We all know and love Teva for its classic waterproof sport sandals that have been around since the '80s. According to the brand's origin story, to keep his sandals from floating downstream, Grand Canyon river guide Mark Thatcher strapped Velcro watch bands to an old pair of flip-flops—and the rest was history!
Even as someone who doesn't regularly need a water shoe, I'm a big fan of Teva sandals for walking around the city or for easy hikes—Tevas are ranked number one on the Wide Open Spaces list of best hiking sandals for women for a reason! So, I was eager to give the brand's waterproof hiking shoes, Teva Geotrecca Low, a test run on a recent trip with Teva to South Lake Tahoe.
About Teva Hiking Shoes and Boots
Courtesy of Teva
If you're already a Teva sandals fan but haven't tried the brand's hiking shoes, first off: Yes, Teva makes closed-toe footwear options, too.
Teva's hiking shoes and boots range from low-profile, lightweight, hiking sneakers for a quick day hike to more rugged ankle boots designed for technical trails. (In fact, the Teva Grandview Gore-Tex ranks among the Best Hiking Boots for Women as our pick for the best boot for multi-day hikes.)
Both Tevas hiking shoes and hiking boots are pretty reliable underfoot for a day hike, with a decent lug pattern and rubber outsole to grip the trail. They also have a cushioned midsole made of recycled EVA.
About the Teva Geotrecca Low Hiking Shoe
Kylie Gilbert for Wide Open Spaces
For this review, I tested the waterproof hiking shoe, Teva Geotrecca Low, which also comes in an ankle-covering Geo Trecca Mid version.
Unlike leather hiking boots that aren't very breathable and make your feet feel super hot, these are made from 95% recycled polyester (with leather accents), making them much more breathable. They're also lined with lightweight and breathable recycled nylon and polyester mesh to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
When your feet inevitably become hot and sweaty—breathable materials only go so far—they're also treated with Life Naturals, a natural peppermint-based antimicrobial that fights the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Though the shoes are waterproof, they aren't insulated, so they may not work for super-cold temps; however, they could easily be worn with a heavy wool sock for light hiking in the fall and spring.
How the Teva Geotrecca Low Performed
Courtesy of Teva
First, the obvious: These hiking shoes are cute! They can easily pass for a cool, chunky sneaker paired with just about any outfit when you're off the trail. (I went with the neutral cream color, but they're also available in olive, as well as a snazzier pink-and-orange colorway.)
When I first took them out of the box and put them on, I was surprised to find out how lightweight they felt compared to other hiking shoes I've worn in the past. In fact, I've since packed them on trips where I know day hikes and nature walks might be on the agenda because they're versatile and light enough to wear all day in case plans change.
Once we hit the trail—a moderately challenging, rocky route—I noticed how cushioned and comfortable they were, even on the first wear. There was shockingly zero break-in time required in my experience. (While some Geotrecca Low reviews mentioned that the tongue placement and stiffness may dig in, I personally didn't find this to be an issue.)
Courtesy of Teva
Teva notes that the Geotrecca Low can be worn for all-day or multi-day hikes, but some reviewers say these were more like 'turbocharged sneakers' and that the lower ankle height could allow rocks or dirt in your shoes. Again, I didn't have this issue. (For what it's worth, Teva calls these a waterproof hiking sneaker—and you can always opt for the Geo Trecca Mid Hiking Boot if you're looking for a bit more coverage and ankle support.
Most importantly, these shoes provided plenty of traction for me. As a somewhat anxious beginner hiker, I felt stable and surefooted going up uneven terrain and down steep inclines.
How Teva Hiking Shoes Compare to Competitors
Courtesy of Teva
In terms of style, you can get similar options from brands such as Salomon, Merrell, and Danner. Price-wise, the Teva Geotrecca Low comes in right around the same as leading trail runners like Salomon's OUTpulse. At $140, the Geotrecca is more expensive than the Merrell Bravadas, which retail for $100, and a little less pricey than the Danner Trail 2650 which will set you back $170 to $190.
Should You Buy Teva Hiking Shoes?
Kylie Gilbert for Wide Open Spaces
Teva Geotrecca Low are a solid lightweight option for warmer weather day hikes in dry or wet conditions. If you're looking for something that toes the line between trendy and functional, the Geotrecca Low might just be your favorite new hiking shoe.
That being said, they probably won't replace your rugged hiking boots: The Geotreccas are really best for day hikes, because their lug pattern isn't the most aggressive and the cushioning might not be quite substantial enough to hold up on longer backpacking trips while wearing a heavy pack.
Bottom line: If you're looking for something highly functional that can also pass as fashion, you'd be hard-pressed to find another option that gives you quite the same bang for your buck.
