We’ve all been there. You just crushed twelve miles of rugged trail with a 35-pound pack, and your feet are screaming. You finally reach the clearing, drop your gear, and the first thing you want to do—besides inhale a dehydrated meal—is liberate your toes from those stiff, sweat-soaked hiking boots.
For years, I was the guy who just brought a pair of flip-flops. But then came the freezing mountain nights, the damp morning dew, and the inevitable "I-need-to-pee-at-3-AM" stumble over sharp gravel. Enter the Teva ReEmber. Often called a "sleeping bag for your feet," this shoe has gained a cult following among van-lifers, car campers, and weary hikers like myself. But is it just a glorified slipper, or can it actually handle the grit of the backcountry? After six months of thrashing these across the Pacific Northwest and the High Sierra, I’ve got the answers.
Quick Summary: Who is this for?
The Teva ReEmber is the ultimate "bridge" shoe. It’s for the camper who wants the coziness of an indoor slipper but needs the rugged outsole of a sneaker to survive a walk to the trailhead or a gravel-pit campsite. If you prioritize comfort and ease of use (hello, collapsible heel!) over ultralight specs, this is your new best friend.
Technical Specs & Sustainability Highlights
Teva has leaned heavily into the "Earth-friendly" ethos with the ReEmber, and as someone who spends 100 nights a year outside, I appreciate a brand that isn't just greenwashing. The construction is surprisingly robust for something that feels like a marshmallow.
| Feature | Specification | Material Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | 100% Recycled Ripstop | Durable, quilted, and adventure-ready |
| Midsole | 30% Recycled EVA | Lightweight cushioning for all-day wear |
| Outsole | 50% Recycled Rubber | Solid grip for camp terrain |
| Weight (Men's) | 1 lb 13.4 oz | Substantial enough for light errands |
| Weight (Women's) | 1 lb 5.2 oz | Noticeably lighter than many hiking shoes |
| MSRP | $90 | Great value for the durability provided |
One thing to note: these aren't your featherweight backpacking sandals. At nearly double the weight of the Teva Original Universal Sandal (10 oz), the ReEmber is a luxury item for the backcountry or a staple for car camping where weight isn't your primary concern.
Performance in the Elements: Warmth and Weather Resistance
The biggest question I get about these shoes is: "Marcus, are they actually going to keep my feet dry when the weather turns south?"
Direct Answer: Is the Teva ReEmber waterproof?
No, the Teva ReEmber is water-resistant, not waterproof. It features a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on the quilted ripstop upper. In my testing, it successfully kept my feet bone-dry during light rain showers and while walking through damp, dew-soaked grass for about one hour. However, if you step into a deep puddle or get caught in a downpour, the moisture will eventually seep through the stitching.
When it comes to warmth, the ReEmber punches way above its weight class. I’ve worn these on frosty mornings in Yosemite where the ground was crunchy with ice.
Direct Answer: Is the Teva ReEmber good for winter camping?
Yes! The combination of the puffy quilted upper and the soft, fleece-like microfiber lining provides impressive insulation. When paired with a quality pair of merino wool socks, I found my feet stayed comfortably warm in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They are essentially insulators for your feet, trapping heat much like a down jacket would.
Versatility in Design: The Collapsible Heel & Style
The "X-factor" of the ReEmber is the elastic collapsible heel. This design choice is a stroke of genius for anyone who spends time in and out of a tent or a van.
You can wear them as a full shoe when you need stability (say, carrying a heavy water jug or firewood), or you can simply step on the heel to turn them into a slide-on clog. This "slipper mode" is a game-changer for those middle-of-the-night bathroom runs when you don't want to fumble with laces or pull up a stubborn heel.
Aesthetically, Teva nailed the "retro-modern" vibe. Whether you go for the classic Black, the earthy Olive, or the trendy Cloud Cream, they look just as good at a local brewery as they do around a fire ring. They have that "puffy shoe" look that is currently dominating outdoor fashion, but with the technical chops to back it up.
Fit and Sizing Guide: Finding Your Perfect Match
Getting the sizing right on camp shoes is notoriously tricky. You want them loose enough for comfort but snug enough that you aren't sliding around like you're on skis.
Direct Answer: How does the Teva ReEmber fit?
The ReEmber features a wide toe box that allows your feet to splay naturally—perfect for recovery after a day in tight hiking boots. It also includes an adjustable top strap to help lock in the fit. However, Teva only offers whole sizes. If you wear a half-size or plan to wear thick winter socks, I strongly recommend sizing up. For example, if you're a 9.5, grab the 10.
I personally wear a size 11, and with a mid-weight hiking sock, the fit is "goldilocks"—just right. There's no pinch point at the bridge of the foot, which is a common complaint with other brand's slippers.
Field Testing: Traction and Durability
Don't let the "slipper" label fool you. The outsole is a legitimate 50% recycled rubber compound with a triangular tread pattern. During my field tests, I took these over slippery pine needles, loose gravel, and even some wet granite slabs.
Traction: For a camp shoe, the grip is stellar. You won't be summiting any peaks in these, but for navigating a treacherous path to the campground latrine or scrambling over a few logs to get a better view of the lake, they hold their own.
Durability: The ripstop upper is surprisingly tough. I’ve snagged mine on brambles and sharp rocks with no visible tearing. The only minor durability concern I’ve noted is some "pilling" on the internal fleece lining after heavy use and some slight softening of the collapsible heel over time. But overall, these are built to survive the dirt.
Comparison: Teva ReEmber vs. Competitors
How does the ReEmber stack up against the other big players in the "outdoor slipper" space?
- ReEmber vs. The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules: The North Face Mules are arguably warmer because they use synthetic insulation (ThermoBall) that mimics down. However, the ReEmber has a much more "shoe-like" feel and a superior outsole for walking on actual terrain. The North Face version feels more like an indoor slipper that can go outside, while the ReEmber feels like an outdoor shoe that happens to be comfy like a slipper.
- ReEmber vs. Teva Original Universal Sandals: This is a battle of weight vs. protection. The sandals are 10 oz and pack down to nothing, making them the choice for ultralight backpackers. The ReEmber is twice the weight but offers warmth, toe protection, and water resistance.
Marcus’s Take: If it’s high summer in the desert, take the sandals. If there’s even a hint of a chill or dampness in the air, the ReEmber wins every single time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultimate Versatility: Collapsible heel allows for shoe or slide-on mode.
- Eco-Conscious: High percentage of recycled materials in every component.
- Post-Hike Bliss: Wide toe box and EVA midsole provide excellent recovery comfort.
- Weather Ready: DWR coating handles morning dew and light rain with ease.
Cons:
- Weight: At nearly 2 lbs for the men’s set, they are a bit heavy for long-distance backpacking.
- Breathability: In temps above 70°F, your feet might start to sweat due to the insulation.
- No Half Sizes: Can make finding the "perfect" fit a bit of a gamble.
Final Verdict: Is the Teva ReEmber Worth It?
If you’re a car camper, a weekend warrior, or someone who lives for that "boots off" moment at the end of the day, the Teva ReEmber is absolutely worth the $90 investment. It solves the problem of cold toes, provides enough traction to be useful in the woods, and looks good enough to wear to the grocery store on your way home.
While ultralight backpackers might find them too bulky for a thru-hike, they have become a permanent fixture in my "adventure bin" for every truck-based expedition and quick overnight trip. They aren't just shoes; they are a reward for your hard work on the trail.
FAQ
Q: Can I wash the Teva ReEmber?
A: Yes, but don't toss them in the dryer. I recommend hand washing with mild soap and cold water, then letting them air dry away from direct heat to preserve the DWR coating and the rubber outsole.
Q: Are they good for people with wide feet?
A: Absolutely. One of the standout features of the ReEmber is the generous toe box. It’s one of the few outdoor shoes that doesn’t feel constricting after a long day of foot swelling.
Q: Do they have arch support?
A: They have moderate arch support thanks to the EVA midsole, but they are flatter than a traditional hiking boot. If you require high-profile orthopedic support, you may find them a bit "mushy" for long walks.
Have you tried the ReEmber on your latest trip? Drop a comment below and let me know how they handled the terrain! For more gear reviews and solo expedition tips, stay tuned to my latest updates.
