features they need vary greatly from person to person.

The functional beauty that began with its unique strap design continues to adapt to today's diverse lifestyles by merging with the latest technology. Under its unwavering philosophy of casually enjoying nature, Teva will undoubtedly continue to propose the future of footwear.