Article by Dominique Winebaum
Teva Grandview Max Hiking Sandal ($130)
Introduction
Under the umbrella of Deckers Brands, Teva has expanded its line of products beyond their original and iconic sandals with new footwear fit for all kinds of adventures along with cozy styles.
RTR has reviewed their Aventrail Collection: the Aventrail Trail Running (RTR Review) and R2T Running Sandals (RTR Review) and the Aventrail Shoe (RTR Review), along with the Hoka Infini Hike TC Sandal (RTR Review), all offspring of the new generation of sandals under Deckers Brands.
After testing the Hoka Infini Hike TC (RTR Review) in the spring, the idea of hiking in sandals is no longer foreign to me although I typically tailor my outings to minimize risks when hiking in open-toed mode, i.e. opting for gentle versus rugged trails.
The arrival of the Grandview Max Hiking sandal from Teva, which is described as an “open-toed solution for multi-day hikes,” is spurring more thoughts about hiking in sandals. Please read on!
Pros:
Top of the line hiking sandal designed for multi-day hikes when looking for an “open-toed solution.”
Technical hiking sandal with max cushioning delivering high level of comfort with each step
Open-toe upper designed with supportive features and adjustable W Strapping System
Vibram MegraGrip outsole that is both grippy and durable
Reasonably priced at $130
Cons:
Be aware of the limitations of hiking in a sandal as ankle support is minimal and toes are more exposed than in a hiking shoe/boot.
Most comparable shoes
In a league of its own in comparison to the Aventrail Collection and Hoka Infini Hike TC.
Stats
Sample Weight: women’’s 11.6 oz / g US 9
Stack Height: 39.3 mm heel / 29.6 mm forefoot, 9.5 mm drop
Platform Width: 95 mm heel / 75 mm midfoot / 120 mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
My summer adventures have not been fashioned on wearing Teva sandals nor was I a trailblazer for hiking in sandals or minimalist sandals, such as the Bedrock sandals. They were never a consideration.
The appeal of this new line-up of sandals is their “maximalist” design from the upper, to the midsole, and outsole, along with their specificity. No longer a one sandal fits all approach, so it may take some browsing to figure out which model in the Teva line-up is the best fit for your outdoor pursuits.
The Grandview Max Hiking Sandal is in my view the best open-toed option in terms of elevated comfort, enhanced protection, and overall performance, surpassing the Hoka Infini TC, which I raved about as my first hiking sandal.
I have mostly swapped hiking boots for sturdy trail runners, yet I am not ready to ditch my hikers for sandals, but tailor my hikes accordingly, including stretches on our upcoming Trek on Le Tour des Combins wearing my Grandview Max.
The fit is true to size and extremely comfortable. The upper features an adjustable W Strapping System combined with 100% REPREVE® recycled polyester webbings creating a superior foothold for a sandal.
In addition, there is an Achilles pad for added support in the heel and the REPREVE® webbings hug the foot comfortably after wrapping the W strapping system. The foothold is also enhanced by two buckles on each side of the collar, enhancing the foothold by securing the strap system around the heel and on top of the foot. The straps are sturdy and reinforced with rubber at the end of each strap.
The feel of the REPREVE® webbings is soft against my foot and I have experienced zero issues with blisters after walking and hiking in them for 25+miles total.
In addition to being an open toe-sandal, breathability is optimized via the REPREVE® webbings, which features openings along the inside base of the foot and the heel, in addition to the top right of the foot. And yes, the open toe design allows for the toes to spread comfortably freeing them for any pressure.
A mudguard along the base of the upper on the outside of the sandal acts like a defense against trail debris. By all means, the upper creates a comfortable foothold and is quite secure, however, the support level is not equal to that of a hiking boot or sturdy trail runner.
A “max” design in all senses of the word, and this beyond the high stack height of the midsole at 39.3 mm heel / 29.6 mm forefoot, the Grandview is a chunky looking open-toe sandal fit for the trails. Reasonably priced at $130, they are available in 3 different colorways for the women’s: Caribou/Seedling; Mahogany/Blooming Dahlia; and Black.
Midsole & Platform
The LITE-COMF midsole delivers a comfortable and cushioned feel underfoot and is designed to provide long lasting support along with being durable. A lightweight midsole with a high stack height: 39.3 mm at the heel / 29.6 mm at the forefoot and a 9.5 mm drop that invites mileage for its elevated comfort and supportive platform. Indeed, the contoured footbed provides supportive cushioning and great arch support.
The width of the platform is wide - 95 mm heel / 75 mm midfoot / 120 mm forefoot - though slightly narrower in the midfoot.
Specs don’t mention the purple plastic shank in the midfoot area that is partly visible from the outsole as an added supportive component. The stiffness of the shank helps reduce foot fatigue and enhance stability as does the wide platform of the sandal.
The forefoot is curved in the shape of a rocker helping promote a rolling motion during each step. A forefoot rocker helps alleviate pressure on the metatarsal joints and can be beneficial for conditions such as Morton’s neuroma.
Outsole
Vibram® Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs providing excellent traction and grip. A sturdy outsole designed to tackle rugged terrain, yet be mindful that you are hiking in a sandal. The thickness of the rubber adds a protective layer underfoot and enhances the overall stability of the sandal. Designed for the trails but very walkable on pavement.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Walking or hiking in an open-toe sandal generates a liberating feel and especially in hot weather conditions. In addition, there are many reasons why someone with foot problems might find some relief in hiking in a sandal designed like the Grandview Max.
I typically enjoy walking barefoot in my sandals when going for an-hour walk, however, I wear socks when hiking for added protection and I like the feel of merino against my feet.
My experiences hiking in the Grandview Max have been positive, limited so far to two long hikes: a 12 mile hike on smooth gravel and 7 miles on moderately rocky and rooty trails as well as a series of 3 mile walks. For sure, I am comfortable walking/hiking in the Grandview and my only concern is that I need to protect my toes and prevent my ankle from twisting when hiking all day and wearing a pack. I will be reporting later in the summer after our trek Le Tour du Combin, which I plan to hike alternating between a pair of La Sportiva Prodigio Max and the Grandview Max Hiking Sandal.
For sure, I would recommend wearing sandals from the Teva line-up as they are designed to maximize comfort and protection whatever the activity.
My Score: 9.2 /10
Tester Profiles
Dominique has run for over 45 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No compensation was provided by brands for writing this article. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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