
Backside Line
The Teva Unique Common is a superb possibility for anybody on the lookout for a light-weight, adaptable sandal appropriate for numerous mild out of doors actions and on a regular basis use. At simply 11 ounces per pair, these sandals are extremely moveable, making them an important secondary possibility for water crossings or as camp sneakers. The twin Velcro straps facilitate simple on-and-off and adjustment, guaranteeing a cushty, safe match every time.
Whereas their traction and assist usually are not sturdy sufficient for rugged terrain or steep, slippery surfaces, they’re among the finest mountain climbing sandals for gentle trails, sand, grass, and gravel. The impartial footbed and reasonable midsole assist will not be superb for people requiring substantial arch assist or these with very extensive toes. Nonetheless, these sandals are sturdy and versatile, sustaining their high quality even after years of heavy use. Priced fairly, the Unique Common offers nice worth for adventurers looking for an “every part sandal” that excels for errands, river outings, and light-weight hikes.
How We Examined
Our tester has been sporting Unique Universals for a number of years, deciding on them for warm-weather days round city, enjoyable walks, and reasonable hikes in heat or moist circumstances. She subjected them to a targeted spherical of testing for this evaluate, assessing them in opposition to six key efficiency metrics: consolation, stability, sturdiness, traction, ease of use, and packability.
Fast Specs

Teva Unique Common
Greatest finances mountain climbing sandal
CleverHiker Score:
4.7/5.0
Value:
$60
Weight (Pair):
11 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
2
Closure Mechanism:
Velcro (forefoot and heel)
Execs
- Light-weight
- Simply packable for water crossings or as camp sneakers
- Simple to get on and off
- Very adjustable
- Versatile, comfortable midsole
- Sturdy regardless of their mild weight
- Able to dealing with minor water crossings
Cons
- Not superb for rugged terrain
- Traction isn’t nice on moist or slippery surfaces
- Not really helpful for deep or fast-moving water crossings
Consolation
Our lead tester has worn Teva Unique Universals for years; she actually can’t say what number of miles she’s logged in them—properly over 200, no less than. She has used them for numerous actions, together with hikes, neighborhood or metropolis walks, operating errands, a day on the seashore, paddling, and yard work or gardening.
Their total efficiency has led us to decide on them as a go-to “every part” sandal. The primary motive is that they’re extremely comfy and light-weight. Plus, the straps are pliable and by no means dig into our pores and skin—not even with a brand-new pair.
The midsole has a reasonable width, and whereas it doesn’t present probably the most sturdy arch assist, it’s supple and supportive sufficient for mild actions. The footbed is impartial; it will not be appropriate for people with very extensive toes, however for these with slender toes, the Velcro forefoot strap can accommodate any slack within the match.
Stability
The midsole on the Teva Unique Universals has a reasonably supportive construction with minimal arch assist. They’re not fairly minimalist sandals, however they may really feel unsupportive for those who’re accustomed to a extra sturdy, inflexible shoe, such because the Ecco Yucatan and even the Chaco Z/1 Basic.
So far as terrain is anxious, the Unique Universals are finest suited to gentle path surfaces. We’ve discovered them to lack stability on “chunky” terrain, corresponding to bigger, sharper rocks and river rocks. For that motive, we don’t love them for difficult water crossings. We wouldn’t advocate them for, say, The Narrows in Zion, the place you’ll be stepping over giant, slippery rocks underneath water.
On grime, gravel, moist and dry sand, and grass, they carry out exceptionally properly, and we admire feeling a stronger connection to the bottom in them in comparison with sturdier sandals.
Traction
The tread on these is gentle; the triangle-shaped lugs are solely about 2 millimeters deep. The Teva model itself states they’re finest suited to around-town put on and water actions, although we’d give them a bit extra credit score than that.
They grip the bottom simply high-quality on drier, comparatively packed surfaces, like sand, grime, and gravel; nonetheless, the Unique Universals undoubtedly wrestle on scree slopes and any silty surfaces at an angle. We’ve discovered that they’ve respectable traction as much as reasonable angles on naked rock. We wouldn’t really feel comfy sporting them for steep slickrock sections.
Sturdiness
Our tester has owned a pair of Unique Universals for 3 years and has put them by means of the ringer with every day put on for errands, yard work, and strolling the canine, in addition to numerous leisure outings, from paddleboarding to mountain climbing. They’re holding up properly, with none frays within the straps. The Velcro nonetheless works completely, too, regardless of being commonly uncovered to sand and grime.
Weight & Packability
Weighing simply 5.5 ounces per shoe, the Unique Universals are extremely packable as a second pair of sandals for stream crossings or as camp sneakers. Their low profile and suppleness make them simple to pack, even once you’re tight on area.
Nonetheless, as we talked about earlier than, I can’t confidently advocate these for water crossings which can be extra treacherous than a shallow creek or small brook. We personally wouldn’t really feel comfy fording a river in them because of the lack of considerable tread and considerably minimal safety. As camp sneakers, although? 100%.
Ease of Use
These sandals couldn’t be simpler to make use of. Because of the twin Velcro straps, they’re extremely simple to placed on and take off, making it hassle-free to take action a number of occasions on the path. They’re additionally fast to readjust, and also you don’t even want to take a seat down or take away your pack to make a swift adjustment to the straps.
Ought to You Purchase the Teva Unique Common?
When you’re out there for an reasonably priced, light-weight sandal that’s simple to pack and ideal for mild out of doors actions, the Teva Unique Common is a improbable selection. Sturdy and versatile, it’s a dependable possibility for every part from reasonable hikes to metropolis walks.
Nonetheless, for those who want a sandal with distinctive traction, arch assist, or rugged terrain capabilities, it’s possible you’ll must look elsewhere. For these looking for an on a regular basis journey companion at a low worth, although, the Teva Unique Common is difficult to beat.
What Different Ladies’s Mountain climbing Sandals Ought to You Contemplate?
The Teva Unique Universals are among the most versatile mountain climbing sandals. In case you’re on the lookout for one thing comparable, however maybe a bit extra rugged, think about these options.
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Assessment: Basically a mightier model of the Unique Common, the TEVA Hurricane XLT2 contains a thicker, extra inflexible midsole, a bigger heel-to-toe drop, and deeper outsole lugs for enhanced traction.
Chaco Z/1 Basic Assessment: Chacos, particularly the Z/1 Classics, are a staple for adventurers across the globe. Just like the Teva Unique Universals, these function a easy nylon strap design, however the midsole is stiffer and extra supportive. The Z/1 Classics additionally present higher traction than the Unique Universals. As an alternative of Velcro, the Z/1 Classics use a single-bar buckle closure with a single-strap adjustment system.
Luna Mono Winged Version Assessment: For one thing minimalist but sturdy, attempt the Luna Mono Winged sandals. Impressed by the barefoot motion, these function a 15-millimeter stack top for assist however preserve a zero-millimeter heel-to-toe drop to encourage pure foot flexion and motion. Additionally they make the most of a thong-style strap relatively than Teva’s forefoot strap.