Some of you have rafted, some have kayaked, more have camped, but I stake my reputation on the assumption that EVERYONE HAS TRIED TO DO SOMETHING IN THE DARK BEFORE. This is inherently not easy without a light because we humans lack the nocturnal-ness that characterizes animals prone to accomplishing things at night. This handicap is somewhat overcome by the invention of the Teva Illum sandal.
This is a sandal, or flippy-floppy as you my know it, so it is a warm weather tool, but what makes the Teva Illum different from other sandals is that there is a detachable LED “Pedlamp” located on the top of each foot. So, while indulging in sandal-appropriate activities like rafting and summer camping, the Teva Illum DOES come in handy. The lights are designed to shine in front of each foot far enough so that your walking path at night is illuminated, but they can be detached and held if need be. I have found this part to be crucial because in fact the lights as positioned on the feet are still angled mostly downward and normal walking is awkward. By being able to remove the lights though, the practical uses of this sandal become endless. Teva sums it up like this, “When not in use, the Pedlamp can be removed and attached to a keychain (which of course is included) enabling you to keep The Glow From Below™ close at hand – or foot.”
I use this product mainly while river rafting and it has been very helpful, not only while walking, but also as a handy and small light that is always near by. The lights are also fully waterproof and rather durable too. In the words of Teva, the Illum was conceived for “dawn patrol hikes to the surf or late night groover (portable camping toilet) trips around the riverbanks” among many other scenarios. I would sum up that the main impetus behind designing this shoe is late night trips to the groover, as it has served me well on many of these. Whatever the inspiration behind this product, however, $50 ($60 for leather) can buy you a pair and, for the most part, end mangled toes and sloppy midnight strolls around camp. Oh yeah, the sandal itself is also very comfortable and can stand up to harsh conditions as well. This means that even after the helpful lights vanish—crushed, lost, stolen, or mysteriously disappear—the sandal is still very much functional, comfortable and ready to endure many more adventures, in light or dark.
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-Charlie