The Best Travel Sandals: A Teva Hurricane Drift Review
The Best Travel Sandals: A Teva Hurricane Drift Review
One summer, I took a family trip to Savannah, Georgia, and Wilkes County, North Carolina. The weekend before that trip, I spent in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I visited Salem, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, and Long Island, New York, the month prior. Over the summer, I went to the pool several times, spent a lot of time in my yard and garden, and did casual sightseeing in DC. And for all of these, I wore what I believe to be the best travel sandals.
Since that trip a couple of years ago, I've taken plenty of other vacations, walked many more miles, and worn my Hurricane Drift sandals through it all. You can see them in this Instagram post when I took my first beach trip of 2024 and these were the only shoes I brought with me. And, I boasted about my love for Tevas in this post: This is how I'm elevating my sandal game this summer.
This year I am curbing my spending, but one thing I bought is a replacement pair of my Teva Hurricane Drift sandals because after almost three years of hard wear, one strap began to crack. I think that's a pretty good cost per wear!
Needless to say, I'm revisiting this post to update my current thoughts about these sandals, remind you just how good I think they are, and tell you why they stand true to being the best travel sandals in my opinion.
Needing Comfy, Supportive Sandals for my Fussy Feet
I have fussy feet. I have dealt on and off with plantar fasciitis for a decade. My feet are wide and high volume. I tore my Achilles' at the beginning of 2023 and still have stiffness and sensitivity on the back of my ankle/top of my heel. I have short toes, and my pinkies love to slip out from sandal straps. And being over 40 and going through perimenopause, my feet are more sensitive than ever before. In summary, I can't throw on any old shoes and get through a day on my feet.
That's why, aside from posting about the best travel sandals, I've posted plenty in my footwear archives about comfortable, easy-to-style shoes for those with wide feet, plantar fasciitis, swollen ankles—you name it, I've covered it.
My Experience with Teva Sandals
Two summers ago, I tried a pair of white Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals and was surprised that they fit my feet. I never had luck with Teva sandals before, but the Hurricane sandals had a molded footbed and the straps were slightly different. I wore these sandals to death and they looked it. I tried every hack I could find online but the fabric straps just got too grimey to be used beyond the garden and backyard.
The following summer, on a Hurricane high, I bought the XLT2 Ampsole and chose a tan color that was very close to my skin tone and would be less likely to show dirt. While these fit, the flatform sole was heavy, and they got even heavier when the shoes got wet. After a canoe trip that left me walking a half mile in sand with what felt like weights strapped to my feet, I never wore them again.
The Teva Hurricane Drift
In 2023, I decided to try the Teva Hurricane Drift, another Teva sandal with a molded footbed, but the entire shoe is from the same molded EVA. As it is one piece (with classic Teva Velcro to adjust the ankle strap), there is no way for water to get in and add weight. It also means these shoes are super easy to clean.
I have had EVA Birkenstock sandals and like them (especially for the arch support), but walking distances in them is terrible. They squeak, get slippery when wet or sweaty, and stretch out. They're best for the pool or any situation in which you may usually wear flip-flops.
I worried the Teva Hurricane Drift sandals would be the same but for some reason they're not. They're awesome. So awesome, I have walked multiple 25,000 step days in them without a single blister, hot spot, or plantar fasciitis flare-up. I haven't tried these as hiking sandals yet, but would bet that they are just as fantastic. (If you have worn them for hiking, let me know if they hold up!).
And not that this is entirely as important, but they're versatile and cute. I feel like it's hard to find a solid pair of shoes, especially travel sandals, that are comfortable, appealing, and easy to wear with almost anything.
What Makes the Teva Hurricane Drift Unique
The Teva Hurricane Drift has strategic ribbing and texture inside the straps and on the sole to prevent the slippage I experience with EVA Birkenstock sandals. The adjustable ankle strap fits comfortably around my thicker ankle, but can easily fit a more narrow or thicker ankle.
The Velcro strap stays, even through hard wear, water, dust, and dirt. This ensures a more secure experience. The rubber sole has grip and traction, the midsole is cushioned to offer support but also comfort, but the shoe is still super lightweight and flexible.
These shoes don't take up a lot of space or weight in your travel luggage. You can bend the straps to fit into a smaller space, and they will spring back. These can be your shower shoes, your beach shoes, your pool shoes, as well as your casual sandals and day walking shoes. When I claimed them to be the best travel sandals, I wasn't kidding!
These sandals can walk a half-mile to the beach, walk through the sand, and be rinsed in the waves. You can walk your sandy feet back to your beach house and hose them off and have them ready for your next adventure. They can go from the lake edge to push off a kayak to an hour in the craft, and then go several blocks from the lake to a restaurant for lunch.
And because they are all one color and free of logos and visible Velcro, they look nice enough to wear with a pair of trousers or a dress.
Wearing the Teva Hurricane Drift in A Variety of Conditions
I went to Savannah, Georgia in August a few years back. My family and I walked all over that city in that brutal heat and humidity. One day I wore my HOKA sneakers, one day I wore my Birkenstock Bend sneakers, and every single day after that I wore my Teva Hurricane Drift sandals. They were more comfortable in the heat, more accommodating as my feet swelled, and just as good on cobblestone, hills, and sandy paths.
Because the Teva Hurricane Drift is so simple of a design, I wore them to a fancy lunch with my daughter in Savannah, styled with a maxi dress and straw hat. I also wore them with a linen sundress for a nice dinner in Rhode Island.
I am not afraid to ruin a cute look with comfortable shoes, especially when on travel. However, these sandals blend quite nicely with my wardrobe for casual and nicer situations.
I went to Providence, Rhode Island and ended up walking up the infamous College Hill in my Teva Hurricane Drift sandals. No discomfort, the shoes were sturdy and supportive as I walked a hill so steep I couldn't see the end of it.
In Salem, I thought we were walking a couple of blocks so I put on my red leather and cork Birkenstock Arizona sandals. It ended up being about a half mile and I ended up with blisters on the arches of both feet. The only shoe comfortable enough to do some serious walking the following day were my Teva Hurricane Drift sandals.
In November, I went on a long weekend getaway to Curaçao. I packed sneakers, gold dressy sandals, and my Teva Hurricane Drifts. I only wore the sneakers once and never wore the gold sandals; the same Tevas I wore all over the U.S. in the summer was the perfect choice for my Curaçao packing list.
As long as it's warm enough for sandals, you will see me wearing these shoes. And if I have any travel in the foreseeable future, my Teva Hurricane Drift sandals will be one of the first items I pack.
The Best Place to Buy The Teva Hurricane Drift Sandal
The Teva Hurricane Drift sandal is available at a range of retailers, but not all that carry the Teva brand. I recommend shopping the Teva website directly, where you will find the most extensive selection of colors and sizes and know you're not getting a weird Amazon dupe. Teva offers a 30-day return window. Purchases of $50+ have free shipping, and returns are free.
How do the Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals Fit?
I am a size 8 in most shoes, and especially with sandals, I need wide width. The only sandals I own that aren't wide width are Birkenstock and Teva. Teva Hurricane Drift sandals only come in whole sizes; Teva recommends sizing down if you are a half size. Considering how these fit me, I would agree it would be smartest to size down for the best results with your Teva sandals.
What Colors Do the Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals Come In?
The Teva Hurricane Drift sandal comes in an extensive array of colors and some two-color swirl options. It appears that while Teva carries the Hurricane Drift sandal each year, they switch up some of the color options. I found that from February to September, Tevas are the same price most anywhere. When winter arrives, you may find sale prices to be varied.
In Summary…
While these sandals may not be perfect for all feet, I am so impressed by how well they perform for me and believe they are the best travel sandals. I am tempted to buy another pair in a color, but have decided to wait until next year. There's no need, my Teva Hurricane Drift sandals look almost new after a summer of hard work! Have you tried the Teva Hurricane Drift sandals? What has been your experience?
With spring break and summer right around the corner, this review of the Teva Hurricane Drift sandal has been updated for 2025 with additional places I've worn the shoes and updated links to where to buy them online.
Did you like what you just read?
Consider tapping here to buy me a coffee in thanks. The best gift you can give a content creator is the gift of sharing. Consider sharing this article on Facebook or Pinterest. Thank you so much for your support!
Thank you so much for this helpful post! I, too, have problem feet (bunions, plantar fasciitis, wide toe box, narrow heel, and so on), which makes it difficult to find footwear that keeps my feet happy. I do travel a lot and I love that these are lightweight and versatile enough to go hiking, walking, to the beach and also to wear with dresses. I’m going to try them. Thanks for the recommendation!
You asked for hiking experiences in these – last August, I hiked the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail (from the trailhead to Hanakapi’ai Beach & back) on the Na Pali Coast, Kauai in my Teva Hurricane Drifts. It’s a pretty technical hike where you’re constantly hiking upwards & downwards, overs rocks, stones, roots, mud, crossing streams, etc. & my feet were completely happy in the Drifts!
I then did the same hike a couple of months later in my Teva Hurricane XLT2s, & while they were just as comfy & perhaps offered a little more support, overall I think I preferred hiking with the lightweight Drifts!
Thank you, Lee, for this feedback! That’s excellent to hear/read!
I immediately bought these after this review and they are as comfortable as advertised.
I am so glad to read that!
You might’ve convinced me. Do you think they’d work for lower-volume feet, though?
I don’t know, because the front strap is not adjustable. Other Teva styles that have the foot strap adjustable may be a better option or if you can try in store.
I guess I’m the exception to the fit advice.
I used to wear a size 9/40, but in the last year have been finding that too big & I’ve sized down to an 8.5/39.
So I ordered the 8 in Tevas, which they say is also a 39.
My foot just fit in them – in the morning! So I know my toes will be hanging over the sole later in the day.
So I’m a 9 in Teva’s. I suspect it may have to do with the arch – I usually add extra support there.
I bought a pair of Teva Tirras and it is amazing how comfortable they are. I added a third pair this year.
Awesome, thank you for this feedback!
I have the same ones from a few years ago and love them so much. They really do go with everything and are so comfortable. I was just thinking I need to replace mine because they are starting to lose some of their cushion and are looking a little dingy. After an ankle injury I find the front strap isn’t quite tight enough to keep my foot secure when wet so they are no longer the *perfect* travel sandal for me if water sports are on the itinerary – but they are so close!
I purchased the Teva Hurricane Drift sandals on your recommendation for a Caribbean cruise we were going on (also used your Caribbean vacation capsule wardrobe and it worked perfectly- I did add a few more swimsuits). I love the Tevas. I did have a tender spot on one foot, I think from the grooves in the footbed, so I stuck a band-aid to the shoe and it worked. I felt secure when they were wet – no sliding around. They were easy to adjust when my feet swelled. I reach for them more than my other sandals since I’ve been home too. Great sandals. I’m so glad you alerted me to them!
Oh yay I am so glad!
I have 2 pair of the ampsole XLTs and loved them until my cat chewed them enough that I have stopped wearing them. I’m looking to replace them and like that the drifts are EVA except for the one Velcro strap. However, I have a narrow, low volume foot. Shoes that are too wide cause slippage and ankle rolls. Do you feel like the strap across the toe is fairly snug? Am I understanding correctly that the strap across the toe can’t be adjusted?
The strap cannot be adjusted, and you may find it too loose for your narrow foot. Have you checked out the infinity sandals Teva has? They look so easily customized for width! https://bit.ly/42ZpMLF
This review is so helpful! I am honestly shocked that they work for high-volume feet given that the top strap doesn’t seem to be adjustable. On your recommendation I am going to try these. I’ve been wearing my wide leather/cork Arizona Birks to the beach because they are the only sandal I’ve found comfortable, but that is not good for their longevity. Fingers crossed these can work for me too!
Hi Alison, great review! Quick question, are the Teva’s squeaky when they are wet or with sweaty feet? Thank you
I haven’t found them squeaky while EVA Birkenstocks do get squeaky for me
Do you know if these are unisex size? My feet run wide, so I’m considering the men’s version in a different color. If the ones you have are wide and/or unisex I’d try your color, which seems more versatile.
I find them wide enough for my feet and I can only wear wide width sandals or Birkenstocks.
Thanks, Alison!
Do you prefer the drift to the XLT2? Trying to decide which would be better for Europe trip with lots of walking!
The drift is lighterweight which I prefer for travel. I think it also looks a bit more versatile. The XLT has the traditional velcro straps all over, while the drift only has it on the ankle. The XLT would be better if you have feet that need more customization.
COS has the orange halterneck maxi on their site on sale, and it’s in a few more sizes than Nordstrom has at this time. Alison, please feel free to change this to an affiliate link!
https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/dresses/product.halterneck-maxi-dress-orange.1164156003.html
Check 6pm.com for clothing, accessories and shoes. That site is the outlet for Zappos. I saw the Teva Hurricane sandals there in size 11 for $31. Limited selections and sizes but if you see your size in an item buy it right away. Things sell quickly!
Agree with you! I wore mine to Disney and they were perfect.
Great review. Thanks for your thoroughness as always.
Crazy question – could you see yourself wearing a sheet sock with these? I am starting to like that look with fisherman’s style sandals. Not sure I would wear that look at home, but if one is limiting the number of shoes to bring on a trip, having the option to add lightweight socks under sandals for cooler evenings would be helpful. Would love your thoughts.
I wouldn’t personally wear socks with them. I have with my Birkenstocks and think it’s fun in a ’90s skater/stoner way but I don’t think I’d be comfortable with socks in an EVA sandal.
Allie How are the sandals to drive with? I have never been able to drive with other than well fitting shoes. Wearing sandals to drive makes me feel insecure, like my feet are going to slide off the pedals. What is your experience?
I never have that issue and drive in all sorts of shoes, so I am not the best to ask. I do drive in them often.
I love Savannah & hope you might do a little trip report post for us! Y’all must have been so hot there though, if Savannah has been like other Southern spots lately. But, like a lot of us, you have to travel based on the school year schedule. Glad your shoes were good for all that walking!
I bought them on your recommendation and generally like them too! But everyone’s feet are different, so if I wear mine for too long I do eventually get blisters on my pinky toe. Still great for summer errands and outings, but I wouldn’t get a 25k day out of them, unfortunately.
I just ordered from the REI site – in size 11 they have blue and birch available…so check your size folks 🙂
These sound like great sandals! For sandals such as tevas and chacos, I run them through the washing machine! close the velcro, put in a laundry bag, and wash with a mild detergent! They get nice and clean, they are designed to get wet, and can dry on a patio bench or chair on a nice afternoon.
Same! When my Chacos get to the point of needing a thorough washing, I also toss them in the washer with whatever is being washed. Then sit them up to dry. I wear Chacos (I have several pair) the way Alison wears her Tevas.
Do you have a link to the cute orange dress you are wearing in one of the Savannah photos?
It’s from COS I couldn’t find it on their site but they have it at Nordstrom but sadly it’s almost sold out https://rstyle.me/+JLYRWPZyKgvzBdmzQnpSZw
Hopefully Alison can change this to an affiliate link.
https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/dresses/product.halterneck-maxi-dress-orange.1164156003.html
That link just takes me to the homepage. When I search I can’t find it either but I did find this variation that is black with a cool flower image on the bottom half: https://bit.ly/44YHpti
I also found this one which is the same silhouette but with a dressier halterneck and a tie in back instead of straps https://bit.ly/3Z26qSs
Love this review! You convinced me to get some, LOL. FYI, they are not on sale @ REI anymore, at least not using the links herein.
Darn it! Thanks for the heads up I’ll update the post.