Walk up the mountain with these sandals? No!
21.7.2026
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Siri Schubert
Sandals are as much a part of summer as ice cream and swimming in the lake. But can they also score points in trail running? I tested the Aventrail R2T from Teva for you.
Running in sandals on rocky paths and even gaining elevation? That sounds – well, let's say – unusual to me. Because toe protection, stability, and a good fit are essential characteristics for trail running shoes. And sandals are not exactly known for that.
I am all the more surprised when I spot the Aventrail R2T sandals at the Outdoor Business Days at Lake Garda. The sandals with thick cushioning and profiled soles are supposed to offer performance and an airy running feeling. I definitely want to find out if the concept works.
Comfortable and well-cushioned
The sandals feel comfortable when first put on. The heel is generously cushioned with 39.5 millimeters, and the forefoot still has 31 millimeters. In size 40, the women's model weighs 240 grams. That's very light for a trail shoe, but since there's no upper material, it doesn't surprise me either.
On the first leisurely steps, the open shoes feel good. I wouldn't have expected anything less from sandal expert Teva. After all, I've worn many different models in everyday life and have always been satisfied with the fit and walking feel. However, the Aventrail R2T run large. I chose the size I usually wear for trail running, but I could have definitely gone down half to one size.
They are, of course, also airy. Thanks to the straps with Velcro, they can be adjusted to my foot size, but whether the hold is sufficient remains to be seen in a practical test.
On dirt roads and easy trails
Now it's time for a jog: First, I run eight kilometers on gravel. An easy tour to get used to them. It's not enjoyable. Because the shoe starts to chafe and small stones and sand collect between the sole and my foot.
Overall, the shoe feels very soft; the nylon plate in the midsole does little to change that.
The geometry also leaves some of my wishes unfulfilled: The footbed is shaped in such a way that it gives me a small jolt under the arch of my foot with every impact. I have to adjust my running style, because landing on the midfoot doesn't work in these sandals.
There's another reason for this: I generally prefer a drop of six millimeters or less. The 8.5 millimeter difference between heel and forefoot in these sandals is definitely too much for me. Because instead of providing propulsion, the shoe gives me an uneven running feeling. This shoe seems to be optimized for heel striking.
I had hoped to be able to include the Teva sandals in my rotation as an airy alternative for easy runs, but after the first test, I have my doubts.
On more demanding trails
However, I don't want to give up after the first test. Perhaps the Aventrail sandals only reveal their strengths off-road. So I take them into steeper terrain.
But even here, they can't convince me. The hold is too loose for me. I've already tightened the straps as much as possible. If I try to tighten them even more, they open by themselves because the Velcro strip is too short to secure the straps in that position. And I naturally have wide feet. Tendency-wise, running shoes are usually too narrow rather than too wide for me. That's why it surprises me that I can't fix my feet better. Perhaps the problem would have been less severe if I had chosen the shoes one size smaller. But it certainly wouldn't have been completely resolved.
Since I don't have a firm grip, I run insecurely. The reduced ground feel due to the high cushioning further increases my insecurity. And the 3.5-millimeter lugs don't increase my confidence either.
Since I'm already nervous, I unconsciously lean back slightly when running downhill. This increases the risk of slipping and causes me to get caught on a root with my heel. I quickly regain my balance, but a real running pleasure no longer arises on the rest of the route.
Why sandals?
Ever since I first saw the shoes, I've been asking myself: What advantage do sandals offer for running? I know minimalist runners who swear by sandals with thin soles because they feel the ground better. That's not the case with the generously cushioned Aventrail R2T.
I had hoped that the sandals would feel light and airy. But I can't confirm that, at least when comparing them to new running shoe models with breathable upper material. In other words: When running in summer, my feet get hot anyway. The little bit of fabric doesn't make a big difference if I get good support, more safety, and protection from small stones and sand in return.
Soft walking in everyday life
If you like heavily cushioned shoes with a pronounced footbed, these shoes might be suitable as everyday sandals. I wore them on shorter walks, at the campsite, or on the way to the swimming pool. They reminded me of soft recovery sandals. However, they didn't completely convince me. Because even in this category – at least for my feet – there are more comfortable models, for example, the Blackroll Recovery Slopes.
In a nutshell
Chafing and a poor fit spoil the enjoyment of running
These sandals don’t really work for me on the trails. The grip doesn’t give me enough confidence on rough terrain, and sand, dirt and small stones rub against my skin. Overall, the feel of the sandals isn’t ideal for my running style (I’m a midfoot and forefoot runner). I’d therefore prefer to go back to closed-toe trail running shoes.
Pro
- good cushioning for walks
- suitable as a generously padded everyday sandal
Contra
- too loose a grip
- Sand and stones cause abrasion
- a lack of ground feel
- too much arch support for my feet
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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