Discover the details behind the new Geotrecca Low, a progressive hiking shoe that treads lighter with recycled materials.
Light enough for warm weather and waterproofed for muddy trails, the new Geotrecca Low is a versatile hiking shoe that delivers a smooth trip to the summit with unmatched comfort and exceptional stability. We caught up with Teva Footwear Designer Seth Gerke to hear how our newest hiker was consciously made with recycled materials and engineered for all-day comfort, wherever you wander.
Teva Footwear Designer Seth Gerke.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF! WHAT DO YOU DO AT TEVA AND HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND TIME OUTSIDE?
SETH GERKE: My name is Seth Gerke and I’m a footwear designer for Teva. I focus primarily on our outdoor performance styles, but all Teva designers do a bit of everything. I try to get outside at least once a day and usually spend that time skateboarding, playing basketball, running, or just going on long walks. And of course, hiking!
The Geotrecca Low hiking shoe is grounded in a grippy Spider Rubber outsole to take on the trail.
TAKE US TO THE BEGINNING: WHAT WERE SOME OF THE INSPIRATIONS FOR THE GEOTRECCA LOW DESIGN AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TEVA HIKING SHOES?
SETH GERKE: Our goal was to create a modern, trail-capable shoe that’s lighter and more stylish than traditional hiking products. We wanted to offer a hiking shoe that is true to our outdoor and performance roots, while also building off the fun we have in Original Sandals with shape and color.
Design sketches of the Geotrecca Low.
While building the Geotrecca Mid, I was hyper-focused on creating a design that felt unique to Teva, as a brand that was literally born in the Grand Canyon. I thought a lot about the interconnectivity of nature and asked, “How can we get literal in referencing organic forms?” One example is the arch in the midsole, which is meant to mimic topographical maps with ridges, valleys, and elevation lines. For some more abstract inspiration, the directional lugs and tread shapes on the outsole were inspired by off-road tires and freshwater snail tongues. You’d be surprised how similar these forms are! This theme is adapted to the Low version and fits the same DNA and protection into a more limited space.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO CREATE THE GEOTRECCA LOW? TAKE US THROUGH THE PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH.
SETH GERKE: The design process is only about a month or so. But the entire process all the way up to the shoe hitting the market is 12-14 months. Once we’ve reached the final design, our team will begin compiling materials to bring the shoe to life, which generally takes a few weeks. We have a huge library of recycled materials and responsibly sourced leathers to comb through, and we aim to achieve a fine balance of durability and sustainably-minded elements in each. The next steps are pretty drawn out over a few months: receiving samples, making changes, creating digital mockups, and then — finally — manufacturing.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SPECIAL DETAILS ON THE GEOTRECCA LOW AND WHY WERE THEY CREATED?
SETH GERKE: One of the most important features of the Geotrecca Low is the midsole and outsole comfort underfoot. Here, we’re using a new footbed foam that provides a higher level of cushioning than most hiking boots, while still maintaining the stability you need on uneven terrain.
An illustration of the sole design. The colors on the outsole mimic those in the accompanying 3D topo-map, starting from the base rubber shown in blue, up to the lug point of 6mm high.
The arch in the midsole was designed as a grip point for rounder surfaces one might pass on a trail, such as logs or smooth rocks. I designed the lugs on the sole of the shoe to be tiered in a way that allows the user to maximize the amount of ground contact they make with each step, which is vital for traction. We’ve also added a rocker shape on the heel to alleviate pressure absorption when going downhill and provide an easy stride. The outsole is also using our Spider Rubber for extra grip and is made with 30% recycled content. Lastly, it’s waterproof and super lightweight!
WHAT IS MOST SURPRISING ABOUT THE GEOTRECCA LOW?
SETH GERKE: The Geotrecca Low has incredible outdoor capability. Aesthetically, it may come off as a regular sneaker, but its place to shine is on the trail! We wanted to evolve our understanding of what it means to be a hiking boot. The Geotrecca is lighter weight and provides a more plush ride than most hikers are used to, but its primary purpose is getting you to the top of the mountain. It will absolutely do that.
WHAT MAKES THE GEOTRECCA LOW UNIQUE FROM OTHER HIKING SHOES?
SETH GERKE: The Geotrecca Low can go on any trail like a true technical hiker, with none of the discomfort and outdated materials and technology. A lot of traditional hiking boots tend to be functionally specific to their environment and aren’t really practical to wear elsewhere. I’ve run into this issue when trying to save space at the airport, but my feet ended up paying the price! The Geotrecca Low is up for taking you on a 14er (mountains that are 14,000 feet and up) and straight to the bar after. Walking 20 miles in NYC streets or two inches of mud on an Appalachian trail — your feet will be dry and ready for the next adventure.