Just In - Teva, The Original

Just in is The Original from Teva, a special, updated commemorative re-release of their original rafting sandal to celebrate the brand's 25th birthday.


The first Tevas were invented by Grand Canyon River Guide, Mark Thatcher back in 1984 when he decided that thongs made excellent, water-friendly footwear for rafting - most boatmen wore trainers that got wet and stayed wet - but tended to slip off when walking or running.

His solution was to use a new wonder fastener called Velcro to modify his flip flops so they stayed in place. The result was the first Teva which he sold direct to stores and boatmen and the rest is history.

First off, straight out of the box, The Original has a rank plastic pong to it, that we're hoping will die off with use. It takes the simple original modified thong design and brings it into the present with the use of current technology.


That means it gets SSR rubber on its outsole to give secure grip on wet rock and a Shoc Pad in the heel takes the sting out of foot strike on harder surfaces. Meanwhile the mid-sole features lightweight cushioning. Finally a quick-release buckle is teamed with the Velcro strap to make donning and removal a cinch.

Generally we're a little suspicious of retro-styling - I mean, why do things move on eh? - but The Original is more like a BMW Mini than a genuine reproduction of the first Tevas. Personally we find thongs less comfortable than strap-fronted versions, but maybe that's just us and they do look quite neat in a simple, retro sort of way.

Price is £50 more details at www.teva.com