Teva Women's Aventrail Sandal Review: The Versatile Choice for Outdoor Enthusiasts

As a triathlon coach and avid trail runner, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can keep up with my diverse training needs. When I heard about the Teva Women’s Aventrail Sandal, I was eager to put it to the test on the rugged, hot trails of southern Spain.

A trail running sandal great for the heat but with a highly cushioned sole sounds like a perfect combo.

With Teva's reputation for creating durable sandals and its connection to Hoka (they are both Deckers brands), known for their cushioned running shoes, I had high expectations.

Here’s how the Aventrail Sandal measured up for both trail running and hiking, and how it compares to the Teva Tirra Sandals and Hoka Speedgoat 5.

It’s almost like the Teva Tirra and Hoka Speedgoat had a baby – combining a Velcro strapped hiking sandal with a training running shoe with highly cushioned sole!

First Impressions of the Teva Aventrail

The Aventrail Sandal immediately stands out with its robust yet sleek design. The thick spongy sole, reminiscent of Hoka's trademark cushioning, promises comfort and support over uneven terrain.

The adjustable Velcro straps similar to the Teva hiking sandals ensure a secure fit, a crucial feature for both runners and hikers.

I liked the stretchy mesh top and heel cushioning. The foam sole was very spongy and comfortable to walk in. The sole look like it will be grippy but is not Vibram like the Speedgoats (I think they should consider Vibram soles for the next version).

When I put the sandals on for the first time, I found the strap around the heal slightly annoying as the Velcro strap has to go below a loop so you need to thread this every time. The Velcro straps at the front you only need to adjust once and forget about it.

€130 at Teva EU.

Here’s an unboxing video so you can see what they look like in detail.

Teva Aventrail unboxing video at ChillTri

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Teva Aventrail's Performance on the Trail

Teva advise that if you are new to trail running in sandals that you wear socks at first. Being an engineer the whole socks and sandals look does not sit well with me but apparently (according to Love Island) that is acceptable and even fashionable these days?

There is a practical side to this however as when I first tried the sandals it was 30 degrees C (86 F)  under the Spanish sun and my feet started sweating and even with the open design my feet started slipping around on the foam sole. This made the sandals feel unstable, so socks seem like the way forward.

Teva Avetnrail with Socks! I like the Smartwool thin socks made from Merino wool

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Teva Aventrial for Trail Running

I tried the Teva Aventrail for a quick trail run on a dusty mountain trail near my home with socks on. The socks were a good idea!

Pros

• The Aventrail Sandal surprised me with its excellent traction and stability. The thick sole, likely influenced by Hoka’s design, provided ample cushioning, reducing the impact on rocky trails.
• The sandal's breathable design kept my feet cool, even during intense runs in the Spanish heat.
• The heel padding is a great addition to stop you getting blisters there.

Cons

• While the sandal is great for short to medium distances, I found that it lacks the snug fit of a traditional running shoe, which could affect performance on longer runs.
• The open design also leaves your feet vulnerable to debris so consider socks and sandals.
• I found my feet sweat even with the open design which makes my feet slip around in the sandal, so socks are advisable. Maybe they should put a fabric layer like in running shoes?
• Going down steep hills I found that my foot was not secured in position and slipped forward not matter how much I tightened the Velcro straps. If you try to tighten the straps too much there is not enough Velcro to keep the straps secured. I think they need to extend the length of Velcro? I have thin, long feet so maybe no the best choice if your feet are the same.
• The open design and ability to not secure on my feet tightly mean't I would not wear them on technical terrain with steep descents. I will leave this to my Hoka Speed Goats!

Teva Aventrail Sandal Heel Padding

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Teva Aventrail for Hiking

For me hiking is where these sandals win. I took them out for a longer hike on the coast and also a hike in the mountains. By this time I had gotten used to them so tried them without socks.

Pros

• For hiking, the Aventrail Sandal shines. The cushioning is superb, offering comfort over long distances.
• The thick sole handled the varied terrain of southern Spain effortlessly, from rocky paths to sandy trails.
• The sandal's adjustable straps allowed for a customizable fit, preventing blisters and hotspots.
• The heal padding and stretchy upper make the sandals very comfortable.

Cons

• The open design, while great for breathability, does mean that you need to stop occasionally to remove pebbles and dirt.
• For very rugged hikes, a closed-toe option might offer more protection or again wear socks to help with comfort, sweating and added protection.
• The heal Velcro strap needs to be secured under a loop so gets a bit annoying if you want to get your sandals on quickly.
• Going down steep hills I found that my foot was not secured in position and slipped forward not matter how much I tightened the Velcro straps. If you try to tighten the straps too much there is not enough Velcro to keep the straps secured. I think they need to extend the length of Velcro? I have thin, long feet so maybe no the best choice if your feet are the same.

Teva Aventrail Sandal side and sole

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Comparison with Teva Tirra and Hoka Speedgoat 5

I mentioned that the Aventrail is a bit like the Teva Tirra and Hoka Speedgoat 5 had a baby. So, the Aventrail could be a bit like 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner – you just take one shoe with you to hike and trail run.

How does the Aventrail stack up against the Tirra and Speedgoat?

Teva Tirra Sandals

• Comfort: The Tirra sandals are comfortable but lack the Aventrail's thick sole cushioning, making them less ideal for extended trails.
• Support: While the Tirra provides decent support for casual walks and short hikes, the Aventrail's design offers superior support for more demanding activities. The Tirra sole is not spongy so even if your feet sweat your feel don’t slip around like the Aventrail.
• Versatility: The Tirra is great for everyday wear and light hiking, but the Aventrail’s versatility makes it a better choice for serious trail running and hiking. It’s not advisable to run in the Tirra sandals.

£56 on Amazon.

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid and Tiva Tirra Sandals

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Hoka Speedgoat 5

• Running Performance: The Speedgoat 5 is a dedicated trail running shoe with exceptional grip and cushioning. It offers a more secure fit than the Aventrail, making it better suited for long-distance trail running.
• Protection: With a closed-toe design, the Speedgoat 5 offers more protection against debris, a significant advantage over the Aventrail during intense runs.
• Versatility: I have the Speedgoat 5 mid with ankle protection, Gortex waterproof coating and highly cushioned sole with tough Vibram tread. These are great for hiking and trail running which makes them highly versatile. I personally think they are also great for casual wear. They are however not ideal for very hot days so on the hotter days with less distance the Aventrail with socks may be a better option.

£115 on Amazon.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Teva Aventrail

The Teva Women’s Aventrail Sandal is a fantastic choice for those who love to mix up their outdoor activities.

Its thick sole, likely inspired by Hoka’s cushioned designs, offers excellent comfort and support, making it suitable for both trail running and hiking.

While it may not replace your dedicated running shoes for long distances, it’s a versatile addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear. I would say ideal to take with you on holiday as they are great for hiking, trail running and evening wear.

Teva Aventrail Sandal comfortable stretchy mesh upper

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Pros:

• Excellent cushioning and support
• Versatile for both running and hiking
• Breathable and adjustable for a comfortable fit

Cons:

• Open design can let in debris
• Not as secure as traditional running shoes for long distances
• May need to wear socks if your feet get sweaty and to avoid dust and rocks getting into your sandals.
• I could not get a the straps to work for my thin, long feet on steep downhills. Maybe Teva should put more Velcro on the straps to give more flexible adjustment for thinner feet? 

Whether you're a runner, triathlete, or hiker, the Teva Aventrail Sandal is worth considering for your next adventure.

Its blend of comfort, support, and versatility makes it a standout and stylish option for exploring the trails of southern Spain and beyond.

Karen Parnell is a Level 3 British Triathlon and IRONMAN Certified Coach, 8020 Endurance Certified Coach, WOWSA Level 3 open water swimming coach and NASM Personal Trainer and Sports Technology Writer. 

Karen is currently studying for an MSc in Sports Performance Coaching at the University of Stirling.

Need a training plan? I have plans on TrainingPeaks and FinalSurge:

TrainingPeaks

FinalSurge

I also coach a very small number of athletes one to one for all triathlon and multi-sport distances, open water swimming events and running races, email me for details and availability. Karen.parnell@chilitri.com

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Teva Women's Aventrail Sandal FAQ

1. What activities are the Teva Women’s Aventrail Sandals best suited for?

The Teva Women’s Aventrail Sandals are designed for a variety of outdoor activities including trail running, hiking, and casual wear. Their versatility makes them suitable for both short to medium-distance trail running and long-distance hiking.

2. How does the cushioning of the Aventrail Sandal compare to traditional running shoes?

The Aventrail Sandal features a thick sole that provides excellent cushioning, similar to what you might find in Hoka running shoes. This cushioning helps to absorb impact and reduce strain on your feet during runs and hikes.

3. Are the Aventrail Sandals breathable?

Yes, the open design of the Aventrail Sandals ensures excellent breathability, keeping your feet cool and comfortable even in hot weather.

4. How adjustable are the Aventrail Sandals?

The Aventrail Sandals come with adjustable straps that allow for a customized fit, ensuring your feet remain secure and comfortable during your activities.

5. Can I use the Aventrail Sandals for long-distance running?

While the Aventrail Sandals are great for short to medium-distance trail running, they may not offer the same level of secure fit and debris protection as traditional running shoes for long-distance runs.

6. How do the Aventrail Sandals perform on rugged terrain?

The Aventrail Sandals perform well on a variety of terrains, thanks to their excellent traction and cushioning. However, for extremely rugged trails, a closed-toe shoe might provide more protection.

7. Are the Aventrail Sandals suitable for water activities?

While the Aventrail Sandals are designed for land-based activities like hiking and running, their quick-drying materials and open design make them suitable for light water activities such as crossing streams.

8. How do the Aventrail Sandals compare to the Teva Tirra Sandals?

The Aventrail Sandals offer more cushioning and support compared to the Teva Tirra Sandals, making them better suited for demanding activities like trail running and hiking. The Tirra Sandals are more appropriate for casual wear and light hiking.

9. How do the Aventrail Sandals compare to the Hoka Speedgoat 5?

The Aventrail Sandals provide versatile use for both hiking and trail running but may not offer the same secure fit and debris protection as the Hoka Speedgoat 5 for long-distance running. The Speedgoat 5 excels specifically in trail running with its closed-toe design and superior grip.

10. Do the Aventrail Sandals require a break-in period?

Most users find the Aventrail Sandals comfortable right out of the box, but as with any footwear, a short break-in period might help you achieve the perfect fit.

11. What sizes are available for the Aventrail Sandals?

The Aventrail Sandals come in a range of sizes to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes. Be sure to check Teva’s sizing chart to find the best fit for you.

12. How do I clean my Aventrail Sandals?

Cleaning your Aventrail Sandals is easy. Simply rinse them with water and use a soft brush to remove dirt. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and water, then let them air dry.

13. Are the Aventrail Sandals durable?

Yes, the Aventrail Sandals are designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions. Their durable construction ensures they hold up well over time, even with frequent use.

14. Can I wear the Aventrail Sandals with socks?

Yes, you can wear the Aventrail Sandals with socks for added comfort and protection against blisters, especially during longer hikes.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further information about the Teva Women’s Aventrail Sandals!

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Teva Aventrail Technical Features

Technical Details.

• W Strapping System: for secure foot lock, maximum fit and customized fit.
• Engineered mesh upper: for maximum breathability and forefoot stability.
• HYPER-COMF technology: combines the responsiveness of SuperCritical Foam with the support of EVA.
• Nylon plate: for maximum propulsion and balanced acceleration.
• Spider Rubber tread: durable with strategic weight-saving cuts.
• Accentuated tessellation: to maximize grip on trails.
• REPREVE® recycled plastic webbing: uses polyester yarn with verifiable tracking.
• Weight: Men’s 337gr. – Women’s 275gr. – Drop: 6mm (33.5mm at heel – 27.5mm at forefoot).

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