Girls’s Teva Hurricane XLT2 Climbing Sandal Overview

Backside Line

In case you benefit from the Teva Unique Common Sandal however want a extra rugged design, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the proper answer. Whereas they share many traits with the Unique Universals—together with a simplistic, utilitarian fashion, Velcro strap closure, open-toe design, and textured footbed—additionally they have distinct variations. Notably, the footbed is considerably wider, accommodating quite a lot of foot shapes, and there’s a appreciable heel-to-toe drop. We respect these sandals for his or her sneaker-like put on, due to the chunky midsole and three adjustment factors that present a safe match. 

Though they may not present most shock absorption because of their dense midsole, these sandals ship vital vitality return, making you’re feeling lighter in your toes. They provide dependable traction on varied surfaces, together with gravel trails, dust, free sand, or naked rock. As with most mountain climbing sandals, they struggled considerably on steep scree slopes, however this isn’t a crucial downside. We imagine they’re excellent to be used as strategy footwear, water footwear, and informal footwear—all at a really cheap worth, positioning them on the high of our mountain climbing sandal information. Nonetheless, when you’ve got slender toes, the XLT2s is probably not ultimate, because the footbed may really feel too spacious for these with slimmer toes.

How We Examined

We put the Teva Hurricane XLT2 mountain climbing sandals by a sequence of exams to guage their consolation, stability, sturdiness, traction, ease of use, and weight and packability. Our testing concerned carrying them in moist and dry environments, on trails of various problem ranges, and slopes of various grades throughout a number of path surfaces.

Consolation

The Hurricane XLT2s excel in nearly each measure of consolation. The footbed is huge—noticeably wider than the Unique Common and broader than many different mountain climbing sandals we’ve examined—which permits for a really thrilling quantity of toe splay. Whereas toe or forefoot motion is usually considerably restricted in sandals, that’s not the case in any respect with the Hurricane XLT2s. Our toes really feel unrestricted from high to backside. 

As well as, the footbed is contoured, making a cradle for the heel. The straps, though tightly woven for sturdiness, stay versatile and tender on the within. The heel strap encompasses a small, plush pad to forestall any discomfort on the Achilles tendon. Our tester wore the XLT2s for hikes over varied surfaces, together with gravel, very dry free dust, not-so-dry dust, and brush. She didn’t encounter a single scorching spot, abrasion, blister, or some other uncomfortable pores and skin challenge.

Because of the huge footbed, people with slender toes could discover the XLT2s uncomfortable. Our lead tester has a neutral-width foot and needed to tighten the straps significantly to attain the best match. These with very slender toes may run out of Velcro and be unable to safe a correct match. Moreover, hikers preferring a really tender, shock-absorbing midsole could not respect these. In our tester’s expertise, the midsole materials is a considerably laborious EVA, which gives bounciness however lacks shock absorption.

Stability

The huge footbed, triple adjustment system, and stiff midsole make the XLT2s a really stable alternative—actually. Whereas the thick midsole minimizes any sense of connection to the bottom (these definitely aren’t a minimalist possibility), the XLT2s compensate for that with stability. 

From talus fields to creek beds, these carried out nicely in most path situations. The huge and contoured footbed gives ample area on your toes to splay and grip, which assists with steadiness when traversing uneven floor. This characteristic is especially helpful when mountain climbing over giant rocks or uncovered tree roots.

When mountain climbing down steep descents, we encountered some hassle with our toes shifting ahead within the footbed, inflicting our toes to poke out over the entrance of the shoe. It wasn’t so unhealthy that we wouldn’t put on them on related trails once more, however it was undoubtedly annoying.

Notably, the heel-to-toe drop on the XLT2s is critical. This contributes to stability, particularly for people with restricted ankle mobility in dorsiflexion (pointing the toes up towards the shin). Though not particularly talked about on the Teva web site, we estimate the drop to be between 9 and 12 millimeters based mostly on 1) the way it feels compared to our expertise with different footwear and sandals with drops in that vary, and a pair of) the very non-scientific measurement we carried out (we used a tape measure to guage heel stack top and forefoot stack top, then subtracted).

Traction

These are on the excessive finish of common for mountain climbing sandals concerning traction. The lug sample shouldn’t be notably spectacular, and whereas this didn’t trigger any issues for us in the course of the hikes we accomplished within the XLT2s, we will envision it inflicting instability on steep scree faces and on algae-covered rocks when crossing water.

On dust and gravel surfaces, the XLT2s carried out splendidly. Our favourite terrain to cowl in them shortly turned dry boulders and naked rock. The outsole is impressively sticky; we felt like frogs hopping round on naked rock. Nonetheless, because of the shallower lugs and thick midsole, which reduces floor really feel, we wouldn’t dare do the identical in moist situations.

Sturdiness

It will take loads to beat up the Hurricane XLT2s. With their tightly woven polyester straps, very dense EVA midsole, and rubber outsole, these sandals are designed to endure the weather. The one potential challenge we anticipate is with the plastic connectors between the straps. 

These parts are constructed from comparatively skinny plastic, however they appear sturdy to this point. If one had been to interrupt, nonetheless, the sandal would change into unusable with out some type of alternative half. The midsole is hard and dense, so we don’t count on compression to be an issue. The outsole lugs are considerably shallow, however they’re unlikely to put on down prematurely given the laborious rubber used.

Weight & Packability

These fall someplace within the center concerning weight and packability. They’re not the heaviest or bulkiest sandals, however they’re definitely not minimalist, both. They’re heavy sufficient that almost all hikers and backpackers wouldn’t need to carry them as a second pair of footwear. 

Weighing in at 15.5 ounces, they’re nearly one pound precisely. That mentioned, they’re steady and sturdy sufficient to function your solely pair of footwear, relying on the climate and path situations. In case your hike is on the delicate aspect—assume no considerably steep scree faces or moist rock-hopping—the XLT2s will work nicely as your sole pair of path footwear. Slip on some mountain climbing socks at camp, they usually additionally make nice camp footwear.

Ease of Use

Altering out and in of those sandals couldn’t be simpler—it’s nearly too easy. With three adjustment factors, all outfitted with Velcro straps, you possibly can effortlessly put them on and take them off, even whereas carrying a pack. Plus, the Velcro closures permit for fast changes with out the necessity to cease and sit.

Ought to You Purchase the Teva Hurricane XLT2?

The Hurricane XLT2s are priced decrease than many different high mountain climbing sandals, but they assist simply as many, if no more, adventures than some common choices. For the worth, we suggest them to anybody looking for snug, sturdy, and versatile sandals. They are often worn round city simply as simply as on trails.

Because of their weight, we don’t suggest them for ultralighters or these planning to put on mountain climbing footwear and pack sandals as an additional software. They’re additionally not ultimate for people with slender toes. Nonetheless, for many others, you possibly can’t go fallacious at this worth.

What Different Girls’s Climbing Sandals Ought to You Take into account?

Finally, the Hurricane XLT2s are a dependable alternative for hikers searching for a rugged but versatile open-toe sandal that provides a sneaker-like really feel. They’re well-suited for average trails and informal hikes, although not the most suitable choice for extremely technical or moist situations. Try all of the choices in our mountain climbing sandal gear information.

Teva Unique Common Overview: In case you love Teva’s simplistic, iconic design however don’t want the beefier midsole or extra options of the Hurricane XLT2, the Unique Common is a good various. It’s light-weight, minimal, and excellent for informal hikes or city adventures, although it lacks the improved traction and assist of the XLT2.

Ecco Yucatan Overview: For hikers searching for a sandal with extra arch assist and plush cushioning, the Ecco Yucatan is a standout alternative. Crafted for all-day consolation, it gives superior shock absorption and a safer match in comparison with the Hurricane XLT2, though it does commerce the minimalist design for a extra textile-heavy look. Its footbed can be noticeably slimmer than the XLT2, making it a greater possibility for these with narrower toes.

Astral Webber Overview: One other sensible alternative, the Astral Webber encompasses a minimalist but sturdy design, together with a quick-drying higher and a grippy outsole. It’s a stable possibility for individuals who prioritize water efficiency and ultralight weight, though it’s not as steady because the Hurricane XLT2.