An Iconic Adventure Shoe Just Got a Sleek Makeover Thanks to a Cult-Favorite Japanese Label

Before Teva launched the Hurricane in the early ‘90s, wearing sandals on the trail was a hard sell. 

The Hurricane changed all that. It wasn’t the first sandal marketed for the outdoors but it was the first to perfectly balance ruggedness, protection and weight into a single design. However, as the category evolved, especially with the likes of the Keen Newport in 2003, our definition for adventure sandal also changed.

Earlier this year, Teva dropped its first Hurricane to compete with the likes of Keen. Along with the third-generation of the Hurricane, the XLT3, the California-based brand came out with a closed-toe version for the first time.

Teva

Landing its first-ever collaboration, the XLT3 Closed-Toe now gets a sleek new look that might even make you forget it’s designed for the trail to begin with.

Teva

In good physical stealth

For the task, Teva tapped N.Hoolywood, a Japanese menswear label that got its reputation by reworking American workwear and military styles as modern minimal pieces.

As part of its military-inspired Test Product Exchange Service (TPES) label, N.Hoolywood gave the XLT3 CT a stealthy all-black makeover, from the durable, quick-dry mesh upper to the rubber outsole.

Teva

Teva

The only break from that trend is the signature TPES mil-spec label on the inside of the foot and the Teva logo, which has migrated from the upper webbing to the end of the FuseLock closure strap. 

The Hurricane has never concerned itself with being a crossover shoe but this blacked-out iteration will surely find its way into urban environments. 

N.Hoolywood tends to opt for monochromatic palettes for its designs, but mostly for versatility and function. The label prides itself on minimal branding and ability to wear its pieces with just about anything. As such, you won’t find the brand’s name broadcasting itself on this collaboration either.

Teva

Hurricane hallmarks

For years, fans had been asking for a closed-toe Hurricane. Despite a plethora of options, purists felt the Hurricane perfected the outdoor sandal. And anyone who still wanted a fully open-toe design honestly couldn’t do much better. 

But now we finally have the Hurricane CT and Teva fans no longer have to look elsewhere to get more protection outdoors.

Teva

With the N.Hoolywood edition, you still get the hallmarks of the new closed-toe sandal, such as the longer heel, the bungee lacing system that’s reinforced with the Velcro-based FuseLock and the meticulously-designed cutouts for breathability and water drainage.

Availability and pricing

The N.Hoolywood Hurricane XLT3 Closed-Toe is already up for grabs on Teva’s Japanese site. Pricing sits at ¥ 25,300 (~$158), slightly higher than your standard XLT3 CT. This collaboration isn’t expected to last long, so you should act quickly if you’re eyeing a pair.

Teva

Teva x N.Hoolywood Hurricane XLT3 Closed-Toe

• $158 at Teva

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