The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the trekking sandal that lives in my truck through the summer. After six months and 100 hours of wear across summer day hikes, water crossings, and a week of paddling in the Adirondacks, my conclusion is that the XLT2 is the right sandal for casual hikers who want a reliable water-and-camp shoe at a fair price.
Why you should trust this review
I bought this pair at retail in summer 2025 through a regional outfitter. Teva had no editorial input and provided no sample. I have rotated through three previous Teva models and a pair of Chacos over the last six years, so the comparison set here is real.
How we tested the Hurricane XLT2
- 100 hours across 28 outings between August 2025 and April 2026 (the early-spring outings were limited to warm afternoons).
- 12 water crossings to gauge dry time.
- 6-mile day hike on graded trail with a daypack.
- Strap adjustability comparison vs. Chaco Z/Cloud after submersion.
- Camp wear comparison after a 14-mile hiking day in boots.
- Cold-weather test: 50-degree morning paddling with thin neoprene socks.
Our protocol is on our methodology page.
Who should buy the Hurricane XLT2
Buy if you want a fast-drying water sandal, a comfortable camp shoe, or a casual trail sandal for short walks. Skip if you want a long-trail sandal (the Chaco Z/Cloud is the better choice) or you need a closed-toe water shoe (the Keen Newport H2 is the right tool).
Dry time: the headline strength
The recycled polyester webbing is the fastest-drying strap material I have tested across this category. On a 70-degree afternoon, my straps were dry within 50 minutes of a creek crossing. The EVA footbed dries in 2-3 hours. For paddlers and water hikers, this is the practical advantage.
Comfort out of the box
The Hurricane is one of the few sandals I can wear all day on the first wear without hot spots. The strap pattern distributes pressure across the foot evenly, and the EVA footbed has just enough cushion for casual walking. It is not as supportive as the Chaco Z/Cloud, but the trade-off is real comfort from the first hour.
Adjustability and strap behavior
The 3-point hook-and-loop closure stays put in water and is easy to fine-tune. After six months the hook material is still grabbing, and the loop side has not fuzzed up the way cheaper sport sandals do. This is one area where the price-to-performance is genuinely impressive.
Arch support: where the Chaco wins
The EVA topsole is comfortable but offers minimal arch support. For runners and hikers with low arches, the difference vs. a Chaco LUVSEAT PU footbed is noticeable on miles 4 and beyond. If your feet collapse without arch support, the Chaco is the better long-term buy.
Trail capability: capped by lug depth
The 3 mm Durabrasion rubber lugs grip well on dry trail and packed dirt. On wet rock and mud, traction is shallow. For graded trail up to 6 miles, the XLT2 is fine. Beyond that, the lug pattern packs with debris and the footbed compresses.
Durability: 100 hours and looking healthy
The polyester webbing shows minimal wear, the rubber outsole is barely scuffed, and the strap stitching is intact. Expected lifespan is 1.5 to 2 seasons of regular use, slightly less than a Chaco.
Value verdict
At $70 the Hurricane XLT2 is the best-priced trekking sandal in this comparison. For casual use, water hikes, and camp wear, it is hard to beat. For serious trail miles or long-term durability, the Chaco Z/Cloud is the smarter $40 upgrade.
Teva Hurricane XLT2 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Footbed | Best for | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teva Hurricane XLT2 | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | EVA | Camp, water, casual trail | $70 | Best Budget |
| Chaco Z/Cloud | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | LUVSEAT PU | Long trail miles | $110 | Top Pick |
| Keen Newport H2 | ★★★★☆ 4.1 | EVA + toe cap | Rocky water hikes | $130 | Recommended |
| Discount big-box sport sandal | ★★★☆☆ 2.5 | Foam | Yard wear | $30 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Upper | Recycled polyester webbing |
| Midsole | EVA |
| Outsole | Durabrasion rubber |
| Lug depth | 3 mm |
| Weight (US M9 pair) | 480 g |
| Strap closure | 3-point hook-and-loop |
| Water-friendly | Yes, fast-drying |
| Footbed | EVA topsole |
| Last | Open |
| Heel cup | Light contour |
Should you buy the Teva Hurricane XLT2?
The Hurricane XLT2 is the trekking sandal most casual hikers default to, and after six months of rotation it is easy to see why. The polyester webbing dries fast, the EVA footbed is comfortable from the first wear, and the price is well below Chaco's flagship. The trade-offs: less arch support than a Chaco Z/Cloud, and the lugs are too shallow for serious trail miles. As a water-and-camp sandal, it is a strong value.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hurricane XLT2 worth $70 in 2026?+
For camp wear, water hikes, and casual trail miles up to 6 miles a day, yes. For long trail days or heavy backpacking, step up to a Chaco Z/Cloud.
Hurricane XLT2 vs Chaco Z/Cloud: which is better?+
The Chaco has noticeably better arch support and a longer-lasting polyurethane footbed. The Teva is lighter, dries faster, and saves $40. Pick by typical use.
How fast do they dry?+
After full submersion, the polyester webbing is dry within an hour of warm-weather walking. The EVA footbed dries in two to three hours.
Should I size up?+
True to size for most. Half-size up if you have high-volume feet or wear thick water socks.
Are these adequate for long trail miles?+
Up to about 6 miles a day on graded trail, yes. Beyond that the EVA footbed compresses and the shallow lugs limit traction. The Chaco Z/Cloud handles longer days better.
📅 Update log
- Apr 29, 2026Updated long-term durability notes after 6 months.
- Aug 22, 2025Initial review published.
Riley Cooper
Riley Cooper writes for The Tested Hub.