Teva Tirra Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Comfortable, lightweight, fits many foot types
Cons: Ankle strap rubs, lacks support for long days
Manufacturer: Teva
Our Verdict
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Teva Tirra | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Price | $67.73 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $105.00 at REI | $130 List | $74.73 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $84.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
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Pros | Comfortable, lightweight, fits many foot types | Comfortable, versatile, lightweight, fits many foot types | Excellent traction, comfortable, versatile | Great traction, stable, stylish | Stable and supportive, stylish, durable |
Cons | Ankle strap rubs, lacks support for long days | Not as cushioned as other models, can't be worn with socks | Pricey, can't be worn with socks | Short straps, difficult to adjust, can't be worn with socks | Annoying to adjust, uncomfortable for the flat-footed, heavy |
Bottom Line | This sandal nearly has it all at a great price, but the ankle strap doesn't scream comfort | This top-notch sandal has what it takes for any adventure | This sandal is comfortable, grippy, durable, and ready for anything you want to do outside | This stylish, versatile sandal is a lighter, less bulky addition to the Chaco lineup and it performs like a champ | A classic, it's tough to go wrong with this sandal, no matter what you're planning |
Rating Categories | Teva Tirra | Cairn Adventure | Cairn 3D PRO II Adventure | Chaco Z/Volv X2 - Women's | Chaco Z/Cloud 2 |
Comfort (20%) | |||||
Traction (20%) | |||||
Adjustability (20%) | |||||
Stability (15%) | |||||
Versatility (15%) | |||||
Style (10%) | |||||
Specs | Teva Tirra | Cairn Adventure | Cairn 3D PRO II... | Chaco Z/Volv X2 -... | Chaco Z/Cloud 2 |
Weight (pounds) | 1.12 lbs (size 9) | 1.06 lbs (size 9/10) | 1.26 lbs (size 10/11) | 1.23 lbs (size 10) | 1.44 lbs (size 9) |
Width Options | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium, Wide |
Footbed Material | Contoured EVA | Granite Grip | Molded 3D | LUVSEAT PU with textured grooves | LUVSEAT PU with textured grooves |
Midsole Material | EVA with nylon shank | Cairn Vibram | Cairn 3D Vibram | Women's specific LUVSEAT PU midsole | Women's specific LUVSEAT dual-density PU |
Sole Material | Spider rubber | Vibram XS Trek Regolith | Vibram Megagrip | Non-marking EcoTread rubber compound (25% recycled) | Non-marking ChacoGrip |
Upper Material | REPREVE recycled polyester webbing | Polyester and nylon webbing | Polyester and nylon webbing | Polyester jacquard webbing | Polyester jacquard webbing |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Testers love the adaptability and support of the Tirra and agree that it combines these characteristics exceptionally well. For trail use, water use, travel, and a lot in between, the Tirra is the right choice.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
The Tirra has a soft footbed that feels great even after long days of standing. The compression-molded EVA footbed is cush enough to yield to the individual dimensions of each foot without compromising the stable structure of the shoe. This helps provide a really individualized fit, no matter the makeup of the foot. The Tirra has a stability shank and shock pads in the heel, and it shows in the smooth ride. The shoe has enough structure to hike with confidence while retaining enough sensitivity to be able to give your feet feedback in really wet or adventurous terrain. However, testers don't love the ankle strap, which causes relatively severe pressure points and hotspots.
Traction
Teva's proprietary "Spider Rubber," which is used on the sole of the Tirra, is engineered for high-friction, high-performance situations. It is grippy on wet terrain and offers control on steep terrain. The supportive and secure foot straps, coupled with good traction, add to the performance of this sandal on adventurous terrain.
Adjustability
The Tirra is as easy to adjust as lifting its three Velcro straps. All of the straps have plenty of Velcro, so we never noticed any of them losing their grip or needing frequent readjustment. Two of the straps cross the forefront of the foot, keeping it from lifting off of the footbed while hiking or walking. The third strap, placed just at the bend in the ankle, keeps the heel locked in place and prevents it from sliding forward. That said, if you have a wide calf/ankle, then beware: it is possible this strap could rub your leg if secured too tightly.
Stability
The Tirra has decent stability, with good arch support for testers with low to medium arches. The Tirra's arches are not quite as high as a Chaco model, but its sole is also more cushioned, so those with flatter feet can still be quite comfortable. Our testers felt confident walking on uneven and steep terrain in this sandal because its straps keep the foot in place.
Versatility
The Tirra is a water-worthy shoe that easily crosses over into town or the mountains. Its traction is great on wet surfaces, and its fit is snug enough that the foot doesn't slide around within the footbed of the shoe while wet. It isn't our top choice for burly hiking trails, but it's more than adequate for most situations.
Style
We got generally positive feedback on the style of the Tirra. It has flattering diagonal straps that cut across the toes, and it comes in a decent amount of colors. We especially like the added touch of the haul loop on the back of the sandal; it's one more stylish reminder that this sandal is meant for bigger and better destinations. Unlike other stylish models, the Tirra is both good looking and useful on a variety of terrain.
Value
The Tirra provides solid value, finding a middle ground between cheaper models that provide far less performance and more expensive products that perform a bit better, but not by much. However, its sibling, the Teva Original Universal, is just over half the price of the Tirra and outperforms it across the board, so if you're in it for value, check out that model instead.
Conclusion
The Teva Tirra is a great combo of adventurous and chic. It gives the support and traction you need for off-road adventures, while still maintaining a slim enough profile to crossover for use in town. The ankle strap may be problematic for some feet, though, so if you can try this on before pulling out your credit card, we encourage you to do so.
— Joanna Trieger & Shey Kiester