As spring finally melts into summer, it’s likely your itch for outdoor adventure is begging to be scratched. The warmer temps and humidity beckon us to come outside and cool off in the closest water we can find, be it a pond, river, stream, or sea. While we’re surfing and water skiing, paddle boarding and doggy-paddling, however, it’s important to take a beat to nourish nature’s waterways. Otherwise, the Great Outdoors might lose its greatness.
That’s the gist of the Teva x Parks Project Wild Rivers collab, which just hit virtual shelves yesterday, June 1. Inspired by the Colorado River—the lifeblood in crisis behind much of the West’s flora and fauna, not to mention, $1.4 trillion in economic activity in most of the western range of the United States—the capsule collection celebrates the river’s natural splendor and serves as a fashionable reminder to keep our waterways wild and clean. To encourage stewardship, both brands donated $30,000 to the Grand Canyon Conservancy which protects and preserves a part of this esteemed river.
“Teva is a brand whose values and love of the outdoors match ours, so we’re excited to partner with them to create an inspiring capsule collection that speaks to their heritage in one of America’s most amazing national parks, the Grand Canyon!” Keith Eshelman, co-founder and CEO of Parks Project, said in a press release. “We hope this collaboration inspires everyone to learn about the importance of habitat restoration in our parks, so we can all together leave it better than we found it.”
The 11-piece collection features graphic T-shirts, bike shorts, hats, a dry bag, and socks, all adorned in a cool, Mattise-looking watery graphic. But the stars of the Teva x Park’s Project collab are arguably the two limited-edition hiking sandals, Teva’s ridiculously durable, water-resistant Hurricane XLT2s. Available in an earthy brown or a bright, summery white (“afterglow”), both pairs sport the fun graphics on the straps and are bound to stand out in a sea of gray, run-of-the-mill water shoes.
Aside just being really freakin’ cute, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals are about as hardy as they come. Made with a comfy yet sturdy EVA footbed and a grippy rubber outsole, they’re perfect for navigating slippery, moss-covered river rocks, stepping over roots, and hanging onto your SUP when waves break. Like most Teva styles, they’re quick-drying, even when they get doused. That’s thanks to the pretty printed straps which are made from a material called Repreve, which is made from recycled polyester yarn. The velcro band makes kicking them on and off quick and easy, and if you’re worried about them getting smelly or mildewy from moisture, don’t—each shoe is treated with Life Natural, a peppermint-based antimicrobial that staves of bacteria from sweat, dirt, and more.
And they’re already selling out, alongside the rest of the capsule collection which is live on both sites. So go ahead and make a “splash” this summer with this water-ready gear. Just remember, when you do, leave it better than you found it.
More river-ready gear from the Teva x Park’s Project collab
Wild Rivers Tank — $34.00
Available sizes: XS-L (select sizes sold out)
As as light and cool as a mountain breeze, the Wild Rivers tank will be your BFF when temps start to soar. This boxy tank top is roomy enough to throw on over a bathing suit, sports bra, or… nothing at all. We won’t judge. It’s made from a heavyweight 100 percent cotton, so if you do decide to go commando underneath, you won’t have to worry about any unmentionables peeking through.
Wild Rivers Pocket Tee — $40.00
Available sizes: XS-XXL
If a T-shirt is more your style, add this pocket tee to your cart. The front is minimalist, plain with only a small graphic on the pocket. The back is where the magic happens, and is splashed with the larger “Keep Rivers Wild” illustration that stand out in blues, browns, and yellows against in the herbaceous green. Business in the front, party in the back.
Wild River Recycled Hiker Short — $60.00
Available sizes: XS-L (select sizes sold out)
Whether you’re trekking over hill and dale or just to the corner store for an afternoon snack, these bike shorts will keep you comfortable and looking stylish. From afar, the all-over graphic illustration kinda looks like camouflage, but look closer and you’ll see it’s actually the Colorado River design. And they’re so stretchy, made from a recycled polyester/spandex blend that’s fabulously flexible. Pair with the matching Wild Rivers Cropped Tank ($50) and you’re good to go.
Wild Rivers Rip Stop River Hat — $40.00
Arguably one of our favorite items from the collab, this sun hat is fashionable and functional. The minimalist graphic around the brim of the hat elevates any outdoor look, while the floppy brim protects your face and eyes from the sun. Don’t worry about it flying off with a gust of wind—the adjustable chin-strap will keep it in place, while the metal eyelets will cool you off.
Wild Rivers Long Sleeve UVB River Tee — $60.00
Available sizes: S-XXL (select sizes sold out)
Yes, this minimalist cotton long-sleeve will keep you warm when the sun goes down, but did you know that’ll it’ll also keep you protected when the sun is up? Turns out, that heavyweight cotton is also rated at UPF50, so your arms and chest will be protected from the sun’s rays while it’s on. That, and the simple, stand-out jacquard collar make adding one to your shopping cart a no-brainer.
Wild Rivers Hip Dry Bag — $65.00
Anyone who hikes, paddles, boats, or enjoys the beach knows the importance of keeping your stuff dry, which is exactly what this precious hip pack will do. This durable, waterproof bag can be submerged in up to three feet of water while still keeping your personal items dry and protected. Simply plop ’em in, roll the top down, and snap the buckles shut. Wear it on your hip while you’re wading or as a cross-body while you’re hiking.
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