Gear Review: Chaco Z2 Classic Sandals
Value Rating: 8.5
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 8.5
Location of Test: All over the globe
Duration of Test: 4 years
Product Name: Z2 Classic Sandals
Product Brand: Chaco
Best Use: Suitable for outdoor (hiking, water sports etc.) or indoor use
Sizes:
Chaco Z2 Classic Sandals come in black and eclipse, but other very similar Chaco classic sandals (Z1 for men and women and ZX1 & ZX2 for women) come in more colors and patterns, the only difference is the configuration of the straps. Available in women's sizes 7-10 and men's 9-12.
The Full Review:
After 4 years of shlepping these sandals across the earth, through snow, water, sand, pavement, and everything else imaginable, I think I can finally say these sandals are pretty dang awesome. I originally bought my Chaco Z2 Classic Sandals for the Camino de Santiago Frances, an ancient pilgrimage with routes all over Europe that all end in the city of Santiago de Compostela in Northwestern Spain. I had a main pair of hiking boots but bought these sandals to serve as an additional hiking footwear, as well as "around the town" shoes. I ended up doing a lot of my 550-mile hike in them due to the 104-degree heat, and then the next year wore them for at least half of the 420-mile Camino de Santiago Portuguese. After over 500 trail miles they were still performing like new and continue to serve as my hiking/day to day/water sport/ approach/overall sandals.
What I find so awesome about Chaco classic sandals is that as someone with a very high arch, I've been able to get much-needed arch support from a sandal. Due to the construction of a single strap weaving throughout the shoe, it also makes the shoe very customizable to your foot. I decided years ago that I didn't like using the toe loop on my Chacos, so I just adjusted the strap to be under my big toe and that way I don't even have to use it. And when I recently found myself freezing cold in the Himalayas with nothing but a pair of leather sandals and Chacos (don't ask me how I ended up so ill prepared) I was eternally grateful that I could adjust my Chaco sandals to accommodate 3 pairs of thick wool socks and prevent my feet from freezing. Adjustability means versatility, I've definitely found that to be true with my Chaco Z2 Classic Sandals.
The Good
I think my Chacos are going to outlive me. I have hiked and walked easily over 500 miles with them, and they look brand spanking new. I remember a friend of mine's mum coming to town and she wore Chacos that looked brand new, and low and behold they were over 25 years old and she wears them all the time. If that isn't durable I don't know what is. Another great thing about Chaco sandals is how much support you get. They're properly suited for long distance hiking, as well as so many other sports like whitewater rafting, unlike other sandals that are just too flimsy to do the job.
The Bad:
As awesome as Chacos are, I certainly have my qualms. Just like a hiking shoe, they require "breaking in" but not in the way you may think. Rather than breaking in the shoe, you're breaking in your feet: the textured sole of the shoes causes calluses to build on certain parts of your foot. It's not a painful process, it just means that the first few days you wear them your big toe is going to be a bit tender after taking them off. No pain no gain right?
One thing I also dislike about Chacos is that compared to other hiking sandals like Tevas, they're pretty bulky and take a bit of elbow grease to adjust. These are compromises you make for having a) great arch support and b) a sturdy strapping system, but downsides nonetheless.
If you don't like looking like a tourist when internationally traveling, do note that wearing Chacos screams "HELLO EVERYONE I AM AMERICAN" since they're only available in America. Then again, on my study abroad trip to India, only about 5 of the 23 American students DIDN'T have a pair of Chacos sandals so at that point it's just travel fashion I suppose.
Also, Chacos have a higher price point when compared to lower quality sandals. My pro tip to you: Chacos come through the Next Adventure Bargain Basement all the time so pop down there and see if we've got your size for a bargain price.
The Bottom Line:
Chacos Classic Sandals are awesome things to put on your feet, whether you're buying them for hiking, rafting, or just looking hip around town, you'll find that they are durable and will last you through just about any adventure. In the words of Logan "Chacos are an all season shoe if you're brave enough".
The Full Review:
After 4 years of shlepping these sandals across the earth, through snow, water, sand, pavement, and everything else imaginable, I think I can finally say these sandals are pretty dang awesome. I originally bought my Chaco Z2 Classic Sandals for the Camino de Santiago Frances, an ancient pilgrimage with routes all over Europe that all end in the city of Santiago de Compostela in Northwestern Spain. I had a main pair of hiking boots but bought these sandals to serve as an additional hiking footwear, as well as "around the town" shoes. I ended up doing a lot of my 550-mile hike in them due to the 104-degree heat, and then the next year wore them for at least half of the 420-mile Camino de Santiago Portuguese. After over 500 trail miles they were still performing like new and continue to serve as my hiking/day to day/water sport/ approach/overall sandals.
What I find so awesome about Chaco classic sandals is that as someone with a very high arch, I've been able to get much-needed arch support from a sandal. Due to the construction of a single strap weaving throughout the shoe, it also makes the shoe very customizable to your foot. I decided years ago that I didn't like using the toe loop on my Chacos, so I just adjusted the strap to be under my big toe and that way I don't even have to use it. And when I recently found myself freezing cold in the Himalayas with nothing but a pair of leather sandals and Chacos (don't ask me how I ended up so ill prepared) I was eternally grateful that I could adjust my Chaco sandals to accommodate 3 pairs of thick wool socks and prevent my feet from freezing. Adjustability means versatility, I've definitely found that to be true with my Chaco Z2 Classic Sandals.
The Good
I think my Chacos are going to outlive me. I have hiked and walked easily over 500 miles with them, and they look brand spanking new. I remember a friend of mine's mum coming to town and she wore Chacos that looked brand new, and low and behold they were over 25 years old and she wears them all the time. If that isn't durable I don't know what is. Another great thing about Chaco sandals is how much support you get. They're properly suited for long distance hiking, as well as so many other sports like whitewater rafting, unlike other sandals that are just too flimsy to do the job.
The Bad:
As awesome as Chacos are, I certainly have my qualms. Just like a hiking shoe, they require "breaking in" but not in the way you may think. Rather than breaking in the shoe, you're breaking in your feet: the textured sole of the shoes causes calluses to build on certain parts of your foot. It's not a painful process, it just means that the first few days you wear them your big toe is going to be a bit tender after taking them off. No pain no gain right?
One thing I also dislike about Chacos is that compared to other hiking sandals like Tevas, they're pretty bulky and take a bit of elbow grease to adjust. These are compromises you make for having a) great arch support and b) a sturdy strapping system, but downsides nonetheless.
If you don't like looking like a tourist when internationally traveling, do note that wearing Chacos screams "HELLO EVERYONE I AM AMERICAN" since they're only available in America. Then again, on my study abroad trip to India, only about 5 of the 23 American students DIDN'T have a pair of Chacos sandals so at that point it's just travel fashion I suppose.
Also, Chacos have a higher price point when compared to lower quality sandals. My pro tip to you: Chacos come through the Next Adventure Bargain Basement all the time so pop down there and see if we've got your size for a bargain price.
The Bottom Line:
Chacos Classic Sandals are awesome things to put on your feet, whether you're buying them for hiking, rafting, or just looking hip around town, you'll find that they are durable and will last you through just about any adventure. In the words of Logan "Chacos are an all season shoe if you're brave enough".