When it comes to sandals, Sanuk and Teva are two of the most popular brands. But which one is better?
Having a good sandal for general outdoor use is an asset for every season. Both Sanuk and Teva offer high-quality sandals that are sure to please consumers
Though, Sanuk is known for its fun and funky designs, while Teva is considered more of a classic brand.
The major difference is that Sanuk sandals are made from premium materials, such as leather and suede, while Teva sandals are made from durable materials like rubber and webbing.
We’ll be going further deep into comparison by checking their roots, functionalities, similarities, and differences to guide your buying decision.
History of Sanuk
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Sanuk is a Thai word that means “fun”. The company started in 1998 as a small operation making sandals out of recycled truck inner tubes.
Shortly after, they began making yoga mats and other foam-based products. The company took off when it began exporting its products to the United States in 2001.
Sanuk began as a small shop in the town of Bangkok, Thailand in 1998. The shop was owned and operated by a small group of friends who were all passionate about surfing.
They created the first Sanuk sandal by sewing scraps of rubber together and using an old tire as a mold.
The sandals became an instant hit with the locals, and the shop quickly grew in popularity.
The friends began to make the sandals in larger quantities and started exporting them to other countries in Southeast Asia.
Their unique and fun designs quickly caught on with American consumers, and Sanuk became one of the leading providers of casual footwear.
The company has continued to grow in popularity over the years, and now sells products in over 60 countries worldwide.
The company took off quickly, and soon they were selling their sandals in stores all over the country.
In 2006, they were acquired by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, which is a company that owns brands like Ugg and Teva.
History of Teva
Teva sandals are a brand of sandals made by the company Teva. Teva was founded in 1984 with a line of sandals made of the same rubber material that was used in the soles of hiking boots.
Teva’s founder Roy Eaton, who had been importing the sandals to the U.S. from Israel, had an ambitious goal of supplying a shoe product that would have a wider market, with a more natural product available to all.
The company is based in Switzerland. They started out in the hiking sandal business, but have diversified into a wider array of sandals for terrain and activities.
Each year, the company will release a new line of sandals. Information about the line and release date are typically not released until just before the launch.
Teva’s first sandal was designed with a “rubber toe-piece, a thin sole, and ergonomic footbed” to allow for maximum comfort and support.
The company has been producing quality outdoor sandals in over 25 countries with the help of 2,000 employees.
In 2011, the company exploded to about $1 billion in revenue for the year and reached a total of $2 billion by 2016.
Sanuk vs Teva sandals: Comparison
| Features | Sanuk | Teva |
| Size | Available in different sizes suitable for everyone | Available in a variety of sizes suitable for everyone |
| Design | Customizable with different designs | A bit more casual look with minimal design |
| Color | Available in different colors | Available in a variety of colors |
| Usage | General summer outdoor activities | Rugged activities, hikes, etc. |
| Footbed | Cushioned | Contoured, exaggerated |
| Straps | Velcro | Elastic |
| Outsole | Rubber | Rubber |
| Resoling | Hard to resole | Hard to resole |
| Break-in | Easy to break-in | Easy to break-in |
| Material | Synthetic lightweight | Synthetic waterproof |
| Looks | Subtle and stylish | Subtle and stylish |
| Flexibility | Flexible rubber outsoles | Flexible rubber outsoles |
Strap
Sanuk has a Velcro strap instead of an elastic strap.
One of the reasons for this difference is that Sanuk sandals are known for being more comfortable than Teva sandals because there is no rubbing on the skin as it would happen if one used an elastic strap with Teva.
Sole
The sole of Sanuk sandals is made with an EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) material whereas Tevas come with a rubber sole that provides more protection against stones and other sharp objects.
Usage
Teva sandals are designed for the outdoors, hiking, and other sports that require rugged materials.
Sanuk specializes in ergonomic, comfy, and versatile footwear which is absolutely perfect for all of your summer activities.
Footbed
Teva sandals have a wider, exaggerated, and contoured footbed, extra protection for the heel, and are designed to resist abrasions. While Sanuk has a narrower, cushioned footbed.
Design
Teva sandals are for those who are looking for lightweight and simplicity and don’t need a lot of design to the sandals.
Sanuk sandals offer more support and a more female design. They are fully customizable with different colors and designs on the straps. They are a more casual design.
Looks
Teva sandals adopt a more subtle look and design to their footwear than Sanuk.
Material
Sanuk and Teva sandals are both made of the same material, but they have different features. Sanuk sandals are made of a synthetic material that is designed to be lightweight and comfortable.
They also have a cushioned footbed and a rubber sole that makes them durable and shock absorbent.
Teva sandals are also made of synthetic materials, but they are designed to be more durable and waterproof.
They have a contoured footbed and a rubber sole that provides traction on wet surfaces.
Sanuk vs Teva: Similarities
Durable sole
They both have a durable sole that is popular among their users because it helps them to walk on different terrains without getting their feet dirty.
The soles are constructed in a way that the wearer can walk or run without any disturbance.
Available in different styles and colors
Teva sandals and Sanuk sandals are two kinds of sandals which are available these days. Teva sandals are available in different colors and styles for the customers to select from.
Both are great for outdoor activities
These sandals are both great for hiking and outdoor activities because they let your feet breathe and they are made with antibacterial protection.
Use of high-quality materials
Coming from companies that are known for their use of high-quality materials, these sandals are durable and will keep you comfy throughout the day.
Break-in
Sanuk and Teva sandals are both made of durable materials and are easy to break-in. They may feel a little stiff when you first put them on, but they will loosen up over time.
Be sure to wear them around the house for a few hours at first, and then take them for a walk or light hike.
Size
Both Sanuk and Teva sandals come in a variety of sizes. For men, Sanuk sandals typically range from size 7 to size 14, while Teva sandals go from size 5 to size 15.
For women, Sanuk sandals vary from size 5 to size 11, while Teva sandals range from size 4 to size 12. There are also unisex sizes for both brands, which typically range from size 5 to size 13.
Usage of both of these boots
- For outdoor activities during summer, use Teva sandals
- For short hikes and little amount of usage, opt for Sanuk sandals
- For comfiness and comfortability, Sanuk is the best choice.
Why you should wear Sanuk?
You should wear Sanuk sandals because the soles make it easier to walk on different surfaces such as sand and rain puddles. This kind of foot protection can’t be beaten. They are also great for those on their feet all day.
Sanuk Sandals are a good way to keep your toes and feet cool in the summer. This is because they are designed to provide a large amount of space between the sandal and your foot.
They also have a larger outsole, which is used to increase the surface area of the sandal.
They are designed for any activity you do in the summer including boating, playing in the sand, or hiking around.
They are made to be comfortable which means you can wear them for hours and not have sore feet at the end of the day.
This is a big plus when compared to other shoes because feet can start to get sore due to the lack of support over time. They are also made with materials that are environmentally friendly and they don’t absorb sweat.
They offer a comfortable and healthy alternative to many hard-soled sandals. With their foot-hugging design, these sandals are perfect for any outdoor activity.
The company is filled with an abundance of colorful and fashionable designs. The best part: they’re constantly releasing new and innovative flip-flops with partner designers.
There are so many to choose from, so everyone is sure to find a pair of Sanuk sandals for them!
Top 3 Sanuk to buy
| Image | Title | Features | Pros | Cons | Price | Buy |
  |
Sanuk Men’s Beer Cozy 2 Flip-Flop | Light and foamy | They offer a very comfy sole | they are not advised to be used for long periods of wear. | $24.5- $50.95 | Buy on Amazon |
  |
Sanuk Men’s Bixby Hemp Slide Sandal | Suede footbed | The hemp uppers allow their depth to be adjusted through Velcro | The Velcro loosens if you try to strap them down tight | $42.71 | Buy on Amazon |
  |
Sanuk Men’s Fraid Not | Canvas with a frayed edge upper | Made with recyclable materials | Very narrow fit | $42.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Why you should wear Teva sandals?
Why you should wear Teva sandals is obvious. The sandals are comfortable and convenient. They can be worn with anything and everywhere.
You can wear them to walk the dog, go to the park, or just relax on the couch. You can slip your feet into the sandals and you are on your way.
You can just throw them on your feet, zip up the back, and head on your way. The sandals are easy to clean if you get any dirt on them.
You can wipe them off with a napkin, towel, or newspaper. The sandals are durable and can be worn from season to season. In the summer, you can wear them.
They are designed to be slip-resistant footwear and the straps are adjustable.
Teva Sandals are a great alternative to other shoes, such as flip-flops. They provide you with a shoe that is slip-resistant, has amazing arch support, and has many different styles to choose from.
The company offers a 6-month warranty and their sandals are made in an eco-friendly way with no animal products. The lining is made to be breathable and absorbs sweat
Here’s a list of reasons why you should wear Teva sandals:
- They are comfortable
- They are durable and reliable
- They are affordable
- They last for a long period of time
- They are natural
- They are sustainable and eco-friendly
- They are lightweight
- They are easy to clean
- They are versatile for any occasions
Top 3 Teva sandals to buy
| Image | Title | Feature | Pros | Cons | Price | Buy |
  |
TEVA Men’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals | Made with EVA Midsole | Made with waterproof polyester webbing | Material smells after long usage | 59.99 – $167.68 | Buy on Amazon |
  |
Teva Men’s Forebay Sandal | Outdoor sandals with a synthetic mesh Upper | Made with hook-and-loop closure | It rubs the heel | $59.95 – $138.28 | Buy on Amazon |
  |
Teva Men’s M Langdon Sandal | Made with Breathable mesh lining | Three adjustable hook and loop closures | The front strap sits too low | $79.99 – $173.43 | Buy on Amazon |
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
If you’ve read this article to this part, you’d have chosen your preferred choice of sandals between these two brands.
If you’re not still sure of what you’re looking for, here’s a summary:
If you’re choosing between a sandal that is very comfy not too durable and can’t last wearing for long periods of time, then go for Sanuk.
If you want a sandal that is strong, durable, comfy, and colorful that can last for longer periods of time, then Teva is what you should go for.
I hope you make a great choice!
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