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Teva Terra Fi Lite

rated 3 of 5 stars
photo: Teva Terra Fi Lite sport sandal

OK on fit and comfort, but hard to put on because the arch strap won't open up enough.

Pros

  • Rugged
  • Molded foot bed
  • Adjustable within limits

Cons

  • Hard to put on because arch strap won't open up enough
  • Stiff straps

I have mainly used these as around-town and -camp shoes for the eight months I have been in Arizona.

The main problem: the velcro sewn onto the arch strap for adjustment blocks the strap from opening up where it passes through a slot below the inside ankle. When I go to put my foot in the strap is tight against the top of my foot. This makes it so that I have to work, rather than just slide, my feet into the sandals, like putting on a tight-fitting pair of running shoes without the laces fully opened up. Putting them on is a bit of a chore, just not something I want in sandals. For that reason alone I would recommend that you try before you buy, or just look for something more functional.

Otherwise this is a decent and rugged sandal in the Teva tradition. The fit is just right in my usual size, men's 11.5 The molded footbed cradles the heel and has some give to it for comfort. Once my foot is in them they are reasonably comfortable but all the straps are rather stiff and so not as comfortable as a sandal with more forgiving straps. The neoprene padding on all key rub zones helps with that. They have softened up a little with use, but my old leather-strap Tevas are more comfortable, easier to get into, and holding up well, just not so good for wet use.

The soles have a rather fine-grained tread; I'm not sure how it would do on boat decks, but it's fine for roads, rocks, and trails. I think they would hold up well under both wet and dry conditions where an open sandal is the right tool for the job. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: On sale -- $60?

A good sandal for multiple uses. It has been one of my favorite forms of footwear to take kayaking, canoeing, and exploring around nearby lakes. You can walk all day in these sandals and your feet won't hate you at the end of the day.

Pros

  • Easy to dry
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Can be tough getting the right fit or "tightness"
  • Hook and loop tends to wear out quickly if adjusted regularly

I spent a long time seeing a lot of other people I knew sporting the Teva sandals. I was on a trip to Singapore and Thailand and needed a pair of "camp shoes" while hiking and backpacking. I found an outfitting store and tried on these sandals and instantly fell in love. 

They have served me well for a long time and I will continue to buy Teva sandals. I noticed right away that they do a good job shielding the foot from sharp rocks and sticks while in either a camp environment or on a day hike. 

I did however make the mistake of buying these sandals the same size of my regular shoes which left my big toe to extend past the foot pad of the sandals. Through some simple adjusting of the hook and loop straps across the heel I was able to obtain a better fit. I will be sure to buy one size larger next time. If purchasing online, I would recommend buying 1/2 to one size larger than your regular shoes. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $45

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Specs

Men's
Price Historic Range: $16.97-$85.00
Reviewers Paid: $45.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $32.99-$85.00
Product Details from Teva »

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