Teva Hurricane Verge - Women's Review

While this is not our choice for a rugged backcountry sandal, the Hurricane Verge is undeniably comfortable right out of the box, has decent traction, and scores very high points for adjustability. Although relatively lightweight, it is a little bulky to consider bringing as a camp shoe in the backcountry and isn't as practical for high-intensity water activities as the waterproof, closed-toe models we tested. But this shoe brings together style and function well and is versatile for many light activities while retaining a desirable look.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

These sandals are the epitome of plush comfort right out of the box. The neoprene rubber underfoot feels deluxe, and the lightweight, breathable mesh lining makes walking all day a comfortable affair.

However, the thickly padded design skirts the line between functional and bulky, as there is no denying that these are not streamlined shoes. But they have a supportive arch, which is a feature that those who require it will appreciate and makes the prospect of walking miles on pavement or trail an easier pill to swallow.

Traction

While these sandals do not boast the sticky Vibram rubber favored by our reviewers, its rubber outsole has a wide surface area and decent lugs for moderate traction over slippery slab or rocky trails. We were pleasantly surprised by the relative grippiness of this sandal as we drenched the shoes in creek water and put them to the test, climbing up a slab and hopping on boulders.

Adjustability

The Hurricane Verge definitely shines in the adjustability category with its three different straps and buckles. A cross strap over the mid-foot can be cinched down and released with a buckle, and a strap on the forefoot and heel can be adjusted via velcro. Although there are many different points of adjustability, our reviewers found it difficult to get the fit just right. If the heel is too tight, the front of the foot slips forward too far up the front of the shoe. Getting all the straps to fit just right takes some tweaking, and even then, once you change the angle you are hiking, you might have to adjust the straps again for optimal comfort.

Stability

The design of this shoe makes it supportive and stable in most situations. An EVA footbed provides absorptive properties, is textured to help keep the foot from sliding around, and the borders of the sandals are raised to help keep the foot in place.

Sandals with a cross strap for the front of the foot can always be subject to the foot sliding forward when hiking downhill, and the Hurricane is no exception. Despite all the adjustments you can make with the three straps, our tester's feet still slid to the front while walking downhill, making for an uncomfortable and less stable experience.

Versatility

These sandals can be taken from a light hike in the hills of your backyard to active days lakeside or shoreside, are comfortable enough to walk on pavement for miles through town, and look good enough to transition to town, too. They are versatile for a variety of light activities. Still, we wouldn't want to wear them if we considered hiking longer distances over more rugged terrain where better support and stickier rubber would be required.

Style

The style of these sandals seems to be a strong selling point. They come in monochromatic, earth-tone colors, as well as a fun and funky black and cheetah print model. Teva is definitely targeting the style-conscious crowd with these fashion-forward shoes, but as style is a subjective category to begin with, we'll let you decide what you think about how they look. Our testers were a little skeptical at first, finding them to be a bit bulky-looking with their thick padded sole and large straps and buckles. But the monochromatic color scheme is certainly eye-catching and will add flair to any outfit you choose.

Should You Buy the Hurricane Verge?

If you're looking for a sandal that can go from trail to street without looking like a mom on a nature walk, then the Hurricane Verge might just fit the bill. These sandals are comfortable, adjustable, and supportive and come in attractive color schemes for those who like to bring a little urban style to the outdoors or vice versa. These sandals come in at an average cost for adventure sandals. Because they are comfortable, versatile, and stylish, we believe they are a decent value.

What Other Sandal Should You Consider?

While there is nothing wrong with the Verge, it is a fairly basic sandal for the price. We think the Teva Original Universal - Women's could be a better potential option with similar performance results and a lower price; we think many adventurers might find it just as comfortable as the Verge with a savings that makes any style difference easy to swallow. Alternatively, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 scored higher overall than both Teva's and offers a strappy style that is easier to adjust and offers more stability.