I'm no stranger to the trails, having been hiking regularly for the last five years. While I've tried and tested many pairs of walking shoes in that time, I must admit it's been hard to find ones as comfortable as the Teva Trailwinder Low walking shoes.
Teva designs usually include quirky touches and these Trailwinders, which I've included in my roundup of the best walking shoes, are no exception. They come in sizes 3 to 9 and have four colour options: marsala and acorn, birch and peach bloom, chocolate brown, and birch. The ones I tried - total eclipse and olivine - equated to a dark blue and olive green combination. Perfect for autumn. I live near the Pennines in England and, although there has been plenty of rain of late, we have also had our fair share of crisp autumnal days. This made for the perfect conditions to trial the shoe.
I found these Teva walking shoes so comfortable - I could happily wear them for hours. My feet and legs never felt fatigued - but I'm not exactly surprised. I've been a fan of the brand for ages now, with the Terra Fi 5 Universal coming up top in my review of the best hiking sandals. So, I was excited to try out the new Trailwinder walking shoes to see if they continued the brand’s reputation for comfort and stability.
Teva walking shoes review
Specifications
- Size range: UK 3 to 9
- Materials: Recycled mesh upper and Spider Rubber outsole
- Waterproof? No
- RRP: £105
The Teva Women's Trailwinder Low Hiking Shoe is available in four colours - the green and black colourway is the one I tried and tested, although the red and brown would also be a perfect autumnal palette. At £86 on Amazon, these are among the best budget-friendly walking shoes I've had.
Overview of the Teva Trailwinder Low walking shoes
Firstly, they are super lightweight and look striking straight out of the box. The two-tone colours and vivid design traces along the sides of the shoe and even the insole is a bright colour - purple and green in my pair - which makes for a unique touch.
I'm a size 7 and the Teva Trailwinder Low walking shoes felt true to size, although they left little wiggle room, which is something to consider if you plan on wearing thicker socks. With time, I have no doubt the shoes will mould better to my feet as well.
Although these look like trainers, with their 100% recycled mesh upper, they have a rigid construction - thanks to a ‘navilock internal bootie’ which secures your foot in place - and a reinforced toe cap. My feet felt nicely enveloped by the shoe with tie laces and a heel pull tab to help get them on and off.
As for the ‘Lite-Comf insole, there was a nice bit of bounce, which prompted an easy propelling action as I walked. Perfect for those days when you need to buzz about with ease, or want to pick up the pace on your weekend amble.
What are the Teva Trailwinder Low shoes like to wear?
The brand describes these Teva Trailwinder walking shoes as ‘light, fast and unquestionably comfortable’ and best for light hikes. With that in mind, I didn’t think it was fair to start trudging across peaks and moorland, where more traditional walking shoes and walking boots (like the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boot) would be better suited.
Instead, I kept to parkland and trails where there was minimal gradient. On one of the days, the pavements were still wet from a previous downpour. Luckily, the 5mm tiered traction lugs did their job well, so I felt stable. I also wore them out and about - to the shops, the post office, the supermarket and so on, and I can vouch for how comfortable these shoes are to wear all day, every day. The contemporary, sporty design and style lend better to this sort of walker, rather than anyone looking to do heavy hiking or brave harsh elements. And because they are so light, they would be perfect to pack for a weekend away.
Although these shoes come in four colourways, I can only recommend the black/green personally. Having worn shoes in paler palettes before (such as the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX), I suggest opting for darker colourways if you're planning to wear these shoes anywhere off the pavement.
How does the Teva Trailwinder Low compare to other walking shoes?
Although the sizing of the Trailwinder shoes is inclusive, ranging from size 3 to 9, it would be even better if they also came in half sizes. They are also notably constructed with light hikes in mind, and although there is a sufficient grip for uneven paths, these walking shoes are not waterproof or made for heavy-duty wear. In that instance, I would recommend something like the waterproof Ariat Skyline Summit Low (£140), which is made for varied elements and terrain.
These walking shoes from Teva would be ideal if you are looking for a trainer-walking shoe hybrid, something you can wear daily to reap all the benefits of hiking at a comfortable pace. It will be a particularly good choice if you regularly enjoy ‘light’ hikes on flat terrains, like soft hiking walks, or if you like walking as a workout.
For a shoe that is even more like a trainer, or if you like to mix your walking and running, then the Hoka Speedgoat 6 (£140) would be a good alternative option.
Should I buy the Teva Trailwinder Low walking shoes?
Yes, I'd recommend these walking shoes for their unique design and supreme comfort. The Teva Trailwinder Low walking shoes offer something different and make a stylish statement. Also, my feet felt lovely and secure in these shoes, ideal if you also want a pair to rush about in, or you are looking for a go-to pair of shoes for that morning walk or weekend wander.
They are not waterproof though, so you might want to look at other options if you're planning to trudge through muddy conditions. Otherwise, it's a great option for those primarily seeking comfy, lightweight walking shoes.
