Last summer, I was lucky enough to take a trip of my dreams—two weeks trekking around Italy. Some people might immediately start organizing the itinerary or figuring out logistics when planning a trip like this. But for me, figuring out what was going in my suitcase was the only thing at the forefront of my mind. Knowing that a majority of my days would be spent walking well over 15,000 steps, I immediately started the hunt for a comfortable travel sandal that wasn’t ugly. After ordering and trying on what felt like 100 pairs, one became a winner as soon as I put them on: the Teva Original Universal Slim Sandals.
I toyed around a lot with different ideas on which sandal could get me through my trip. I thought maybe I could find a nice leather sandal that was comfortable enough, but I never found one that I was confident I wouldn’t regret. Looking back now, I couldn’t be happier that I went the Teva route instead. The weather was hot, some of the cobblestones were treacherous, and I ended up walking even more than I thought. I don’t think any sandal could’ve stood up to all of those things better than the Teva Universal Slims. Read on for exactly why they have become a sandal I would never go on a summer trip without.
Planning your next getaway? Find tips, itineraries, and destination ideas in The Everygirl’s Ultimate Travel Guide.
About The Teva Universal Slim Sandals
The Teva Universal Slim Sandals are a slimmer, sleeker version of some of the brand’s classic styles. They are made with a molded EVA sole and quick-drying, 100 percent recycled plastic slim straps. The straps are adjustable in three different places with velcro closures, meaning you can get a truly custom fit. The midsole is designed with arch support, and they feature a rubber outsole for durability and traction. They’re even treated with a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment. They come in seven colors and in a leather version.
7 colors available
Also available to shop at:
Teva
DSW
Anthropologie
Free People
Zappos
Nordstrom
Teva Original Universal vs. Teva Universal Slim
You might recognize Teva’s Original Universal Sandals, which are one of the brand’s original styles. The Teva Universal Slim offers the same supportive sole, but with slimmer straps—making them a little less sporty and a little easier to dress up, IMO. In my personal hunt for comfortable walking sandals for travel, I also tried on the Teva Midform Universal Canvas Sandal, which feature a small platform, but the traditional thicker straps. I ultimately loved the look of the chic straps and stunning chocolate brown on the Universal Slim.
Where to Buy
Teva Universal Slim Sandals are available for purchase for $65 on Teva’s website, as well as many of our favorite retailers:
Teva Universal Slim Sandals Review: My Experience Wearing Them for 2 Weeks in Europe
I’m really not kidding when I say I wore these every single day of my trip to Italy last summer. I had a few other pairs of shoes with me, but I found myself reaching for the Teva Universal Slims again and again. The friends I was traveling with would even joke with me: “Jess in her Tevas again!”
I looked through my Oura ring data, and I had many days of 16K+ steps wearing these sandals. But the real test was when I walked 26,695 steps around Florence in a single day. And I’m telling you: I didn’t experience discomfort once. The straps didn’t rub on my feet, the midsole provided arch support without being heavy, and the outsole held up through cobblestone streets (even in the rain). They weren’t slippery when it did rain, and dried quickly. It was also over 100 degrees most days, and I have no complaints about my feet being sweaty. Plus, if your feet swell up when you’re hot (I know mine do), these sandals are easy to adjust for more room.
In addition to their overall slim profile, the Teva Universal Slim Sandals are also incredibly lightweight—meaning they couldn’t be easier to pack. I shoved them in any nook, cranny, or crevice left in my overstuffed suitcase, and never had an issue with them becoming misshapen.
How to Style the Teva Universal Slim
I wore these sandals with dresses, skirts, shorts… you name it. They were the perfect neutral shoe that worked with everything. When I was searching for a sandal to bring on my trip, it was important to me that they wouldn’t ruin the outfits I had planned. The Teva Universal Slim is—true to its name—a very slim profile, meaning that they really didn’t take away from any look. They were simply a shoe that I could walk 26,000 steps in without ruining my outfit with a clunky sneaker.
When I go on a longer trip, I tend to pack a foundation of easy, neutral basics that I can mix and match and pair with statement accessories to create a fun look. These Teva sandals fit right in with everything else I packed, and I never felt too much like a lame tourist (IYKYK).
7 colors available
Also available to shop at:
Teva
DSW
Anthropologie
Free People
Zappos
Nordstrom
Jessica Welsh, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Jessica oversees and edits all fashion and beauty content on The Everygirl. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, and more. She was previously the Commerce Editor for The Everymom, where she oversaw all shopping content on the site and social. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, DSW, and Kohl’s.
We get it: Your PTO is precious. So when you finally set that OOO message, you deserve a trip that’s unforgettable—not one that makes you feel like you need another vacation to recover. We compiled our favorite travel destinations, must-have travel gear, and sanity-saving hacks to bring you The Everygirl’s Ultimate Guide to Travel, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.
