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Chaco Sandals Review: Are They Worth The Hype?

Last Updated: July 20, 2022

Although sandals come in many different styles, there aren’t many that can take on the rugged terrain of the outdoors. But this Chaco sandals review aims to bust those myths.

Crafted with the outdoors in mind, Chaco has developed one of the most reliable and durable sandals you’ll ever come across. Whether you like to be on the water, beach, or in the mountains, Chaco is sure to have something to take on the terrain like a pro.

Keep reading through this review to get all the insight you need on the company and their products.

And if you’re curious whether or not Chacos or Tevas are better, check out our Chaco vs Teva review here.

What is Chaco?

IG: @chacofootwear

Chaco is a company that was created in the late 80s, developing a multi-purpose sandal that can take on tough terrain and rushing waters. Better yet, they have a universal build, so you can leave them on when you go from water to land and vice versa.

The brand is well-known for their unique “Z” sandal, which received this title because of its Z-shaped toe loops that ensure your feet and toes stay secure. Their sandals come with a relatively similar design, yet they also boast unique characteristics specific to outdoor terrains.

Chaco Overview

Chaco truly raised the bar for the most efficient and durable sandal for the outdoors, but this hasn’t stopped the brand from innovating even further to keep their loyal customers happy. 

Aside from their unique sandal designs, they also offer a line of boots that are perfect for mountainous areas if you prefer a little more security.

The quality of their sandals is ultimately durable, but it’s understandable if they take on some wear and tear over the year with repeated use outdoors. That’s why Chaco also offers their own repair service so that you can enjoy your sandals for many more years down the road.

Chaco Sandals Review

Men’s Z/1 Classic Wide Width Review

4.5 stars based on 92 reviews

One of the brand’s top sellers, this sandal is ready to take on many different terrains. They’re crafted with their reliable Chacogrip, and they’re super adjustable to fit the contours of your particular foot structure. 

These sandals are also known for their level of comfort; you’ll never want to take them off.


Women’s Mega Z/Cloud Review

4.7 Stars based on 405 reviews

Made with their Chaco Cloud cushioning, these sandals will have you feeling like you’re walking on air.

The foot straps are durable and are crafted to take a beating, and the metal buckle ensures the sandals stay snug to your feet. This design comes with a dual-density LUVSEAT midsole that’s specifically designed for women.


Men’s Z/2 Classic Review

4.5 Stars based on 309 reviews

Offering a unique design with all the adjustments you might need, this sandal is an excellent choice for any man that likes to spend time outdoors.

You’ll be able to trek for miles comfortably without taking on wear and tear to your feet. These sandals will absorb all of the curvatures of the Earth, allowing you to keep pressing on.


Women’s Z/Cloud X Review

4.6 Stars based on 317 reviews

Offered in a decent range of colorways, this sandal is an excellent choice for women as you can opt for a medium or wide fit, depending on your needs.

For added security, the sandals come with an adjustable heel strap that’s made out of durable high-tensile webbing that’ll never slip with proper tension. Your greatest adventures await with this stylish yet durable pick.

Overall: ★★★★ 4 Stars

When you visit the Chaco website, you’ll want to dive in and buy right away. Customers rave about the durability and comfort of this hiking sandal.

Some say the quality has gone down in recent years, but most customers are still more than happy with their Chacos.

Pricing: ★★★★ 4 Stars

You may not break the bank buying a pair of Chacos sandals, but they can still get up there in price depending on which style you go with. You can easily find a pair of sandals on their site for as little as $24, but the sturdier designs will cost you up to $130.

Quality: ★★★★ 4 Stars

For many years, Chacos were made with undeniable craftsmanship and quality, and a vast majority of their customers were very satisfied. Unfortunately, in recent years, you’ll find comments from customers that complain about the drop in quality; as some have mentioned, the brand was bought out, and their manufacturing process isn’t as hands-on as it used to be. 

However, they are still fantastic quality, and Chacos offers repair services.

Shipping: ★★★★ 4 Stars

The shipping information on their website is pretty thorough, but unfortunately, some customers have had complaints about their orders taking 2-3 weeks to arrive

However, other retailers that sell Chacos will have their own shipping and return policies.

What Do Their Customers Have To Say?

After researching the company from multiple angles, a majority of customers seem to be pretty happy with their Chaco sandals. Still, there are also a few others who aren’t so happy. Nevertheless, below are some of the brand’s other highly rated products:

  • Customizable Men’s Z/2 Sandal: 4.6 out of 5 stars with 546 reviews
  • Women’s Borealis Ridge Waterproof Boots: 4.5 out of 5 stars with 52 reviews
  • Wrist Wrap: 4.7 out of 5 stars with 461 reviews

From a glance, it’s pretty clear which Chaco products are fan favorites, and the company boasts thousands of reviews. Below I’ve listed some of the most recurring comments from their customers over the years:

  • Built to last
  • Excellent functionality out in nature
  • Easily customizable
  • The Chacos sandal tech is excellent
  • Affordable for the quality

Chaco FAQ

Are Chaco sandals meant for long-term repeated use?

Most definitely, every facet of these sandals is designed to take on rugged terrains and active lifestyles. It’s vital to keep in mind that the more active you are, the faster your sandals will wear down.

Do they offer a warranty on their sandals?

Thankfully, if you happen to receive a pair of defective sandals, Chaco will repair or replace them free of charge. Before you take action on this warranty, make sure to review the warranty’s fine print at the bottom of their website.

Are Chaco sandals only available online?

Although most people order online based on their location, Chaco does have physical store locations as well if you prefer a hands-on look before you buy. You can visit their website and search by city or zip code to find out if there’s a Chaco store near you.

Return Policy

First and foremost, the company will deduct $5.00 from your refund to cover the return shipping label. Chaco accepts returns for unworn items within 30 days of your order’s shipping date

You can quickly initiate a return on their website, but you’ll want to remember that custom Chacos are not eligible for returns or exchanges.

To Wrap It Up

The Chaco brand has been a long-standing leader for the best outdoor sandals, and they still seem to hold up in terms of durability and comfort. Some customers have stated that the quality has gone downhill since they were bought out, but this isn’t to say they aren’t still a leader in their own right, as there aren’t many other sandals that can hold up to their ingenuity

This Chaco sandals review has all the comprehensive information you might need to make an informed purchase. Regardless of your outdoor preferences, they offer a vast selection of ready-to-wear sandals for men, women, and children.

Brands Like Chaco

Considering the brand has received mixed reviews over recent years, here are a few alternatives to check out:

1. Teva Sandals

2. Keen Footwear

3. Bedrock Sandals 

UP NEXT: Chaco VS Teva: Which Sandals are Superior? 

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