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Teva Tirra Review

A former overall favorite, the Tirra has almost everything, but an uncomfortable ankle strap knocked it from the top spot.
Teva Tirra
Best Buy Award
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Price:  $80 List | $64.97 at Amazon
Compare prices at 2 resellers
Pros:  Comfortable, lightweight, fits many foot types
Cons:  Ankle strap rub, lacks support for long days
Manufacturer:   Teva
By Laura Lingeman & Shey Kiester  ⋅  Jun 5, 2018
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77
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#4 of 12
  • Comfort - 20% 6
  • Stability - 20% 8
  • Traction - 20% 8
  • Adjustability - 20% 8
  • Adaptability - 10% 9
  • Style - 10% 8

Our Verdict

From appearance to performance, the Teva Tirra won many of our testers over. It's lightweight, attractive, breathable, and good in the water. What's more is that it held its own well on rough terrain. It's super comfortable straps kept the foot planted right where it should be. All of this at the low price of $80 is quite a deal and an obvious winner of our Best Buy Award. We loved using the Tirra for mellow summer hikes and cruising around the city. If you want a more rugged sandal that offers better foot protection and off-road capabilities, the KEEN Clearwater CNX is a better choice.


Compare to Similar Products

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Teva Tirra
This Product
Teva Tirra
Awards Best Buy Award Editors' Choice Award  Top Pick Award  
Price $64.97 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$105.00 at REI$58.73 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers		$65.73 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers		$61.73 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
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Pros Comfortable, lightweight, fits many foot typesComfortable, versatile, lightweight, fits many foot typesGreat traction, stable, stylishStable and supportive, stylish, durableSupport, style, durability
Cons Ankle strap rub, lacks support for long daysNot as cushioned as other models, can't be worn with socksShort straps, difficult to adjust, can't be worn with socksAnnoying to adjust, uncomfortable for the flat-footed, heavyAnnoying to adjust, comfort is not uniform for all users, can't be worn with socks
Bottom Line A former overall favorite, the Tirra has almost everything, but an uncomfortable ankle strap knocked it from the top spot.The Cairn is a minimalist workhorse that can take on nearly anything.This pared-down sandal delivers the performance wearers expect from a classic Chaco, but with less weight and bulk.A classic sandal, it's tough to go wrong with the Z/Cloud 2, no matter what you're planning.This sandal has serious street cred, and it lives up to the hype.
Rating Categories Teva Tirra Bedrock Cairn Adventure Chaco Z/Volv X2 - Women's Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Chaco ZX/2
Comfort (20%)
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6
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8
10
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7
10
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6
10
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6
Stability (20%)
10
0
8
10
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8
10
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9
10
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9
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8
Traction (20%)
10
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8
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9
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9
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9
10
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8
Adjustability (20%)
10
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9
10
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7
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8
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7
Adaptability (10%)
10
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9
10
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10
10
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9
10
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9
10
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8
Style (10%)
10
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8
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9
Specs Teva Tirra Bedrock Cairn... Chaco Z/Volv X2 -... Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Chaco ZX/2
Weight (pounds) 1.12 lbs (size 9) 1.06 lbs (size 9/10) 1.23 lbs (size 10) 1.44 lbs (size 9) 1.59 lbs (size 9)
Width options Medium Medium Medium Medium, Wide Medium, Wide
Sole Material Spider Original rubber Regolith Vibram Non-marking EcoTread 25% recycled rubber compound Non-marking ChacoGrip Non-marking ChacoGrip
Upper Material Water-ready synthetic and polyester webbing Polyester and nylon webbing Polyester jacquard webbing Polyester jacquard webbing Double-strapped polyester jacquard webbing
Footbed material Contoured EVA 8mm Go Far midsole Women's specific LUVSEAT PU midsole Women's specific LUVSEAT dual-density PU Women's specific LUVSEAT PU midsole
Size tested 9 10 10 9 9
Available colors Taupe, Dark Purple, Brown, Black/Grey, Teal, and Blue Copper, Black, Light Denim, River Runner, Trail Blazer, and Charcoal Many colors Trace Eclipse, Covered Eclipse, Testla Peach, Candy Gray, Jab Pine, Llama Angora, Verdure Avocado 17 different colors

Our Analysis and Test Results

Testers loved the adaptability and support of the Tirra and agreed that it combined these two characteristics exceptionally well. For trail use, water use, travel, and a lot in between, the Tirra is the right choice.

Performance Comparison


Exploring is easy in this model.
Exploring is easy in this model.

Comfort


The Tirra has a soft footbed that felt great even after long days of standing. The compression molded EVA footbed was cush enough to yield to the individual dimensions of each foot without compromising the stable structure of the shoe. This made each tester feel as if she had an individualized fit, no matter the makeup of her foot. This model had a stability shank and shock pads in the heel, and it shows in the Tirra's smooth ride. The shoe has enough structure to hike with confidence but still has enough sensitivity to be able to give your feet feedback in really wet or adventurous terrain. However, testers were disappointed in the Tirra's ankle strap, which caused relatively severe pressure points and hotspots.


Our team of testers (with all different foot types) felt that this sandal runs true to size. Unlike many other products in this review, this sandal comes in both whole and half sizes.

The model's ankle strap had an annoying tendency to slide down the user's heel.
The model's ankle strap had an annoying tendency to slide down the user's heel.

Stability


The Tirra had better-than-most stability, with good arch support for testers with low to medium arches. The Tirra's arches were not quite as high as the Chaco models', but its sole was also more cushioned so those with flatter feet could still be comfortable in the sandal. Testers felt confident walking on uneven or steep terrain in this model because its straps kept the foot in place.


Traction


Teva's proprietary "Spider Rubber," which is used on the sole of the Tirra, is engineered for high friction, high-performance situations. The Tirra's traction was in the middle of the pack, with models like the Bedrock Cairn Adventure easily beating it.


The Tirra was sticky on wet terrain and offered control on steep terrain. Its supportive and secure foot straps, coupled with its traction, further contributed to the performance of this sandal on adventurous terrain.

The sandal's tread pattern.
The sandal's tread pattern.

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 its straps cross the forefront of the foot, keeping it from lifting off of the footbed while hiking or walking. The third strap, which is placed just at the bend in the ankle, keeps your heel locked in place and prevents your foot from sliding forward.


As we mentioned earlier, if you have a wide calf/ankle, then be cautioned as it is possible this strap could rub on your leg if secured too tightly. Consider the Bedrock Cairn for an option that is more adjustable around the ankle.

The adjustment of the Tirra vs the Bedrock
The adjustment of the Tirra vs the Bedrock

Adaptability


The Tirra as 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, though. Other adaptable models, with the ability to get rugged, include the Bedrock and Chaco offerings.


Style


Feedback was quite positive for the Tirra's style. It has flattering diagonal straps that cut across the toes, and it comes in six colors. That's enough options to keep any lady happy.


We especially liked 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 was both good looking and useful on a variety of different terrain.

It's easy to feel excited while wearing the Teva Tirra.
It's easy to feel excited while wearing the Teva Tirra.

Best Applications


The Tirra does adventurous fashion better than most of the shoes in our test. This shoe can handle moderate hikes, water activities, and errands.

Value


At $80, the Tirra provides excellent value, finding a middle ground between cheaper models that provide far less performance and more expensive products that might have a bit higher performance, but not by much. This model wins our Best Buy Award for its price-to-perfomance ratio.

Conclusion


The Tirra is a perfect 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.


— Laura Lingeman & Shey Kiester