Advnture Verdict
A deservedly popular quiver-of-one outdoor sandal that is also happy in water, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is one of those sandals you’ll find yourself wearing daily on summer adventures.
Pros
- +
Good grip
- +
Comfortable when walking
Cons
- -
No toe protection
- -
Not lightweight
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Teva Hurricane XLT2: first impressions
Teva sandals occupy an iconic spot in the outdoor world and their more technical Teva Hurricane XLT2 design is one we find ourselves reaching for again and again for summer days out and when travelling in hot climates.
RRP: $82.50 (US) / £60 (UK)
Weight: 450g / 16oz
Sizes: Women’s 3–9 Men’s 6–13
Colors: Women’s Black / Chara Black Men’s Vista Sunset
Compatibility: Great all-rounder adventure sandal for hikes near water
The 2021 version of the Hurricane XLT2 have had a it of a revamp. They now have extra-soft, chafe-resistant heel-strap padding and a rugged Durabrasion Rubber™ outsole that provides outstanding traction and grip on rock, loose gravelly terrain, and even in mud.
Like the previous version, the new XLT2 dry quickly when wet, have injection-molded strap ends for a secure closure and easy adjustability, a trail-shoe-like EVA foam midsole to impact absorption, and a nylon shank for added stability and support on uneven ground.
Teva Hurricane XLT2 in action
We have tested the latest version of these walking sandals, the XLT2, out everywhere from river crossings in the Himalayas to hiking the South West Coast Path – and they are still going strong and are definitely built to last.
The Hurricane’s tough, adjustable straps sit in a T-shape around the foot and are easily adjusted for a snug fit around the ankle and across the toes. The moulded rubber sole gives good ankle support and has reliable grip even on wet slippery ground.
This is more of a walking sandal you can take into water than an aquatic-specific sandal (see: best water shoes and what are water shoes?), but it’s quick to dry if you do venture into water – the only downside in water is that your toes aren’t covered. The Hurricanes also aren’t super lightweight, so you will feel you have them on when you swim.
These smart sandals come in a range of bright patterned and retro designed straps as well as more subtle colorways, and look great worn casually as well as on the trail and on the beach, making them a decent investment for daily use.
An award-winning travel and outdoors journalist, presenter and blogger, Sian regularly writes for The Independent, Evening Standard, BBC Countryfile, Coast, Outdoor Enthusiast and Sunday Times Travel. Life as a hiking, camping, wild-swimming adventure-writer has taken her around the world, exploring Bolivian jungles, kayaking in Greenland, diving with turtles in Australia, climbing mountains in Africa and, in Thailand, learning the hard way that peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t help. Her blog, thegirloutdoors.co.uk, champions accessible adventures.