The ugly-chic sporty shoe of the season — and 10 pairs for your consideration
After the fashion set embraced Crocs and Birks, it's Teva's turn to shine
A few years ago, we spotted Crocs on the runway at Christopher Kane and Balenciaga. Designer labels including Rick Owens and Valentino have released wildly popular Birkenstock collaborations in the last year that are still in stores now. Now, it's Teva's turn in the spotlight.
Traditionally known for their comfy, nylon-strap sport sandals — according to company lore, the first prototype Tevas were made with Velcro watch straps and flip flops in 1984 — the American footwear company has in recent seasons collaborated with designer labels including Area, Sandy Liang and Anna Sui to create colourful, trendy versions of its iconic shoe.
Related to the rising popularity of Tevas, the strappy, sport-sandal look is very much trending in footwear overall. Part athletic and part bohemian, these fun and surprisingly versatile flats can be worn solo or (gasp!) with charming socks, and we've spotted them on Instagram styled with everything from track pants to poufy dresses. Plus, these trekking-inspired sandals are generally quite comfortable and well-priced (another reason, frankly, for the ubiquity of Birks even among the fashion set).
Ready for your own pair? Here are 10 styles to check out.
The classic, polyester-webbing Teva sandal is a timeless way to adopt this trend; it's available in a number of light colours for summer 2019, including this pretty orchid purple.
Teva Women's Original Universal Sandal, $70, Little Burgundy Shoes
Teva sandals featuring chunky, flatform soles walked the runways at Anna Sui. Get the out-there look for a little less with this monochromatic pair.
Teva Flatform Universal, $85, Gravity Pope
Made in Brazil, these mixed-media PVC sandals are the perfect combination of sporty and sleek.
Melissa Papete + Rider Sandals, about $104, Shopbop
Vancouver-based Native Shoes specializes in lightweight, EVA footwear. These unisex, nylon-strap sandals come in 7 different colourways.
Zurich, $65, Native Shoes
Stand out from the crowd in this quirky pair of trekking sandals knotted with bandanna-style fabrics.
Arizona Love Bandana Tied Sandals, $165, Hudson's Bay
A more polished take on the trend, these Ecco sandals are made with nubuck leather and a comfy foam and cork footbed.
Corksphere Women's Sandal, $180, Ecco
These fun sandals from Dr. Martens' new collaboration with streetwear label Lazy Oaf are basically made for summer music festivals.
Dr. Martens x Lazy Oaf Vegan Lo Sandal, $155, Browns
Featuring a comfortable Vibram Morflex sole, these unisex sandals by Japanese company Suicoke look great with socks, too — if that's your jam.
Suicoke Sandal Kisee-V, $264.99, Altitude Sports
The slim straps on these flats make them a dressier take on the hiking sandal; available in white leather, snake print and leopard print.
Dolce Vita Strappy Sandals, about $158, Anthroplogie
Did we mention that the universal Tevas are also available with leather straps and soles? They're pretty great.
Teva Midform Universal Leather Sandal, $113.05, Free People
Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.