In 1982, Grand Canyon river-guide Mark Thatcher had an idea. Spending his days leading hiking and boating expeditions, he was struck repeatedly how useless most shoes were in the outdoors. Athletic shoes became sodden and never dried; flip-flops were unstable and slid off the feet. Something different was required.

Thatcher created a piece of footwear so unique that it's registered as an invention. At first, his funny looking creations were sold only from the back of his car to river locals. But soon, thanks to water-proof rubber soles, excellent traction, and a unique four-point hook and loop fastening system, his 'Tevas' were selling like crazy. Professional river guides and outdoor enthusiasts loved them for practical reasons, and oddly, college kids found them irresistible. 'So ugly, they're cute' was a frequent descriptor.

Today, Teva sandals are among the most popular footwear for outdoor sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Tevas are now designed specifically for boaters, rafters, climbers, hikers, bikers, and even runners. Unlike regular sandals, Tevas' unique fastening system hugs the foot to the shoe, so the arch support is in constant contact with the instep. Flexible fasteners ensure fit is always perfect at both the ankle and across the bridge of the foot.

In addition to their extensive footwear line, Teva now makes outdoor apparel, headgear, sunglasses and more. As is appropriate for a company whose name means 'nature,' they practice responsible environmental policies in the manufacture of all their products. At Teva, they don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk--and they do so with their toes wriggling freely in the air.