Just In - Teva Riva Mids

Also just in for review is Teva's new for this autumn, 2009, Riva Leather Mid, a lightweight, mid-cut walking boot from the rafting sandal and hybrid specialists complete with a waterproof and breathable eVent liner.


The boots weigh in at around 1080 grammes for a pair of size 43, which is very reasonable for a full leather boot or mid. There's a fair bit of technology transferred over from the hybrid designs including Teva Shoc Pad cushioning in the heel.

Internally there's a moulded sockliner with foam padding on tongue and ankle cuff and leather lining in the same places, but lower down, you can see the eVent liner, which should be good for breathability.


A quick initial try on suggests that they're instantly comfortable and with a good mix of lateral stiffness from the Nylon shank and longitudinal flexibility. There's a Vibram sole, so grip should be up to scratch and overally they feel nicely made. They look good too in an American sort of way.

A decent toe bumper should take some of the sting out of rubble fields, but we're not sure how the rest of the boot's, soft-feeling leather upper with lots of stitching will fare.

Overall  we reckon these could be a good alternative to a low-cut approach shoe for general walking and scrambling below the snowline with the eVent liner making them more wet-weather friendly. Retail price is £130 but there's also a Riva Mesh version, also with eVent liner, for £95. Watch this space for a full review.

More information about Teva at www.teva.com