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If you're a regular hiker, trail runner, or just a lover of all things gorpcore, there's a good chance you’ve pledged allegiance to the Teva Original Universal. Serving as the ultimate lifestyle and festival shoe, it's the direct descendant of the very first webbed sandal a Grand Canyon river guide dreamed up back in 1984. But recently, the brand with a cult-like following dropped something entirely different. The Hurricane Trailsetter is a rugged, low-profile hybrid sneaker that replaces classic straps with a secure, laceless fit and a cushioned midsole designed specifically for fast hiking.
On a recent trip with the brand, I put the promises of a shoe built for rugged terrain to the ultimate test on Zion’s West Rim Trail (home of the infamous Angel's Landing). Now, full disclosure, I stopped at Scout Lookout because I am indeed a chicken. But even if I lacked the nerve to tackle the spine-chilling chains to the actual summit of one of the scariest hikes in the U.S., the grueling, steep switchbacks up to the lookout gave these shoes a serious run for their money nonetheless.
Courtesy Image
Teva Hurricane Trailsetter Specs
While the Hurricane Trailsetter comes from the Hurricane line and is technically billed as a trail runner, its stability and high stack height make it an absolute workhorse for fast hiking, heavy backpacking, and summer travel. The real magic is underfoot, where Teva utilizes its HYPER-COMF midsole tech, which is a design that infuses supercritical foam into a durable EVA base. The result is a plush underfoot feel that does wonders for preventing foot fatigue on long day hikes or high-mileage trail runs.
Built with a maximalist 36.5 millimeter heel and a 30.5 millimeter forefoot, the Trailsetter packs impressive shock absorption under the hood. While I didn't feel like this extreme cushioning mattered quite as much for a shorter trek, it would be a major asset for a long-distance run or consistent, heavy use. Because you sit higher off the ground than in traditional hiking shoes, the harsh impacts of the trail feel much less noticeable. This generous stack height is balanced by a standard 6 mm drop, offering a stable sweet spot that saves your calves on steep inclines without sacrificing crucial trail agility. As someone who is always stopping to tie her shoes, I was also a massive fan of the quick-cinch, 100 percent recycled polyester toggle cord that lets you pull the shoe tight instantly.
Key Product Features
- Price: $135
- Weight: 10.1 oz
- Stack Height: 36.5mm heel / 30.5mm forefoot
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Best For: Trail running, fast hiking, and all-purpose trail use
My Impressions
As I was grinding up the West Rim Trail, which is a trek that features an elevation gain of roughly 1,100 feet and covers nearly four miles round-trip, the added foam felt incredibly comfortable throughout the entirety of the steep incline. The shoe worked beautifully at handling a mix of terrain, transitioning seamlessly from mud and loose rock to city pavement.
If there is one critique, the outsole did feel a little slippery on certain sections of the trail, given the fine, sandy nature of Zion's red rock sandstone. However, despite those minor traction issues on the loose sand, the overall comfort completely won me over. Plus, that easy-to-use lace toggle was a massive added bonus in my book, keeping me locked in and moving forward without the hassle of a consistently untied shoe.
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