Teva, the brand that is synonymous with outdoor sandals, launched a new hiker in February called the Grandview GTX. I have been testing a sample multiple times a week for three weeks during training hikes with a 25-pound pack in the Hill Country of central Texas.
The Teva Grandview is a light hiker with a broad platform that delivers both forefoot comfort and a stable base. The Grandview is an excellent choice for day hikes and long weekend backpacking trips for those who appreciate the ability to spread out the toes.
Grandview GTX Specifications and Features
- Waterproof leather upper, all from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, who promote sustainable and appropriate environmental business practices
- Gore-Tex Leaf bootie, made from 71% post-consumer recycled material
- Wider toe box to reduce pressure and free toes
- Universal Heel-Lock system constructed of 100% recycled polyester straps
- Vibram Mega Grip outsole
- Micro waffle knit lining
- EVA foam midsole with TPU shank
- Verified weight for men’s size 10: 2 pounds, 4 ounces per pair
- MSRP: $175
Out of The Box Impressions
The most noticeable visual cue of the Teva Grandview GTX was the familiar triangle and webbing Heel-Lock. The same configuration graced the Universal Sandal that I saved up for and purchased in the ’90s. I wore them everywhere, announcing my indoctrination into the climbing fold. Seeing this on the Grandview gave a sense of familiarity, and I assumed it would hold my heel down to the midsole, just like it does on Teva sandals.
The next noticed feature was the width of the Vibram Megagrip outsole; it is stunningly wide at both forefoot and heel, and I predicted high lateral stability. The Megagrip compound has become my favorite over the past few years for both my light hikers and approach shoes, and seeing it on the Grandview gave me confidence in the traction.
The Grandview GTX in The Field
Within the first few steps, I immediately felt how wide the platform is for the forefoot; and my next thought was, “this feels like a sandal with a hiking shoe upper attached.” I thought this before I read any marketing copy.
It is the widest hiking shoe I have tested to date for the forefoot and proved extremely comfortable for my classic “duck foot;” narrow heel, wide forefoot, but thin. My toes and forefoot could splay out, and I felt no squeezing of the forefoot even while descending steep hills. And this generous platform translated to stability more than any other aspect of the boot; hiking steep sidehills was not an issue for me even with the 25-pound load.
The heel felt a little unsettled, but only because of familiarity with narrower fits; I forgot about this initial feeling within half an hour. And the Heel-Lock kept my rearfoot planted even when hiking uphill.
The break-in period was minimal, and the boots felt flexible and compliant within the first day.
The midsole cushioning felt appropriate for a light hiker, comfortable for long days on moderate trails with the 25-pound load I used for the entirety of testing. On rocky descents, there was enough stiffness from the shank and firmness in the midsole to keep me from feeling any discomfort from stones or too much flexion over edges.
The Megagrip outsole was outstanding for traction on all surfaces encountered during testing. From traversing limestone boulders, soft dirt, to steep gravel/hardpacked hills, the rubber compound and lug pattern delivered confidence. Uphill traction on hardpack and rocks was especially excellent.
And when the rain fell, the Megagrip performed better than other compounds on the wet stone, soaked grasslands, and damp hardpack. Sticky mud did pack the lugs, but I have yet to find anything that does well in that situation.
The Gore-Tex bootie kept water out as expected. For light hikers, I prefer non-membrane uppers for the massive improvement in breathability. I am willing to make the compromise of dealing with wet socks and vs. the limited air permeability presented by Gore-Tex and other waterproof/breathable laminates for the conditions I usually encounter in light hikers.
Conclusions
The Teva Grandview GTX, like many others in the category, offers a great mix of comfort, cushioning, support, and traction. And for those who prefer waterproof footwear, Gore-Tex its usual excellent job of keeping water out. But what sets the Grandview apart is the broad platform for the feet; the toes can splay out, and the forefoot feels free of any pressures – just like Teva’s signature sandal.
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