I’ll be honest: when the chunky sandal trend first hit, I was skeptical. But after a summer of seeing every other person on the Blue Line wearing some version of a platform sandal, I finally caved and bought the Teva Midform Infinity. And now I get it. This is not a trend piece. This is a review for anyone with a real body, a real commute, and a real need for shoes that don’t make you hate your feet by 5 PM. I’m a pear-shaped guy with a small frame, and I need a sandal that doesn’t make my legs look like tree trunks or slip off every time I walk. The Teva Midform Infinity does both of those things surprisingly well.
Why I Finally Bought Into the Chunky Sandal Trend
I don’t follow trends. I follow what works. And what works for me is a shoe that balances proportion. For someone with a pear shape (wider hips, narrower shoulders), a chunky sole adds visual weight to the lower half, but in a way that actually balances things out—if you pick the right one. The Teva Midform Infinity has a 1.5-inch platform that’s substantial without being cartoonish. It’s not a dad sandal, and it’s not a platform sneaker. It’s somewhere in the middle, and that Goldilocks zone is exactly where I need to be.
I’ve tried other chunky sandals—the Birkenstock Boston clog, the classic Teva Hurricane—but they either made me look wider than I am or didn’t offer enough support. The Midform Infinity strikes a balance: the straps are adjustable (two velcro points), so you can cinch them down if you have narrow feet or leave them looser if you don’t. For my small frame, I keep them snug, and they don’t slide around even when I’m walking to the train at 8:15 AM with coffee in hand.
The Fit: A Small Frame, Pear Shape Perspective
Let’s talk fit details. The Teva Midform Infinity comes in whole sizes only. I’m usually a 9 in sneakers, and the 9 fits me perfectly—room for toes, but not so much that my foot swims. The straps are made of a recycled polyester blend with a bit of stretch, so they mold to your foot over time. The sole is EVA foam, which means it’s lightweight and cushioned. I’ve worn these for 8-hour days at the office (standing desk included) and my feet didn’t complain.
The real test for a pear shape: does it make my legs look shorter? With the platform, it actually elongates the leg line, especially if you wear them with cropped pants or a midi skirt. I’ve paired them with wide-leg linen pants and a tucked-in tee, and the proportion works. The chunky sole doesn’t overwhelm my frame because it’s not too thick—just enough to lift the foot without exaggerating it.
Weather and Commute Test: Chicago Summer
Chicago summers are humid, unpredictable, and occasionally monsoon-like. I’ve worn these in 85°F heat, light rain, and even a quick dash through a puddle. The straps dry quickly, and the EVA sole doesn’t get slippery when wet. The platform keeps your foot elevated just enough that you’re not splashing through every puddle. They’re not waterproof in the way a rain boot is, but they handle typical summer weather without issue.
On the Blue Line commute, these are a godsend. They’re easy to slip on and off (if you’re the type to take your shoes off on the train—I’m not, but I see people doing it). The weight is minimal, so I don’t feel like I’m dragging bricks to work. And because they’re not made of leather, they don’t get that sweaty, sticky feeling by the end of the day.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
A few things that aren’t in the marketing: First, the break-in period is almost nonexistent. I wore them out of the box to the grocery store and had zero blisters. Second, the color options are limited. I got the “Turtle Dove” (a sort of gray-beige), which goes with everything. But if you want a bold color, you’re mostly looking at black, white, or a few muted earth tones. Third, they run slightly long. If you’re between sizes, go down. Fourth, the platform can feel a bit clunky if you’re not used to it—give yourself a day of walking to adjust your stride.
Also, these are not for long hikes. They’re for everyday urban wear—commutes, errands, casual dinners. If you need a trail sandal, get the Teva Hurricane. But for city life, the Midform Infinity is perfect.
Final Verdict: Worth It or Skip It?
At around $70, the Teva Midform Infinity is a solid investment if you’re looking for a sandal that blends comfort, style, and practicality. They’re not cheap, but they’re not designer either. For the price, you get a shoe that fits real bodies (pear-shaped, small frame, whatever you’ve got), handles real weather, and looks put-together without trying too hard. Comfort is not a compromise. It’s an attitude. And the Teva Midform Infinity lets me keep that attitude from the Blue Line platform to the office elevator.
**What I’m wearing this morning:** Teva Midform Infinity in Turtle Dove ($70), Uniqlo wide-leg linen pants ($40), COS linen tee ($35), and a Rains waterproof backpack ($120). Temp: 85°F and humid. Not bad for a Tuesday.
