Weight: 600g (m), 472g (w)

Best for: Water activities or light summer day trips.

Overview

The sole is a sticky rubber with a tread inspired by a tree frog’s grip – there are hundreds of hexagonal lugs with etched grooves to maximise surface area and shed water. It has a textured topsole and durable nylon webbing straps backed with quick-drying recycled polyester padding.

Performance

On a formed track with unbridged stream crossings in the Waitākere Ranges, traction from water to rock or track was secure, and the textured topsole helped prevent the foot from slipping.

The padded straps are an excellent upgrade on webbing-only straps: they don’t rub or cause irritation when wet. One caveat: the heel padding tends to fold beneath the foot when putting on the sandal, requiring it to be pulled aside.  The super soft recycled EVA midsole  provides a nicely cushioned platform that is chunky enough to absorb stone strike but is too flexible for sure-footedness on technical trails. 

As with all sandals, there is zero protection, and small pebbles and stones found their way between my feet and the topsoles.

After two months of regular use they still look as good as new.

What we like

Strap padding is extra comfortable, tread design offers great grip in the dry and wet. 

Limitations

Tendency for heel padding to fold under the foot when donning, though easily solved. 

Why buy the Teva Hydratek? 

A good option for those who favour lightweight, water-friendly footwear. They offer excellent traction and comfort, but their flex means they’re not suited to technical trails.