From my experience with Teva, the brand has consistently delivered quality footwear, and the Teva Katavi 2 was no exception.
I tested this model on the picturesque Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, and over the course of several weeks, I experienced firsthand the performance and comfort that the Katavi 2 offers.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish sandal that can handle the rigors of outdoor exploration, this Teva is worth considering.
Though the Teva Katavi 2 struggled slightly with traction on wet surfaces and lacked full waterproofing, it made up for these shortcomings with its comfortable footbed, soft suede material, and reliable construction.
Significant improvements from the previous version include a more cushioned footbed and additional color options.
Keep reading my Teva Katavi 2 review to learn more about this shoe’s performance, features, and how it compares to other options on the market.
Product Features
- Contoured EVA footbed
- Nylon shank stabilizers
- Rugged Durabrasion Rubber outsole
PROS
CONS
Things We Tested When We Reviewed Teva Katavi 2
1. Durability
The Teva Katavi 2 showed adequate resistance on the trail thanks to its leather upper and substantial construction. The soft straps are well-made and securely attached, ensuring they will withstand regular wear and tear.
The Velcro closures also held up well during my testing, showing no signs of fraying or losing grip.
The only problem that I see, which is inherent to all suede shoes, is that, in time, the leather may lose its smooth look if exposed to rocks and sand. Also, you need to take care to dry the sandals properly if exposed to water, as moisture is not very friendly to leather.
However, considering the great price point of this Teva, I still believe it offers excellent resistance to the elements for the cost.
2. Traction
While testing this product, my first thought was that the traction of these hiking sandals was impressive, especially as they aren’t on the expensive hiking shoe spectrum.
The Durabrasion Rubber outsole features deep lugs that provided a solid grip on various surfaces, making it suitable for the uneven terrain and poor-adherence conditions I came across.
Also, the association of the lug pattern and the firm rubber material helped to prevent slipping and sliding, ensuring confident strides during my hikes or strolls on the beach.
However, I want to highlight that the traction on these Teva sandals may not be as aggressive as the one provided by other sandals that were purposefully designed for rough terrain. While it performed well in most situations, I found it slightly less grippy on rocks and sand.
3. Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Teva Katavi 2 is a winner. The soft midsole cradles your foot, providing a cushioned and supportive feel.
The arch support and contoured shape of the footbed contribute to overall comfort and help reduce foot fatigue during long days on the trail or as you explore the beaches.
Adjusting the straps was simple, allowing me to find the secure and comfortable fit I was looking for. Although the straps may feel a bit tight at first, they conform to your foot after a few days of wearing the sandals.
One of my friends who tried on these sandals mentioned that he found the ankle strap a bit uncomfortable, but personally, I didn’t face any problems when I tested them out.
4. Breathability
The second Katavi iteration offers decent breathability, thanks to the open design and combination of suede and mesh.
While not as breathable as some other sandals I’ve tested over the years, the design and upper material still provide ample airflow to keep your feet cool and comfortable during warm weather.
One thing to note is that soft leather material may retain moisture longer than synthetic materials, so it might take slightly longer to dry after going through water.
However, this is a minor drawback considering the overall comfort and support these sandals provide.
5. Weight
Weighing in at approximately 1 pound and 5.76 ounces per pair (men’s size 9), the 2nd Katavi iteration is not the lightest sandal available, but it still offers a comfortable and easy-to-wear experience.
The weight is well distributed across the foot, ensuring a balanced feel throughout the day.
While there are lighter options out there, this Teva’s weight is not a deal-breaker, especially given its great price point and comfortable design.
6. Waterproofing
The second Katavi iteration is not fully waterproof but performs well in humid conditions.
The rubber outsole provides adequate traction on surfaces with reduced adherence, while the upper materials dry relatively quickly after getting soaked.
However, this Teva was not specially designed for wet environments, so if you need footwear that can face water and slippery surfaces, you may want to consider a more waterproof option with better traction and an upper material that dries more easily.
7. Support
Support is one of the standout features of the Katavi series. The contoured footbed and midsole work together to offer a stable base for your foot. This level of support makes the Teva versatile enough for both casual strolls and more demanding activities.
While the ankle strap may not offer as much protection as some other models, it still helps keep your foot securely in place. It is an outstanding option for those looking for supportive summer footwear at a great price.
8. Fit and Sizing
From my experience with this product, it stays true to size.
The adjustable straps with Velcro closure allow for quick customization of the fit, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience.
However, if you have particularly wide feet, you may want to size up as the design is pretty snug, and it may be hard to achieve the solace you need with a regular width option.
How Does it Compare with Other Products?
Bedrock Cairn Adventure
The Katavi 2 is a comfort-oriented sandal with a soft EVA midsole and nylon shank for support, while the Bedrock Cairn Adventure takes a minimalist approach with its signature three-point strap system.
Both sandals feature a reliable outsole, but the Cairn Adventure’s Vibram® Megagrip ensures superior traction on wet surfaces.
In terms of adjustability, the Katavi 2 offers multiple points of adjustment, using Velcro for quick customization, while the Cairn Adventure’s patented strap system provides a secure, locked-in experience.
If you’re seeking a more traditional model with ample cushioning, the Katavi 2 is your choice. However, if you prioritize lightweight design and exceptional grip on sand and mud, the Bedrock Cairn Adventure is the way to go.
Just keep in mind that at $125, this option is more expensive.
Teva Katavi
In a head-to-head comparison of the Katavi 2 and its predecessor, the original Katavi, several upgrades can be observed.
Priced at $70, both sandals feature a suede and mesh upper, but the Katavi 2 has improved breathability and quicker drying time.
The Katavi 2 also boasts an upgraded, contoured EVA footbed for enhanced comfort. While both models offer adjustable straps, the Katavi 2 has a more streamlined design.
Overall, the Katavi 2 presents a refined version of the original Katavi, offering increased comfort and style without increasing the cost or sacrificing the quality that users have come to expect from the brand.
Ecco Yucatan
The most notable difference in comparing the Katavi 2 to the Ecco Yucatan is their respective target audiences.
The Katavi 2 is geared towards casual outdoor enthusiasts who value comfort and affordability, whereas the Ecco Yucatan appeals to those seeking a more premium, high-performance model.
Currently sold at the price of $140, the Ecco Yucatan boasts a nubuck leather upper and a polyurethane (PU) midsole for enhanced resistance and foot protection.
Additionally, its RECEPTOR® technology and rubber outsole provide excellent stability and traction on various terrains.
On the other hand, the Katavi 2 features a leather upper and an EVA footbed for optimal cushioning. While the Teva Katavi 2 offers excellent value for its price, the Ecco Yucatan stands out for its advanced materials and technology.
Where Teva Katavi 2 Performs Better?
The robust construction and durable materials enable the Katavi 2 to perform admirably on rocky or uneven trails.
The cushioning makes these Teva sandals suitable for extended use during light to moderate hikes, ensuring you remain comfortable and well-supported throughout your journey.
For those seeking a reliable sandal for casual strolls, the Teva Katavi 2 is also a solid option. Its blend of comfort, protection, and style makes it a go-to choice for urban explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Where Teva Katavi 2 Falls Short in Performance?
Although known for its comfort and wallet-friendly price, the Teva Katavi 2 does encounter a few setbacks.
The sole is good overall, providing grip on wet and dry surfaces, but it’s not particularly durable, especially when compared to more premium Teva models.
Its upper is comfortable but not well-refined, leading to excessive stretching over time.
Furthermore, its narrow shape and overall design make it not quite suited for extended days on the trail.
While I would happily wear it for hours around town, I wouldn’t choose this Teva for heavy-duty or extended trips, as it has shortcomings that can pose an issue over the long run.
Do We Recommend It?
These Teva sandals proved to be both versatile and simple to adjust, so it was actually a pleasure walking in them during my tests for this review.
The new iteration has better traction and exerted less pressure on my feet, allowing me to spend more hours on the trail without experiencing foot fatigue.
The strap material felt soft on my skin, and with the strap adjustment system, I had no problem obtaining a snug fit.
The heel protection is also good for moderate walks, and since they are priced at only $70, they quickly became some of my favorites.
The only downside to these sandals is that they may not be suitable for more extreme activities such as rock climbing or mountaineering. But for everyday activities like walking, backpacking, and camping, the Teva Katavi 2 sandal is an excellent choice.
