#2 on this list
Hurricane XLT2
Teva
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 hits the sweet spot between trail-capable support and camp-ready lightness. Unlike the rigid, heavy platform of a traditional Chaco, the Hurricane uses a thick EVA foam footbed supported by an integrated nylon shank. This delivers immediate, out-of-the-box cushion that dampens rocky impacts without feeling like dead weight on your feet or strapped to the outside of your pack. Security comes from Teva's time-tested three-point hook-and-loop strap system across the toes, instep, and heel. Padded neoprene patches sit beneath the rear strap junction, preventing the blister-inducing friction on your Achilles tendon that plagues simpler strap sandals. Underneath, the Durabrasion rubber outsole features well-spaced triangular lugs that shed mud easily and provide dependable grip across loose scree and wet boulders. The trade-off comes down to long-term longevity. The softer EVA footbed will compress and pack out faster under heavy pack weight than high-density polyurethane. The hook-and-loop closures also demand occasional maintenance, as trail burrs, mud, and sand can reduce the Velcro's grip over time. For day hikes, river trips, and all-around camp comfort, it remains one of the most versatile sandals you can buy. **Highlights** - Cushioned EVA foam footbed with contoured heel cup and arch support - Integrated nylon shank provides torsional rigidity across rocky ground - Three-point hook-and-loop adjustment system for fast, straightforward tensioning - Padded heel strap eliminates hot spots against the Achilles tendon - Durabrasion rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs for mixed terrain **Watch-outs** - EVA footbed compresses and packs out faster than polyurethane - Velcro straps can lose grip when clogged with mud, silt, or plant debris - Offers less arch support than structured Chaco models
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#3 on this list
Newport H2
Keen
The Keen Newport H2 is an amphibious hybrid shoe built for rocky rivers, muddy portages, and rough trails where open toes invite broken nails. The defining feature is Keen's massive wrap-around rubber toe bumper, which absorbs direct collisions with submerged river rocks, hidden roots, and jagged granite. If you hike in terrain where foot protection is non-negotiable, this is the premier sandal. The upper pairs washable polyester webbing with a quick-drying hydrophobic mesh lining that sits comfortably against bare skin. A quick-draw bungee lacing system snugs the entire upper evenly around the foot with one pull, avoiding the hassle of multiple buckles or Velcro straps. On the bottom, a razor-siped rubber outsole sips moisture away from the contact points to deliver tremendous friction on wet, slippery surfaces. The primary downside is debris management. Because the upper offers so much coverage, small pebbles, gravel, and sand that enter through the side vents become trapped under your foot, forcing you to remove the shoe entirely to flush them out. The Newport H2 is also heavy, slow to dry compared to minimalist webbing sandals, and takes up significant room in a backpack. **Highlights** - Massive patented rubber toe bumper protects against impact and trail hazards - Razor-siped, non-marking rubber outsole provides outstanding wet-surface traction - Quick-pull elastic bungee lacing system offers fast, one-motion adjustments - Washable polyester webbing upper with quick-drying hydrophobic mesh lining - Compression-molded EVA midsole provides generous underfoot cushion **Watch-outs** - Traps pebbles and coarse sand inside the footbed until removed - Heavy and bulky, making it a poor choice for ultralight camp packing - Slower drying time than open-strap designs
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Hurricane XLT2 | Newport H2 |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate Weight | 10.2 oz / 289 g per sandal (men's 9) | — |
| Midsole Material | Contoured EVA foam with nylon shank | — |
| Outsole Rubber | Durabrasion rubber with triangular lugs | — |
| Upper Webbing | REPREVE recycled polyester | — |
| Closure Style | Three-point hook-and-loop system | — |
| Arch Profile | Moderate contoured arch | — |
| Average Weight | — | 14.2 oz (402 g) per shoe |
| Upper Material | — | Washable polyester webbing with quick-dry lining |
| Midsole | — | Compression-molded EVA foam |
| Outsole | — | Non-marking rubber with multidirectional lugs and razor siping |
| Closure System | — | Bungee lace-capture system |
| Footbed | — | Anatomically contoured EVA |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Hurricane XLT2
- Immediate out-of-the-box comfort with zero break-in period required
- Integrated nylon shank provides stable torsional support on rocky trails
- Padded heel strap prevents Achilles chafing and blisters during long walks
- Noticeably lighter and easier to pack than heavy polyurethane sandals
- EVA footbed will compress and pack out faster under heavy pack loads
- Hook-and-loop straps require maintenance when clogged with silt or burrs
- Open-toe layout leaves digits exposed to trail debris and loose rocks
Newport H2
- Patented rubber toe bumper delivers unmatched impact defense on rocky trails
- Razor-siped outsole bites aggressively into slippery, wet river stones
- Supportive, contoured EVA footbed cushions long miles comfortably
- One-pull bungee closure provides fast, uniform tensioning across the instep
- Traps gravel and small pebbles inside the footbed until manually removed
- Heavy and bulky, making it impractical as a lightweight camp shoe
- Foam-backed webbing lining dries slower than open-strap nylon designs
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