What Are Teva Sandals?
Teva sandals are a sport sandal initially designed for use during river rafting and other water sports. Other shoe companies have taken the sandal's basic design and marketed similar footwear for aquatic activities. Since the early 1980s, the Teva company has branched out from this one type of sandal into many forms of footwear.
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Sandal Design
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Teva sandals have a common basic design. The sole of the shoe is thick to protect the bottom of the foot from debris on the river bottom. The sole is also lightweight for ease of wear and comfort. The sole is made of buoyant material for ease of retrieval just in case the sandal comes off the foot. One strap goes across the top of the foot and another strap wraps around the ankle, securing the sandal to the foot.
Company Founder
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When Mark Thatcher worked as a river guide during the summer while attending Northern Arizona University, he quickly realized his choice of shoes for work was limited, and neither worked well. Flip flops fell off too easily and were too thin to protect the sole of the foot from river bottom hazards. Sneakers protected the feet better and didn't fall off easily, but were uncomfortable when wet. After several years working as an engineer, Thatcher was laid off in 1982 and returned to his river guide roots. At that time, he designed the first Teva model, calling the footwear "amphibious utility sandals."
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The Company
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Thatcher entered an agreement with Decker Outdoors Corporation to license and market Teva products in 1985. Teva experienced explosive growth and was awarded the title of 1992 "Footwear Company of the Year" by the trade publication Footwear News. In 2002 Decker bought out the entire brand from Mark Thatcher, giving it complete ownership. While still focusing on its original mission of providing shoes for water sports, Teva also supports waterway organizations through donations and sponsorship, including Waterkeepers Alliance and Conservation Alliance.
Additional Products
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In 1994 Teva expanded its product line beyond water sandals. It divides its products into two categories, shoes and sandals. Shoes are then divided into four subcategories: water, multi-sport, light hiking, and casual. Sandals are also divided into four subcatgories; flip flops, water, light hiking, and casual. As of 2011, Teva makes shoes and sandals for men, women, and children. Teva's children's division makes shoes for infants, toddlers and 'big kids,' as stated on its website.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
