Teva Flatform Universal Review

I was excited to try the Teva Flatform Universal. I’ve wanted a pair for a few years but have so many cushioned and comfortable shoes I haven’t gotten around to it.

About the Brand Teva:

Teva emerged in 1984. A river guide in the Grand Canyon strapped two Velcro Watchbands to an old pair of flip-flops. Teva was born out of necessity to prevent sandals from floating downstream. The brand has used the same pioneering spirit and continues celebrating the freedom to explore.

It’s crazy to think that a flipflop was designed to allow people to explore! But you can, and they are comfortable enough to do so. I’ve now walked several miles in mine and haven’t had any issues with blisters or discomfort.

About the Teva Flatform Universal:

Teva makes several styles of their shoes. The Teva Flatform Universal is the regular sandal but on a platform. Think 1990s. I don’t know why this style spoke to me above the rest, but it did.

Features of the Teva Flatform Universal:

Designed for everyday wear and getting around town.
Molded EVA midsole and durable rubber outsole. The Molded EVA midsole with heel cupping for extra support.
Multiple points of adjustable for the perfect fit. Uses the “Universal Strapping System”
Hook and loop closure makes it easy to put on/of
Recyclable: The TevaForever recycling program accepts any style of Teva sandals to be recycled, and they’ll never see a landfill.
1.75″ platform height

My Experience with the Teva Flatform Universal:

I was excited! I first tried on the Teva Flatform Universal in San Diego. It is the perfect area to try them in my opinion because you can wear sandals year round. You can do that in the afternoons in the desert, but you’ll need socks in the morning (LOL at the 20 degrees when it’s windy). I digress.

Sizing: I usually wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide in a running shoe and 10-10.5 in a regular shoe. The size 10 in the Teva Flatform Universal fits well. It’s because it’s open to toe, so your feet have more room to breathe.

I’m already reasonably tall (between 5’7-5’8). I was curious to see how I would feel even taller. It was like working the NYC runway (I say this like I have any experience…I don’t). With the nearly 2-inch platform, you feel taller, which was something to get used to. While yes, it’s easier to roll or sprain your ankle in the Flatform Sandal, I didn’t feel any different using it. The wide platform bed provides stability, so you don’t feel like you’re about to roll your ankle.

Walking around in the Teva Flatform Universal is comfortable. They are much firmer than many brands, such as Oofos or Hoka Ora Slides. So if you prefer something firmer, you’ll appreciate the Flatform Universal. I’ve walked several miles in mine and haven’t had any issues with straps causing blisters or anything of that nature. I wouldn’t hike up a mountain in them, but they have plenty of support if you are walking around town.

Finally, I appreciate that you can recycle Teva sandals and not worry about “where do they go now.” This is such an excellent program. Yes, it takes some work instead of trashing them, but it’s a great to know you can recycle them. You can learn more here.

Cost:

The Teva Flatform Universals aren’t too expensive. They regularly retail for $90, but I see them on sale often. These supportive shoes are all for somewhere between $60-$100. They are durable and keep your feet happy, so you aren’t buying 10 in a year. RIP Old Navy flip-flops.

Teva Flatform Universal Conclusion:

If you are looking for fashionable and comfortable shoes, consider the Flatform Universal. There are plenty of cushion, and they are cute I wish more recovery slides had some visual features to them. I can’t wait to try different Teva products!