Women’s Teva Hurricane XLT2 Hiking Sandal Review

Bottom Line

If you enjoy the Teva Original Universal Sandal but desire a more rugged design, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the perfect solution. While they share many characteristics with the Original Universals—including a simplistic, utilitarian style, Velcro strap closure, open-toe design, and textured footbed—they also have distinct differences. Notably, the footbed is significantly wider, accommodating a variety of foot shapes, and there is a considerable heel-to-toe drop. We appreciate these sandals for their sneaker-like wear, thanks to the chunky midsole and three adjustment points that provide a secure fit. 

Although they might not provide maximum shock absorption due to their dense midsole, these sandals deliver significant energy return, making you feel lighter on your feet. They offer reliable traction on various surfaces, including gravel trails, dirt, loose sand, or bare rock. As with most hiking sandals, they struggled somewhat on steep scree slopes, but this is not a critical drawback. We believe they are outstanding for use as approach shoes, water shoes, and casual footwear—all at a very reasonable price, positioning them at the top of our hiking sandal guide. However, if you have narrow feet, the XLT2s may not be ideal, as the footbed could feel too spacious for those with slimmer feet.

How We Tested

We put the Teva Hurricane XLT2 hiking sandals through a series of tests to evaluate their comfort, stability, durability, traction, ease of use, and weight and packability. Our testing involved wearing them in wet and dry environments, on trails of varying difficulty levels, and slopes of different grades across several trail surfaces.

Comfort

The Hurricane XLT2s excel in almost every measure of comfort. The footbed is wide—noticeably wider than the Original Universal and broader than many other hiking sandals we’ve tested—which allows for a truly exciting amount of toe splay. While toe or forefoot movement is often somewhat limited in sandals, that’s not the case at all with the Hurricane XLT2s. Our toes feel unrestricted from top to bottom. 

In addition, the footbed is contoured, creating a cradle for the heel. The straps, although tightly woven for durability, remain flexible and soft on the inside. The heel strap features a small, plush pad to prevent any discomfort at the Achilles tendon. Our tester wore the XLT2s for hikes over various surfaces, including gravel, very dry loose dirt, not-so-dry dirt, and brush. She did not encounter a single hot spot, abrasion, blister, or any other uncomfortable skin issue.

Due to the wide footbed, individuals with narrow feet may find the XLT2s uncomfortable. Our lead tester has a neutral-width foot and had to tighten the straps considerably to achieve the ideal fit. Those with very narrow feet might run out of Velcro and be unable to secure a proper fit. Additionally, hikers who prefer a very soft, shock-absorbing midsole may not appreciate these. In our tester’s experience, the midsole material is a somewhat hard EVA, which provides bounciness but lacks shock absorption.

Stability

The wide footbed, triple adjustment system, and stiff midsole make the XLT2s a very solid choice—literally. While the thick midsole minimizes any sense of connection to the ground (these certainly aren’t a minimalist option), the XLT2s compensate for that with stability. 

From talus fields to creek beds, these performed well in most trail scenarios. The wide and contoured footbed provides ample space for your toes to splay and grip, which assists with balance when traversing uneven ground. This feature is particularly beneficial when hiking over large rocks or exposed tree roots.

When hiking down steep descents, we encountered some trouble with our feet shifting forward in the footbed, causing our toes to poke out over the front of the shoe. It wasn’t so bad that we wouldn’t wear them on similar trails again, but it was definitely annoying.

Notably, the heel-to-toe drop on the XLT2s is significant. This contributes to stability, especially for individuals with limited ankle mobility in dorsiflexion (pointing the toes up toward the shin). Although not specifically mentioned on the Teva website, we estimate the drop to be between 9 and 12 millimeters based on 1) how it feels in comparison to our experience with other shoes and sandals with drops in that range, and 2) the very non-scientific measurement we performed (we used a tape measure to evaluate heel stack height and forefoot stack height, then subtracted).

Traction

These are on the high end of average for hiking sandals regarding traction. The lug pattern is not particularly impressive, and while this didn’t cause any problems for us during the hikes we completed in the XLT2s, we can envision it causing instability on steep scree faces and on algae-covered rocks when crossing water.

On dirt and gravel surfaces, the XLT2s performed wonderfully. Our favorite terrain to cover in them quickly became dry boulders and bare rock. The outsole is impressively sticky; we felt like frogs hopping around on bare rock. However, due to the shallower lugs and thick midsole, which reduces ground feel, we wouldn’t dare do the same in wet conditions.

Durability

It would take a lot to beat up the Hurricane XLT2s. With their tightly woven polyester straps, very dense EVA midsole, and rubber outsole, these sandals are designed to endure the elements. The only potential issue we anticipate is with the plastic connectors between the straps. 

These components are made from relatively thin plastic, but they seem sturdy so far. If one were to break, however, the sandal would become unusable without some form of replacement part. The midsole is tough and dense, so we don’t expect compression to be a problem. The outsole lugs are somewhat shallow, but they are unlikely to wear down prematurely given the hard rubber used.

Weight & Packability

These fall somewhere in the middle regarding weight and packability. They’re not the heaviest or bulkiest sandals, but they’re certainly not minimalist, either. They’re heavy enough that most hikers and backpackers wouldn’t want to carry them as a second pair of shoes. 

Weighing in at 15.5 ounces, they are almost one pound exactly. That said, they are stable and durable enough to serve as your only pair of shoes, depending on the weather and trail conditions. If your hike is on the mild side—think no significantly steep scree faces or wet rock-hopping—the XLT2s will work well as your sole pair of trail shoes. Slip on some hiking socks at camp, and they also make great camp shoes.

Ease of Use

Changing in and out of these sandals couldn’t be easier—it’s almost too simple. With three adjustment points, all equipped with Velcro straps, you can effortlessly put them on and take them off, even while carrying a pack. Plus, the Velcro closures allow for quick adjustments without the need to stop and sit.

Should You Buy the Teva Hurricane XLT2?

The Hurricane XLT2s are priced lower than many other top hiking sandals, yet they support just as many, if not more, adventures than some popular options. For the price, we recommend them to anyone seeking comfortable, durable, and versatile sandals. They can be worn around town just as easily as on trails.

Due to their weight, we don’t recommend them for ultralighters or those planning to wear hiking shoes and pack sandals as an extra tool. They’re also not ideal for individuals with narrow feet. However, for most others, you can’t go wrong at this price.

What Other Women’s Hiking Sandals Should You Consider?

Ultimately, the Hurricane XLT2s are a reliable choice for hikers looking for a rugged yet versatile open-toe sandal that offers a sneaker-like feel. They’re well-suited for moderate trails and casual hikes, though not the best option for highly technical or wet conditions. Check out all the options in our hiking sandal gear guide.

Teva Original Universal Review: If you love Teva’s simplistic, iconic design but don’t need the beefier midsole or additional features of the Hurricane XLT2, the Original Universal is a great alternative. It’s lightweight, minimal, and perfect for casual hikes or urban adventures, though it lacks the enhanced traction and support of the XLT2.

Ecco Yucatan Review: For hikers looking for a sandal with more arch support and plush cushioning, the Ecco Yucatan is a standout choice. Crafted for all-day comfort, it provides superior shock absorption and a more secure fit compared to the Hurricane XLT2, although it does trade the minimalist design for a more textile-heavy appearance. Its footbed is also noticeably slimmer than the XLT2, making it a better option for those with narrower feet.

Astral Webber Review: Another practical choice, the Astral Webber features a minimalist yet durable design, along with a quick-drying upper and a grippy outsole. It’s a solid option for those who prioritize water performance and ultralight weight, although it’s not as stable as the Hurricane XLT2.