Hockey Club

Why did I wait? (2008-04-07)
I've tried them all, everything the casual summer sandal world had to offer: Tevas, Keen, Reef, Birkenstock (let's get real about that one). Really, none of these products are fully comparable to any of the others, and Chacos too are different, but overall, the Chaco may be hard to beat.

A Vibram sole (that is replaceable), truly adjustable straps, and a solid and orthopedically supportive footbed, all make this a 'real shoe' while still offering up all of the advantages of comfort, water-ready, and being (and looking) cool.

Expensive, but a good investment. With a replaceable sole (about $20) and webbing, you are really investing in the footbed, and it could be a long term relationship. Jump in.

Chaco Z1 Sandals (2008-01-04)
The Chaco Zi is the best sandal made. It offers great comfort and support, as well as good looks. I wear them nearly year-round here in New Zealand for casual wear, fly fishing, and light tramping/hiking. I've tried other brands, but now that I've found the best, I stick to them. I own three pair, which indicates that "I put my money where my mouth is". If you haven't tried them, do so. You won't be disappointed.

F. De VoreChaco Men's Z1 Sandal

Completely in Love (2007-09-17)
I really love these shoes. I wear a 10.5 size shoe so i bought the 11 but i think i should have gone for the 10 because they are a little big but even being a bit big - I couldnt be much happier with this product!

My Favorite (2007-09-10)
I and many people I know wear their Chaco's all summer long, they are the best! If you wear the soles out after 5 years you can even send them back to the factory for a fresh sole...

Chacos are the best sandals. (2007-08-15)
After years with Tevas I have Chacos a try. I'm a true believer. Chacos rule for 3 reasons:

1) Amazing sculpted footbed. Chacos have real arch and heel support - probably the best of any shoe I own.

2) Awesome Vibram soles. The soles are tough as nails and truly trail grade - like a pair of top notch hiking boots. There are lots of sole options on Chacos - and all are excellent.

3) Superb strap arrangements. The lightweight easy to clean Chaco strap design is quick and easy to fit, superbly comfortable, and is the easiest to get into and out of of any sandal. There's no hardware (like Teva's plastic join rings). There is only one single cinch to tighten or loosen getting in and out. You initially adjust fit by pulling the straps tighter or looser through the rubber footbed. It's easy and once your done the straps stay put.

The whole thing is so lightweight and non-intrusive on your feet - almost like being barefoot - except for the amazing lug soles and superb supporting footbed. Highest recommendation.

Caveats? The aggressive diamond pattern on the footbed gives great grip - but it can hurt tenderfeet when the shoe is new (it wears down to comfort after a week or two). If it's hurts you too much you can sand it down a little.

The open toe design is superbly comfortably, but during vigorous hiking your toes can move around a bit. Chaco makes a model with an extra loop for the big toe for extra control - the Z2. If you want more control and can tolerate a strap around your big toe - then the Z2 is the one for you.
Also, the deeply sculpted foodbed design is not for folks EE or wider. I have E width and just barely work. Normal width is only width offered. I wear a 14 and am delighted they make up to size 14.

Follow-up (Sept. 2008):
I just got a new pair of Z1s with the Unaweep sole and the diamond pattern was less aggressive than on my previous pair. I was able to wear them comfortably from the first day. I just got back for a trip where I wore them daily and walked long distances and they were superbly comfortable the whole time. My old Chacos are going back for a resole (a factory offered $35 service). My love for these sandals is supreme. I recently wore my old Tevas and was surprised at how intrusive the straps felt by comparison and how low and flat and unsupportive the sole felt. Chacos are far far better and well worth the extra money.