Chacos

Josh Feltman · Jul 22, 2003

I picked up a pair of Chacos at the beginning of July. My Tevas died last year, and I needed a replacement. I chose the Chaco Z2 configuration with the terrano sole. So far I've been very happy with these sandals. The webbing strap that holds the sandal to your foot is one continuous piece of webbing, so adjusting the fit is a little funky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty straight forward. I like the fact that Chacos are held on by a buckle instead of velcro. I've had issues with the velcro in Tevas before, especially once they get wet. I was worried about comfort with the toe loop, but so far I haven't had any problems. I have noticed that the loop can tighten a bit by the end of the day, but it's easy to readjust it. The vibram soles have held up really well so far-- no visible wear at all, and the traction is great. These sandals are definitely built to last, and I love the fact that they can be resoled.

On the down side, Chacos are not as easy to slip on and off as Tevas. Maybe this will change as they break in a bit more, but I can't imagine ever being able to slip them on with ease. It takes a little wiggling to get my toe in and make sure all the straps are aligned properly.

Overall I've been very impressed with my Chacos so far. They are a bit more expensive than Tevas, but I think the added cost reflects a higher level of quality and increased functionality. I don't think I'll be switching back to Tevas anytime soon.
--Josh

JDMSMBACPA · Jul 22, 2003

I've got some Z1 Terrenos and I love them. I hiked out of Shi Shi beach with an 80 pound pack wearing mine (my wife was carrying the baby and I was carrying everything else for our family of five). It was probably foolish. I thought I'd just wear them up the beach and not out the steep or forrested part of the trail (most of which is an old road bed) but the molded polyurethane footbed is so supportive and the Vibram sole so grippy that I just kept going. All's well that ends well. They are also comfortable to run in. Once again, it shows you get what you pay for.

grnamin · Jul 23, 2003

IMHO, Chacos represent the best in simplicity of design. No Velcro to wear out and the company will resole 'em for you at about half the cost of a new pair. I've had a pair of Z1's since summer of 2001 and their great!

Nathan S · Jul 24, 2003

The Chaco design is excellent. The toe loop makes it a much more stable than other sport sandals. My only complaint is that my Chacos tend to rub the side of my foot down towards the heel. Aside from that, though, they're great.

Josh Feltman · Jul 28, 2003

Just thought I'd add something to my initial review of Chacos. I was looking at my chacos on Saturday morning, and I noticed a few tiny spots where the vibram sole wasn't properly glued to the upper. These small areas were about 1/2 inch long, and maybe 1/2-1 mm deep into the sandal. I emailed Chaco to see if this was normal or if it needed to be repaired/replaced. They mailed me back saying that it is indeed a manufacturing defect, and that the sandals should be repaired/replaced. They asked for a phone number, and within an hour, a representative from Chaco had called and discussed the problem with me. I told her I would ship the sandals back to them tomorrow, and then the representative told me she is going to send a new pair of Chacos out tomorrow so that I can have them in time for the weekend. I am simply blown away by this level of customer service. Buy Chacos with confidence; these folks stand behind their product 110%.

--Josh

samo · Jul 29, 2003

Been wearing my Z-1s since '95 and man! These sandals are awesome! Love the 'Colorado' soles but the 'Terrano' ones are even more awesome!! Chacos are into making boots right now!

Sam

Geoff in Philly · Jul 29, 2003

I really liked their build, but they didnt fit my feet, no matter how hard i tried to adjust them or what size I wore...I even took them home for 3 days...they are well built, sadly, not for me.

Jedi Knife · Jul 29, 2003

I bought my Chaco sandals a week before a beach trip a couple of years ago and was disappointed due to the strap being too long and dragging the ground when I tightened them. Sure the Chacos people adjusted them after I sent them all the way back to Colorado but I didn't have them when I needed them. When I got them back, the strap no longer dragged the ground, but , like someone mentioned earlier, they aren't really that easy to put on. Also, when wearing them in sand, the sand tends to get down under between the soles of the shoes, through the slot where the strap goes, and gives them a gritty feel putting them on or taking them off. I know it's possible to rinse them out but it's not necessarily convenient to do this every time you wear them in the sand.
On the plus side, they are very comfortable and they don't "stink up" like all the Tevas I have ever owned have a tendency to do.

JK

Josh Feltman · Jul 31, 2003

Update: contacted Chaco Monday morning, new sandals were on my feet today before 11:00am. Great service.
--Josh

mtnbkr · Jul 31, 2003

I love my Chacos. I have the Z1 Terranos. My only gripe is that they're a bit slower to get into than velcro'd sandals.

Chris