This Is Why Tevas Are Essential For Summer

We so often get the terms "waterproof" and "water-resistant" screwed up. I mean, they do seem really similar (in the sense that they both, in some way, protect against water), but they definitely mean different things, so if you aren't sure if your Tevas are actually waterproof, here's what you need to know so that you don't do anything that could accidentally ruin them.

When it comes to sandals, you may be inclined to beat them up a little more than you would your other shoes (raises hand), and a common place to wear them is the beach or around water, so you might automatically assume sandals are waterproof — but Tevas aren't your basic plastic flip flop, so these require a little more care. So what's the deal? Are they actually waterproof, or are they just water-resistant? Go ahead and wear them without fear, because Tevas are totally waterproof.

According to the Tevas website, the shoes are waterproof rather than resistant, so not only are they comfortable, but they're also extremely durable. But if your mind is now wandering to your other shoes that are simply water-resistant, let me break down the the difference between the two terms.

Waterproof means just that — you can literally dunk them in water and they'll be just fine.

Water-resistant, on the other hand, means it can handle some water, like getting caught in the rain, but if you swim in them or dunk them in a bucket of water to clean them, they may not hold up, so you have to use more caution.

So the moral of the story: Tevas are awesome, and if you plan to spend a lot of time around the water, it's worth picking up a pair.

Teva Original, $50, Zappos

And because they're water-proof, you can totally clean them with water, so they'll stay in great condition a lot longer. Winning all around.

Images: @tevas/Instagram; Urban Outfitters