Teva: A pioneering shoe for little pioneers

Where I grew up, it wasn't uncommon to spend entire days outside.  From sunrise to sunset, my friends and I would play in the woods -- splashing our way upstream and building forts in the roots of upturned trees.  My own two sons are growing up in a decidedly more urban environment, and I regret that I haven't been able to give them some of that outdoor freedom that I myself enjoyed as a child.  To help make up for it we often go camping and hiking, where we try to foster in Owen and Sam a love of adventure and exploring.  When it came time to get the boys shoes worthy of their toddler adventures, our thoughts immediately turned to Teva. 

Founded in the 1980s by a Colorado River guide, Teva has been protecting the feet of outdoor enthusiasts for more than two decades and is considered a pioneer in the sport sandal market.  But did you know that that same level of protection is available to your own tiny pioneers?  We recently tested two of Teva's newest styles, and suffice it to say, the adventure has begun!

The Toachi ($50; shown at intro of review) is a great sandal, which doesn't offer a fully enclosed toe but instead offers a "toe bumper" to protect toes without trapping debris.  Toachi comes in a variety of colors -- including powder pink and midnight navy -- making it boy and girl-friendly.  The non-marking spider rubber outsole is made from a material that gives the Toachi superior grip in both wet and dry environments, and will last longer than even harder outsoles.  Because there is no sock to serve as a buffer between the shoe and the skin, fit becomes crucial when you're talking about sandals.  Toachi employs Teva's patented Universal Strapping System, which offers secure, comfortable contact with the shoe and a better fit all around for your little one's growing feet.  The neoprene lining only enhances that comfort.   

The Psyclone Leather ($40; shown at right; also available in trubuck/fabric for $35 in kid sizes, $25 in infant sizes) is the very definition of easy on/off.  Why?  The entire upper opens by undoing two velcro straps -- not even a hook and loop stands in your way.  They are literally off in a flash.  How many shoes can say that?  A soft lycra lining keeps feet comfortable on the inside while a blended polyurethane/EVA unit encapsulated in the heel cup -- called a 'Shoc Pad' -- gives good support on the non-marking outside. 

But that's not all the Shoc Pad does: The technology transfers the energy of impact throughout the footbed and away from the heel, giving your little one extra bounce with each forefoot push-off.  I don't know about you, but my boys are hard on their shoes -- and when they're running on hard surfaces, I love that it's the shoes that are taking a beating, and not their tiny feet.  Last but certainly not least, the Psyclone offers Microban Zinc-based anti-microbial protection.  This environmentally-friendly technology keeps the sandals smelling fresh for the life of the shoe, because it fights the growth of odor causing bacteria and fungus.  Because its built-in, the benefits of the protection won't wash off or wear away over time.

Teva's children's shoes come in whole sizes only; If your little one is between sizes, Teva recommends that you order a size up.  To order the Toachi, the Psyclone, or any of Teva's numerous other styles, click here.