Teva Strata Universal - Black

Comfortability:very comfortable, well paddedMaterial:feels like good qualityThis is half a size smaller than the Teva Terra Fi ( my current pair). Me measurement us 10.5 measured as recommended by teva. The Terra Fi has about 0.5 inch gap. This pair of Strata fits snug.The strap materials look slightly better than Terra Fi, which had a tendency to fur(?) And shed ....

Better than expected

I had similar pair of TEVAS for almost 15 years. I used them for beach shoes, kayaking, and fly fishing.When it was cold and I needed waders they came in handy when backpacking, their flexible fit allowed me to use them with my waders so I would have to talk my heavy and large wading boots. They finally fell apart. I was happy to find these a great improvement, they are lighter, and provide better grip in the water when I am wading in the streams. It’s a relief when newer turns out better in all respects.

Comfortable and grippy.

Soft footbed with a thick, medium light density cushion. Vibram outsole grips wet polished urban surfaces really well. The grip gets better as the outsole wears down. They are also a bit clunky until the tread wears down a little. Once broken in, they are extraordinarily comfortable and I can walk in them all day. Trail grip is ok but this is not a trail shoe. The heel is tall and narrow making it unstable on rough terrain. It is the most unstable sandal or trail shoe that I have ever owned and it leaves you vulnerable to ankle injuries. I gave it five stars for its urban performance, not its off-road performance. The straps keep my foot firmly centered on the footbed with no sliding around. This is my 365 day a year shoe and my 4th pair. Oddly sized for a men’s ... MoreSoft footbed with a thick, medium light density cushion. Vibram outsole grips wet polished urban surfaces really well. The grip gets better as the outsole wears down. They are also a bit clunky until the tread wears down a little. Once broken in, they are extraordinarily comfortable and I can walk in them all day. Trail grip is ok but this is not a trail shoe. The heel is tall and narrow making it unstable on rough terrain. It is the most unstable sandal or trail shoe that I have ever owned and it leaves you vulnerable to ankle injuries. I gave it five stars for its urban performance, not its off-road performance. The straps keep my foot firmly centered on the footbed with no sliding around. This is my 365 day a year shoe and my 4th pair. Oddly sized for a men’s Teva. I’m a men’s medium 12 and the sandal is slightly too short. That’s never happened to me before with a Teva product and it’s been a consistent problem with this particular model. I like the ride and grip so much that I just put up with it. They last me 10 months and then I get a new pair. This is one of Vibrams grippier rubber compounds and it wears down a little faster than average. I consider it a fair trade off, considering how much wet grip it has.

MAYBE

I love these sandals. I have been wearing them for 25 years.IAM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT YOU ARE NOT OFFERING SOLID BLACK AS A COLOR OPTION. i FEEL LIKE YOUR SELECTIONS ARE CLOWN COLORS AND I DONT LIKE THEM AT ALL. OLDER PEOPLE WEAR THESE AND DONT NECESSARILY LIKE THE COLOR CHOICES.PLEASE BRING BACK SOLID BLACK

Sandals short for size

The first thing I noticed was that the sandals seemed short. Having ordered multiple payof TEVA Sandals in a size 12, I compared them and the size 12 of this new model is definitely at least 1/2 inch shorter which unfortunately outmuscled toes at the very edge. Why would TEVA not keep a size 12 the same length? So, I was leaving on a trip, and decided to just try to deal with it; but the length is absolutely shorter than it should be. It would be nice if TEVA would send me a 12.5.

Smaller Than Advertised

I have been wearing Teva Sandals for over 30 years, always size 12. Purchased the men's Strata Universal and put them on when they arrived. Something was wrong! My big toe hung over the front end of the sandal. And the heel was appropriately placed. Measured them against my other Teva sandals; the Strata sandals were smaller. The appeared to be an 11.5 not a 12. So, sent them back for an exchange thinking it was a manufacturing or labeling issue.While waiting for the replacement Strata sandals, bought a pair of Terra Fi5 Universal sandals. They fit just fine, exact same fit as all those other size 12 sandals I have purchased. The replacement Strata sandals arrived. Huh... They say size 12 but they are NOT size 12. This time sent them back for a refund and I'll ... MoreI have been wearing Teva Sandals for over 30 years, always size 12. Purchased the men's Strata Universal and put them on when they arrived. Something was wrong! My big toe hung over the front end of the sandal. And the heel was appropriately placed. Measured them against my other Teva sandals; the Strata sandals were smaller. The appeared to be an 11.5 not a 12. So, sent them back for an exchange thinking it was a manufacturing or labeling issue.While waiting for the replacement Strata sandals, bought a pair of Terra Fi5 Universal sandals. They fit just fine, exact same fit as all those other size 12 sandals I have purchased. The replacement Strata sandals arrived. Huh... They say size 12 but they are NOT size 12. This time sent them back for a refund and I'll find another pair of sandals.

Top shelf Tevas

Loving these Tevas. Very comfortable straight of the box. Walked 2km on my first wear. Then spent a day in the boat and forgot I had them on. Traction is excellent at slippery boat ramps and the thick sole is just as good as my Nike sneakers. Highly recommend.

Totally the Worst

I bought these for a trip to the Galapagos. It was an expedition-type trip, with lots of wet landings from Zodiacs followed by hikes into the interior. I needed something that I could wade in and then hike, to avoid carrying shoes and socks and having to change on sandy beaches. Unfortunately, it didn't work out at all. Intended to protect the foot from abrasion, each strap is backed by multiple pieces of padded material. The material tended to curl down, into the top of my foot. The first (and only) time I wore them, that material began wearing away the skin after only 100 yards. By the end of a short hike, my foot was bleeding under the front strap. That was last fall. Just now, I put them on again before writing this review. Almost immediately, the left sandal ... MoreI bought these for a trip to the Galapagos. It was an expedition-type trip, with lots of wet landings from Zodiacs followed by hikes into the interior. I needed something that I could wade in and then hike, to avoid carrying shoes and socks and having to change on sandy beaches. Unfortunately, it didn't work out at all. Intended to protect the foot from abrasion, each strap is backed by multiple pieces of padded material. The material tended to curl down, into the top of my foot. The first (and only) time I wore them, that material began wearing away the skin after only 100 yards. By the end of a short hike, my foot was bleeding under the front strap. That was last fall. Just now, I put them on again before writing this review. Almost immediately, the left sandal rubbed a bright red spot into the skin under the forefoot strap. Also, the forefoot straps are too long. One of them hangs out a full inch beyond the sole when I wear it. Other reviewers seem to like these sandals. For me, they have a terminal design flaw.

Way too small

I've been wearing Teva since the 80s. Decided to make the upgrade to he vibram soles version. I ordered through Tevs. I'm a 9/9.5 size. You only had 9s. The 9 was way too small and narrow. I exchanged them for 10s and they were small and narrow also. I exchanged those for 9.5 Terra Fi 5 hiking sandal. They should fit. I've had those sandals before.

Would not recommend

These are my second pair of TEVA sandals, the first pair is still doing service after having wandered the planet for past 10 years. This model is shockingly made, the upper heel straps separated from the base on one sandal after only one season, I’ve had them repaired twice since but the fabric continues to let go. The soles are not worn and I’m throwing them out! Absolute rubbish! NOT AT ALL WHAT YOU’D EXPECT FROM SUCH EXPENSIVE SANDALS