has anyone tried Teva Stratum sandals?

[cepmom]

I have been reading with great interest all the various threads going on here about the best shoe/sandals for walking all around the "world". I have been on the look out for a comfortable sandal that can get wet without a problem and that my feet can tolerate walking in all day. I found the Teva Stratum sandal on REI.com for a good price..has anyone ever tried this particular Teva? I have tried on some other styles of Tevas and found them to be uncomfortable (I think maybe the hurricane ?) Any reviews on the Stratum? TIA!!

 

[phanomouse]

If you've seen any of my previous posts about sandals then you probably know where this is headed. Teva's are Ok sandals, I am sure you would get your money's worth if you bought the Stratum's. But I KNOW you would be much happier with Chaco's (the sandal's I swear by) or even Merrell or Salomon's. Teva's usually have the shortes life of any of the sport/water sandal's and they are by far the least comfortable of any of the brands I named above. All of them can be found on www.rei.com which you are already familiar with. You will get far more support with a Chaco Sandal (I recommend the Z2's) then you would with a Teva, actually that even goes for the Merrell and Salomon sport sandals. Good Luck

 

[cepmom]

thanks ~ I ordered the Stratums from REI.com but I'm having them shipped to the store for free so when I go to pick them up I will check out the Chaccos and compare how they feel. I appreciate your honesty!

 

[daisylove]

I have the Stratums. They feel good on me. I tried the other style Tevas and the straps on them rub my foot but not the Stratum. I have been comparing long walks, wdw trip and local fair walking etc between the stratums and my new Crocs and the Crocs win hands down for suport and comfort.
My question to you: Do you know if the Stratums are supposed to be waterproof? I steped in dog poop and had to wash mine and the straps seemed to take a long time drying. I should have checked when I bought them but I was hoping they would be waterproof.

 

[cepmom]

daisylove ~
I am assuming they are waterproof ~ here is the description from REI's site:

These watersport-inspired sandals feature non-slip soles and a fast-draining topsole for sure-footed traction in and around water.

Thanks for your input! Any other reviews of these shoes?

 

[daisylove]

Thanks Cepmom. It is weird because they say "in water" but they sure took a long time to dry. i am thinking that wearing them in water just wont hurt them is what they mean. I am worrying because So Fla in summer means rain and I am hoping wet sandals do not mean blisters. Let me know what you think when you try them. They are very comfy for a sandal

 

[phanomouse]

The descriptive term "waterproof" when refering to water/sport sandals doesn't mean that the webbing is actually 100% waterproof. What they are saying is that if they do get wet the water drains off the foot bed/sole and does not absorb into it, unlike a shoe that would hold water for days or longer. Teva uses a fairly loose webbing material so it does absorb a bit more water then other manufacturers that use tight webbing. The upside to this is the webbing is a bit more flexible and some people connect that with comfort. The downside is you have a shorter life span and they do hold a bit more water.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I just ordered a pair of Stratum from zappo's... (they had the color I wanted!)

I imagine that a shoe with a simple polyester strap would be a true water-sandle... But, not as much comfort there. These Stratums look like the straps may take a big longer than bare polyester to dry. (I am thinking they are nylon straps, with padding) But, they should still be shoes that you can wear to get wet. And, I need that comfort!!!

I tried on some Hurricane-II Tevas, and they were just Okay. They are the only ones I have seen to try one locally, so I am trying Zappos to order a pair of Stratum, and kids Terra-Ti's (I can wear the large youth size!!!) I understand that the womens Terra-Fi has an arch that can be a bit much for many people. This way I can try both on. I will post back and let everyone know what I think of these shoes, and which pair I kept!!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, I have a brand new pair of Teva Stratum sandles on my feet!!!

I reallly like them!
To compare for you CED...

Way more to the sole than Hurricanes. I was not impressed with the Hurricane either.

Seem to be very comfortable! (except for the scratchy tags where the ankle strap goes across the top of your foot... gotta take that out! LOL!!!)
Not a super soft 'cushy' feel, but plenty of support, and rubbery-resistance, and 'give', under the foot. Well shaped foot-bed! You can see that it has more actual thickness to the sole than the Hurricane or the Terra-Fi.

I also ordered the Terra-Fi, but in a large kids size. (Thought that would actually be a better fit for my foot, considering I had heard of the arch in the womens model) I will be returning this one, and keeping the Stratum.

So, to compare it... This Terra-Fi does not have as major of a nice foot-bed as the Stratum. It is like the Stratum is really made for walking... Where the Terra-Fi is made for general comfort. The Terra-Fi has a softer 'cushier' foot-bed... But leaves you without all of that wonderful support that might be needed for hours at the Parks?

Over-all, from the Teva's that I have tried... The Stratum gets my vote. I think I will be wearing these on our trip!

Hope this helps!

 

[cepmom]

Wishing on a star ~

Thanks for the review! I picked up the Stratums from REI and I have to agree ~ they are very comfy! (except for that darn scratchy tag!) but just to be sure these are the ones I want, I went ahead and orderd the Teva Guide Pro and the Terra Fi's too (they were all on sale at REI.com for really great prices). Once they come in I will compare them and decide once and for all!