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Chaco Z/2 Sandal

Men's Footwear > SandalsRated: ***** by 123 reviews. Also available for: Women

REI

Sporting a lightweight design and high-performance outsoles, Chaco Z/2 toe-thong sandals set a high standard of comfort.

  • Infinitely adjustable polyester strapping system uses pull-through design to give you a secure fit while avoiding the bulk of extra buckles and straps
  • Polyester webbing dries faster than nylon and maintains a consistent fit in all conditions
  • Lightweight polyurethane midsole/topsole units offer durable, dependable cushioning and support
  • BioCentric™ footbed design with molded arches offers extra support, reliable stability, pronation control and all-day comfort
  • Vibram® Unaweep outsoles combine the features of both the classic Chaco Colorado and Terreno outsoles into a versatile new hybrid
  • Non-marking rubber lugs are spaced for virtually self-cleaning performance; outsoles deliver dependable traction on land and submerged underwater
  • Sandal design can be resoled for a lasting relationship and easing of environmental stress
  • Toss into washing machine for easy cleaning or clean by hand with scrub brush, baking soda and water; avoid bleach
  • Proudly carries the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association

NRS.com

The Chaco Men's Z/2, with its easily adjusted pull-through strap system and wrap around toe loop, offers unbeatable forefoot control. The Unaweep soles give you traction that just won’t quit.

Features:

  • A continuous length of soft 3/4 inch polyester webbing gives easy, unlimited adjustment allowing a perfect fit for every foot.
  • A lightweight polyurethane foot bed makes this sandal as light as competitive products that are made with less durable EVA.
  • Chaco sandals have the Seal of Acceptance of the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting a high level of foot health.
  • Chaco's Vibram® Unaweep sole is aggressive and still virtually self-cleaning.
  • Chaco's unbeatable BioCentric™ foot bed design provides excellent all-day support and comfort. Two widths for even better fit.
  • The adjustable toe loop gives you an added measure of security.
  • These sandals are re-soleable. When you've worn out the tread, you haven't worn out the sandal.

Mountain Gear

Take your freedom-loving feet to the limit with Chaco's Z/2 sandals that provide you with increased lateral stability, aggressive arch support, a traction-finding sole, and forefoot support. Wear them on the river, on the trail, and around town - the fully adjustable, and continuous polyester webbing system allows you to dial in the perfect fit, while the beefy Vibram outsole provides traction and protection from protrusions on the ground.

Features:

  • Dial in the fit with the fully adjustable polyester webbing that runs continuously through the sandal
  • Don't fear taking your sandal off of the beaten path - thick Vibram Unaweep outsoles provide high surface contact and grip
  • Increase your forefoot support while getting increased stability with the wrap-around toe loop; keep your fit secure with the nylon tension lock buckle
  • Support your feet with the BioCentric footbed; aggressive arch support allows for a natural stride

Zappos.com

Adjustable toe loop adds an extra measure of security.
Soft polyester webbing dries faster than nylon and maintains a consistent fit in all conditions.
New lighter PU formulation makes this sandal as light as competitive products made with less durable EVA.
Sculpted heel riser provides foot stability and greater heel-side comfort.
Chaco BioCentric footbed, in two widths, provides all-day comfort and controls pronation.
Chaco's taken the most intelligent features from their Colorado and Terreno soles and built them into the new Unaweep hybrid. Lug pattern and spacing make this sole virtually self-cleaning, and with Vibram durability, the Unaweep is ready for the trail; sand, stone, or submerged.
BioCentric footbed:
Aggressive arch support controls pronation.
Sculpted heel cup centers the foot's natural shock absorbing pad under the heel bone.
Heel riser increases lateral stability.
Multiple widths ensure a proper fit.
Q7.00 oz.


Altrec

The slightly young brother of the Z/1, the Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandals for Men have a put priority on forefoot control. With a wrap-around toe loop, the Z/2 Sandal is the ideal choice for more demanding adventures; durable, supportive and comfortable. Built with soft polyester webbing, the Z/2 is fully adjustable, ensuring the perfect fit and the BioCentric® footbed supports your arch in and out of the water. The Virbram® Unaweep Outsole provides excellent traction, slip- resistance and thanks to angled lugs, is virtually self cleaning. So whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a first time paddler, the Z/2® will meet your needs and outperform your expectations.

Features:

  • Adjustable pull-through straps with single buckle
  • BioCentric™ footbed
  • Non-marking, slip-resistant, and self-cleaning
  • Soft polyester webbing upper is water friendly and quick drying
  • Vibram Unaweep Outsole
  • Wrap-around toe loop

Backcountry.com

The Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Men's Sandal is perhaps the most secure sandal on the planet. Its Unaweep outsole is 20% lighter than Chaco's previous sandals, and it's ideal for activities that demand solid footing in or out of water. The Z/2 sandal's strap configuration offers an adjustable toe loop that adds a measure of security to your foot, making them incredibly stable. Whether you're a river rat who needs a super grippy sandal or you just want a sturdy, great-looking pair of sandals that will last ages, the Chaco Z/2 Unaweeps will last for years.


Rock/Creek Outfitters (Spring 2009)

Buy any Chaco Sandal and get your choice of a FREE Chaco Belt! Click for more details!

Features:

  • All Chaco products can be re-soled, guaranteeing a long-term relationship and easing enviromental stress
  • Anatomic strap placement cradles the foot at the first and fifth metatarsal bones for biomechanical comfort
  • Chaco original pull through strap system provides complete adjustability, while eliminating the bulk and stiffness of overlapping VELCRO® brand
  • Made in the USA
  • New lighter Polyurethane formulation makes this sandal nearly as light as competitive products made with less durable EVA
  • Unaweep sole

SummitHut.com

The Z/2 from Chaco offers an additional level of security and control with an adjustable wrap-around toe loop. The easily adjusted pull-through design is made with soft, quick drying nylon, making it the comfortable choice for demanding endeavors.

Features:

  • Anatomic strap placement cradles the foot
  • Chaco BioCentric footbed provides all-day comfort and controls pronation
  • Continuous pull-through straps offer a more secure fit
  • Non-marking sole
  • Sculpted heel riser provides foot stability and greater heel-side comfort
  • Unaweep Sole is surprisingly light, gives excellent slip resistance and traction

USOutdoor.com

With a focus on forefoot control, the Z/2® features a wrap-around toe loop that keeps your feet locked to the footbed. Chaco's easily adjusted pull-through strap system features soft polyester webbing that dries fast and maintains a consistent fit, making the Z/2® an ideal choice for the most demanding endeavors.

Features:

  • Easily adjustable pull-through strap system
  • Soft polyester webbing
  • Unaweep sole
  • Wrap-around toe loop

TetonVillageSports.com

Chaco Sandal Adjustment Video


Chaco Z2 Sandal Fit Video

With a focus on forefoot control, the Z/2 features a wrap-around toe loop that keeps your feet locked to the footbed. Our easily adjusted pull-through strap system features soft polyester webbing that dries fast and maintains a consistent fit, making the


Oregon Mountain Community

The Chaco Z/2 Sandal with Unaweep Sole has been a staple among raft guides for years. The Z/2 offers a stable foot platform, straps, including a toe strap, that hold your feet in even the slipperiest environment. The new Unaweep Sole took is lighter, and grippier than their previous soles.


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Adjustability:Adjustable strap (instructions included on box)
Adjustment:Continuous pull through strap
Average weight:32 ounces
Average weight - metric:0.91 kilogram
Closure style:Adjustable Buckle
Country of Origin:China
Cut:Low
Gender:Men's
Material:Polyurethane, rubber, nylon
Materials:Polyester webbing
Midsole:Polyurethane
Outsole:Vibram rubber
Recommended Use:Casual, fly fishing, river wading, camping, hiking
SKU:J100025 J100087 J100123 J100435
Sole:Unaweep Vibram® non-marking
Strap material:3/4 inch polyester webbing
Style:Sport
Topsole:Polyurethane
Upper:Polyester webbing
Warranty:Lifetime (manufacturer defect)
Waterproof:Not applicable

View other products from Chaco classified in Men's Footwear > Sandals.

View all products from Chaco.
View other products classified in Men's Footwear > Sandals.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Chaco ZX/2 UnaweepChaco ZX/2 Unaweep$56.95 - $95.00
Chaco Z/1 SandalChaco Z/1 Sandal$56.97 - $95.00

Sometimes brands make complementary products for the opposite gender that coordinate with this product, we also try to show these products below.

Chaco Z/2 SandalChaco Z/2 Sandal - Women's$59.99 - $99.00
Chaco Z/2 Unaweep WideChaco Z/2 Unaweep Wide - Women's$95.00
Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Performance Sandal + Free BeltChaco Z/2 Unaweep Performance Sandal + Free Belt - Women's$54.95
Chaco Z/1 SandalChaco Z/1 Sandal - Women's$56.97 - $99.00

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Nikwax Cleaning GelNikwax Cleaning Gel
Hiking & Camping > Water Proofing
$8.15 - $22.00
Chaco Z/1 SandalChaco Z/1 Sandal
Men's Footwear > Sandals
$56.97 - $95.00
silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
View other top products in this category...

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

This product offers different widths, to click to display them.

SizeColor
Singletrack
Singletrack
Cactus
Cactus
Horizon Rust
Horizon Rust
Blue Steel
Blue Steel
Single Track
Single Track
Bachelor Green
Bachelor Green
Black
Black
Bluesteel
Bluesteel
Hrzn Rust WidePinonPowersuit
7 99.0099.0095.0099.0099.00 94.95 64.9385.453 More...79.9999.0099.0095.00  
7 Wide54.95          
7 Med54.95     54.95    
7.5      62.00   62.00
8w       71.25   
8 Med54.95    54.9554.95    
865.9571.2565.9571.253 More...64.9375.964 More...94.9594.95 62.0083.505 More...62.0071.253 More...95.00 62.00
8 Wide54.95     54.9564.93    
8.5      62.00   62.00
9 Med54.95    54.9554.95    
9w71.25          
9 Wide54.95    54.9554.95    
9 71.2575.963 More...75.9695.002 More...83.5094.95 62.0065.955 More...62.0065.954 More...95.00 62.00
9.5      62.00   62.00
10w71.25          
10 Med54.95    54.9554.95    
10 Wide54.95    54.9554.95    
10 99.0099.0095.0099.0099.0062.0083.5094.95 62.0065.956 More...75.9699.0099.0095.00 62.00
10.5      62.00   62.00
11.0 Wide      85.45    
11 65.9575.963 More...95.0099.0099.0062.0083.5094.95 62.0065.956 More...65.9575.962 More...95.00 62.00
11w71.25      71.25   
11 Med54.95    54.9554.95    
11 Wide54.95    54.9554.95    
11.5      62.00   62.00
12 Med54.95    54.9554.95    
12 Wide     54.95     
12.0 Wide      85.45    
12 65.9575.963 More...95.0099.0099.0062.0083.5094.95 62.0083.505 More...65.9571.253 More...95.0062.0062.00
12w       71.25   
1365.9565.9599.0099.0075.9695.002 More...83.5094.95 62.0062.006 More...62.0075.962 More...  62.00
13 Med54.95    54.9554.95    
14 Med54.95     54.95    
1464.9365.9565.9575.962 More...95.0099.0099.0094.9594.95 64.9365.954 More...99.0099.00   
1564.9399.0099.0064.9395.002 More...64.9394.95 65.9595.002 More...99.0099.00   
15 Med54.95     54.95    

Legend

  •     - TetonVillageSports.com
  •     - Moosejaw
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - Oregon Mountain Community
  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - Rock/Creek Outfitters (Spring 2009)
  •     - SummitHut.com
  •     - USOutdoor.com
  •     - NRS.com
  •     - Zappos.com
  •     - REI
  •     - Altrec

Chaco Z/2 Sandal Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****100
****14
***2
**3
*4
To see how this product compares to others view Men's Sandal Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

I wear 'em all the time!

Rating:****
I love my chacos. They are wonderful shoes and I wear them all the time. I'm a guy and was never really into shoes.. but once I discovered hiking footwear such as chacos, I became an instant shoe lover.

Alright so, I use mine when hiking, wading in the water, walking around town, jumping off waterfalls, squishing through the mud, traveling, and so on. Whenever and wherever I can wear my chacos, I will.

It's so nice having my feet exposed to the air, free to breathe. It feels so natural and I feel much more connected with my environment.

I do a lot of waterhikes and Keens seem to be more popular than chacos, but keens seem to be marketed more specifically towards watershoes while chacos are more all-around walking shoes. People have even hiked the AT in chacos. I often bring up that fact when people are surprised to see me hiking in chacos.

I can jog or even run if I need to in chacos, but I wouldn't consider them running shoes. It's good to know that you can run if you need to in these.

When swimming I've found chacos to work better than sneaker-based watershoes. The big footbed works better as a flipper than contoured shoes, though I prefer barefeet over chacos.

I get better traction in chacos than I do in barefeet. The only things I've found that I don't get traction on are steeply sloped wet rocks, or those really slippery slime-covered rocks you find in the water. The traction overall is excellent and I trust my life to these shoes. With a lot of the things I do, I basically have to.

I'd love to give these shoes 5 stars, but there are some limits that it's helpful to be aware of. They're not showstoppers, but simply good things to be conscious of.

Boulder hopping feels good in chacos, but when crossing rugged boulder fields, I prefer my trailrunners or real hiking boots. It's not just about the ankle support, but also the tighter grip around my foot. For hiking I haven't found the lack of ankle support to be an issue. Your ankles will strengthen so you'll be alright. Poles help too of course, especially when on rugged terrain or when wearing a heavy pack.

Foot/toe protection may occasionally be an issue and it's something people often inquire about. Sometimes you'll have a stick poke your foot and get lodged in between your foot and the sandal, sticking out of it like a funky appendage. I rarely encounter problems with exposed toes, but it does happen. A summer of hiking several times a week and I only ran into chipped toe nails twice, and this was during a swim in somewhat rocky water. Sometimes when walking you may accidentally kick a boulder where a higher part sticks out more so that your toe bumper goes underneath it and it's your toes that make impact. The vast majority of the time, however, the front of the sole acts as a bumper, effectively protecting your foot. I normally wear a size 9 shoe. Size 8 was a bit too tight but size 9 works if I cinch the straps down all the way. You'll notice the extended toe bumper this larger sole offers me in the pics. Having the straps cinched down all the way means that I often have a long excess strap hanging off the side of the shoe which hasn't really ever been an issue for anything other than looks.

The straps definitely do chafe. This doesn't happen to everyone, but for me this is probably the biggest issue. I get hotspots after about 5 miles of hiking which soon turn into blisters if I don't take care of them. If I hike through water, hot spots will start making themselves known within 2 miles max. If your straps chafe, get some body glide. I don't hike in chacos without it anymore.

Dirt sometimes gets into the footbed where the straps slink in and cleaning the inside of them can be somewhat of an issue, leaving this gritty sensation when trying to adjust the strap length.

Pebbles sometimes may get caught between your foot and the footbed, but cleaning them out isn't too difficult. You can often shake them out, but sometimes you may need to loosen the straps and do some work to free those pebbles.

The toe strap sometimes gets annoyingly tight and I have to go in and adjust the strap length. This isn't just when the feet swell during a hike either. It can even happen the next time I put on the sandal, oddly enough.

I do like having the toe strap though. It helps keeps the sole very well attached to my foot. The only time my foot comes out is when I'm kicking hard when swimming in the water. Otherwise it does a good job.

You can hike without a single worry about mud or puddles. In fact, you may find yourself going out of your way to step in puddles, play in the water, or squish through the mud. While your shoe-wearing buddies will be doing their best to find dry boulders and delicately walk across a river to keep their feet dry, you'll be thoroughly enjoying yourself by walking straight into the water without hesitation. It makes life so easy. Just beware of others getting jealous of how much fun you're having... :p I've found that since I can walk right into the water, I can be of assistance to those who are trying to cross along the boulders.

So yeah, they're excellent shoes. I really love mine. I assume that wherever I go, it's likely that I'll be getting wet or want to go hiking. Whether it starts raining, I see a nice little dirt path I can take instead of a paved sidewalk, or I feel like spontaneously heading over to a local park, it's great knowing that my casual everyday shoe is also a hiking shoe and I can do whatever I want without worry about changing or keeping an extra pair of shoes with me.

They're useful, multi-purpose, comfortable, give you an awesome chaco tan (way better than the keens tiger tan or pale foot sneaker tan IMHO), attractive, and just all around awesome shoes.

While it will take some time for you to break in the shoes, particularly the footbed, get yourself a pair, walk in them for a while, then take them out with you on a hike. They're excellent shoes. :)
Ariel B at REI on 08/31/2009

love at first sight

Rating:****
When i first saw these they reminded me of tarahumara (indian nation) sandals, because of the toe strap. So i reckoned they would be good for running because the toe strap keeps the front of the sandal close to the foot and doesn't "flap". When i jogged in them the straps became tighter fitting. I wonder if i had the right size, even though they were great to me... I got basic black and found them to be very good looking. I had them for two years or more and the bottom were barely beginning to wear thin. I love the vibram bottom because they are as sturdy as a boot and the sole's lugs grip as well as a boot! Outstanding in rivers! Caveat...after more than two years the straps were very slightly frayed and in the river beside the city of Sedona, AZ, the smooth, fine, mud swallowed my feet up to my shins and ripped the straps off of one of the sandals. I was bummed about it. So if you are in sticky mud pull your feet up and out gracefully and tenderly. Cause these sandals deserve that much care as rugged and faithful as they can be, aye. They are great even when swimming. And like many sandals will not be pulled off by water currents or ocean waves. It is unfortunate that they always made my big toe sore, again, i wonder if i chose the right size or what. I hate to gross anyone out but after awhile the skin cells and funk get into the holes where the strap goes into the soles and collects to a nasty degree. When cleaning them i had to move the straps back and forth through the holes to get out the entire funk. oh yeah, tiny rocks and sand will get stuck in those areas, too. ...peace out.
chabochi1 at REI on 08/23/2008

Loving My New Chaco Z/2 Sandals!

Rating:*****

In the past, I have hiked all over the mountains and trails of Rio de Janeiro in nothing more than Havaianas Trekker flip flops because shoes are uncomfortable for me after a while. The Havaianas were great but lets face it; they have no tread and are not designed for hiking. I am getting ready to return to Rio for more hiking adventures and a few month ago I decided to search for a better option. Three pairs of so called "hiking sandals" later, I was no closer to a solution. I only had two chafed and blistered feet and an empty wallet to show for my efforts. And, I was only WALKING in them. I googled "hiking sandals" and found Chacos. I realize from reading reviews that not everyone is going to have the same experience because everyone's physiology is different. I am VERY glad that I gave them a shot! I have had them a month and have walked many miles in them and can't wait to get them in the mountains. They are supremely comfortable and actually seem to correct a pronation problem I have with my left foot. The straps are infinitely adjustable and do not chafe my feet. Not a blister in sight. I also love the way they look and am currently bidding on a second pair. Like I said; I know not everyone is going to have the same experience but they have worked out very well for me. I couldn't be more pleased!

Roach at Backcountry.com on 09/26/2009

Solid

Rating:*****

I've had the version without the toe strap for a couple years and they have been really great. The outsole hardly shows any wear at all. I recently got a pair of the Z/2s which are now made in china. The quality seems to be just as good as my old pair made in the USA, and I am very happy with them. So, if you're worried about the quality of the product now that they're made in China, don't let that stop you from trying them (there's still the same warranty). If you're more worried about the fact that they're made in china...do what you want I guess. These sandals are way more hardcore than other outdoor sandals like tevas. They're super comfortable. The footbed feels like it was actually based off the shape of a foot (more so than birkenstocks in which the support is too exaggerated for me). Also they're far more socially acceptable than keens, which are real ugly. Really great product. As far as the toe thing, if you like flip flops you'll probably be comfortable with it. However, I generally use the z/2s for more serious hiking, and the z/1s for general comfort and larking about.

la puma de las olas at Backcountry.com on 05/27/2009
Rating:*****
I have had Tevas for years, but the foot doctor recommended Chaco for better support. The wide width is still not quite wide enough, but it works. The main problem I have had is that the straps get tighter as I walk. It has become less noticeable as they have broken in more. I did not see any other reviews that mentioned this when I was shopping, so I don't know if it is a common problem. I also figured out that you can lay the toe part down flat by pulling the strap through all the way. This gives you the Z/1 sandal as well as the Z/2. This seemed to help the problem as well and gave my toe a break. I like how firmly the foot is held in these compared to my previous brand, and the toe strap is the key to it. It does take some getting used to. I plan to have these for many years to come as they seem to be very well made.
Anonymous at Zappos.com on 06/24/2008

by far the best shoe ever!!!!

Rating:*****

so i had a pair of z/2's for a year or so and the strap broke off at the outside heel connection/mount to the sole...bummer. called up chaco and they replaced them for free! great customer service. i got a sweet deal on here for some zong's (z/2's without the backstrap) and i love those for casual mainly but would trust them on a light trail hike any day of the week. about a month ago i got an even better deal for some zx/1's and havent taken them off of my feet since. everyday i have an internal struggle as to which pair i want to wear that day. my favorite pair that i have are my z/2's because that is what my foot is used to the most (the toe strap is so amazing, your foot is so secure its incredible). if i could wear these to work, i wouldnt hesitate for a second and i would literally never be seen without a pair on...even in the winter.

smartwoolfanatic at Backcountry.com on 12/14/2007

Great Sandals

Rating:*****

I am very happy with these Z2 sandals, and I got them from B. C. at a bargain price too! I REALLY like the molded footbed/arch support, which feels great on my feet. It took about a week for my feet and the sandals to get used to each other, break in a bit and get the tension adjusted right. Now they are perfect. The toe strap is very secure and I like the stability it provides, and it's not uncomfortable at all with the strap tension adjusted correctly. I have been a long time Keen H2 user, which I still prefer for activities where I need lots of toe protection. BUT, they do get stinky on occasion, which does not appear to be an issue with my Z2's, which dry quickly after you rinse them out when they get dirty. I am very satisfied with these Chacos.

owl3187465 at Backcountry.com on 08/29/2009

A continuation of my legs

Rating:*****
These sandals have basically been a continuation of my feet for years. I bought one pair back in 03 and just traded them back in for a new pair because the sole was just beginning to delaminate in a small spot [...]. These sandals are amazing. You literally can were them anywhere, you can even where them with socks, and its cool (much to my wifes embarassment). They are supportive (I have a bad back) comfortable, verstile, can be abused, don't give blisters, and should be owned by anyone. A little tip for you: take a 5 gallon bucket of water with some dish soap in it, put your sandals in it over night footbed down and by morning the stink will be gone and your sandals will smell like new (nothing). Let you feet enjoy CHACO bliss.
speck at REI on 05/10/2008

Killer sandals

Rating:*****

I have owned two pair of these for probably 5-7 years, and there's really not much to say that hasn't already been said. The footbed is very comfortable, and they do provide good arch support. The toe-loop seems a little funky, until you're crossing an incline and you realize just how much lateral support it provides. They do well in and out of the water, and are very sturdy. Hiking in them is not a problem, unless there's a lot of mud or rocks/scree. They are good for wading in rivers, although (like most sandals) they don't have great traction on submerged mossy rocks. My experience is that they fit true-to-size. If you are a die-hard sandal aficionado, you likely already have a pair of these. If you don't, I'd recommend that you give them a try.

RockyMtnHigh at Backcountry.com on 04/17/2009
Rating:*****
Love my Chacos! This is my third pair of Chaco sandals. While I would have simply sent in my last pair to be resoled, the newest iteration is quite a bit lighter than the older ones, which is a great advantage if you'll be doing a lot of walking in these sandals. I love them. They are extremely versatile: I have run in them, swam in them, played sports in them, hiked to Machu Picchu in them, and danced the night away in them. I'll always have at least one pair on hand. The only odd part I have found is that I couldn't fit into my normal chaco size (12). I had to go up one size in this new one...don't know if the sizing is slightly different or if my feet have grown.
Chris J at Zappos.com on 03/05/2009

Negative Reviews:

Enter the China Chaco-fulla-crap

Rating:*

To start it off, Chaco, after years of being applauded for it's "made in America" ethics, has totally sold out. Literally.

Enter.. The China Chaco:

Here's the stated
"Recommended Use" Casual, fly fishing, river wading, camping, hiking.

If you want to be able to do all those, buy these:
The North Face Padda Amphibious Shoe

They do everything these "hiking sandals" are said to do, and suffer none of the draw backs.

Did I mention they are $20 cheaper?

Here's the list of drawbacks for me: Uncomfortable (for me), abnormally heavy for sandals, weak traction when wet (abnormal for Vibram soles), Insane adjustment method,Float on the adjustment straps lets them slide out out of set position. Rubber diamond plate like foot bed irritates the crap out of my feet.

Like other "Hiking sandals" your feet will from time to time take rocks and sticks as if you were barefoot (Stubbed toes etc)I gave these things two weeks to break in, and on a 2 mile hike 1 and 1/2 miles in opted to go barefoot and risk poison ivy etc rather than wear them, due to blisters.

The bottom line is, I would never wear these things if I kept them around so I contacted Backcountry. They are taking them back without the tags or the box for and are refunding me in full. Now that's freaking service. For years I heard how great these sandal were, and how i should support a brand that creates a great product in a great country..

I wonder if my Chaco's would have lived up to their reputation if they were still made with love in the US OF A.

Bimbrie at Backcountry.com on 08/04/2009

Chaco Moving to Michigan and China

Rating:**

This is from an employee when I wrote Chaco.

Dear Chris,
Last summer Chaco laid off the entire production crew and farmed out the last of our American made products to China. Over 100 people lost their jobs. On May 29 the rest of us will be laid off. Chaco has sold to Wolverine Worldwide.

Nobody here was thrilled about moving to China.
Nobody here was thrilled about Wolverine buying us. The man quoted in the article, Ed Wieland was let go since those articles were written. So now we are all being let go to join the swelling ranks of the unemployed.

It seems as soon as we outsourced we went down the tubes.
Wolverine will keep the Chaco label but the product will be made in China.
Chaco will no longer be in Colorado but in Michigan.
Thank you for your e-mail.
Joe

Joe Kaputa
Chaco,Inc./ ULU Boot
S9955 Hayden Road
Paonia, CO 81428
970-248-5861
kaputa@chacousa.com

ckostas at Backcountry.com on 05/12/2009

MADE IN CHINA!

Rating:*

We do, we all love our Chacos. Who wouldnt? If youre like me, you have more than one epic you could tell while you wearing your Chacos. And chances are, if you bought them before July 2008, youre Chacos were either MADE IN COLORADO, USA, Like mine, or ASSEMBLED WITH PRIDE IN COLORADO USA.

This is no longer true. Chacos are all now MADE IN CHINA.

http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20071114/NEWS/71114006

The sad part about this move is it was all for an extra 5-6 dollars profit.

"According to Wieland, factory to factory the cost to make the sandals will be $10 to $11 less in China than Paonia. With shipping and the import duty of 37-1/2 percent the total savings per pair of sandals will be between $5 and $6."

http://www.deltacountyindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3627:73-laid-off-at-chaco-moves-production-to-china&catid=35:north-fork&Itemid=70

Please email Chaco at help@chacousa.com and let them know to bring back MADE IN COLORADO, USA.

ckostas at Backcountry.com on 05/09/2009

Made in China

Rating:**

Chacos used to be great. Now that they are made in China, they cost the same and last 1/5 as long. Straps break and soles delaminate in a season. I guess they work if you are walking around town, but working out on the river all summer, they fall apart in a season.

tildon.jon1330855 at Backcountry.com on 08/15/2009

Chaco lost it

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Had my first pair for 4 years, great sandal. Bought my third pair recently, they died in about a season and a half. The webbing broke and the sole came off. What happened to the good sandals they used to make?

jmulderr1231843 at Backcountry.com on 09/18/2008

Not liking the toe loop

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I like the idea of sole-integrated straps but they can be very difficult to adjust, especially considering that the big-toe loop consistently cinches down tight and becomes very uncomfortable.
MDG at REI on 05/10/2008

Very dissapointed

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The straps constantly get out of adjustment. The sandals get loose as you walk with them. They are not easy to get in to.
Mike at Rock/Creek Outfitters (Spring 2009) on 08/25/2009

Neutral Reviews:

change is not always good

Rating:***

I have had the same pair of Chaco' for over 15 years. They are the old school Z/2 made in the USA, not that this fact alone means diddly. But they were wonderful and lasted through years and years of Whistler summers and have seen some hard trails and approaches all over the world. They were wonderful but after 15 years they finally needed to be retired. Without hesitation I bought another pair of Chacos through mail order. Cost me twice as much as I now live in Germany and with the import tarifs and the shipping and the blah, blah, blah... but Chaco had me hooked through and through. I would never ever have thought of owning anything else, never never ever even.

So. The new Chacos are a totally different animal. The older sandals were light, with no pretentions to an orthopaedic sole. They were quite flat under foot without the new heel support bolsters adding extra width (and weight) in the heel area.. and they were supremely comfortable and confidence imspiring in tricky situations. The new sole is, well, clunky in comparison. The new sole is a little awkward looking, like something stolen from a geriatric shoe. They are comfortable in their own orthopaedic kind of way, but not as comfortable as the old sandal. The new texture on the footbed is also inferior to the older one. The older sandal sole was also more flexible under foot; lithe if you will. The new sandals feel downright awkward in comparison, almost like a boot sole. Some might see this as ain improvement but I think the new sandal lost something in the translation. Where the older sandal feels nimble and agile, like not wearing sandals at all, the newer feels heavier and clumsy. One other pet peeve. On the older sandal the Chaco logo was sewed directly to the webbing... on the new shoe the only Chaco to find is on the removable plastic fastener used to adjust the fit. A problem... no, but why do I have a suspicion that there is a Chinese sandal company selling a sandal that looks exactly like the Chaco for 1/3 the price but with Han Xiang (for example) on the little plastic clip instead of Chaco? This was certainly a cost cutting measure on Chaco's part and an insignificant one at that, but the devil is in the details.

If you have a much loved pair of older Chacos that, like mine, are now resting in sandal heaven, please try on a pair of the new Chacos before you buy. You may not like the change, or you may think it an improvement on the originals. Had I not owned the originals I may have given these sandals 4 stars, however compared to the older sandals my heart says 3 stars. I will wear them and perhaps learn to love them and maybe through time they will also find a place in my heart next to my old Chacos, but for now every time I wear them I simply wonder why they did not leave well enough alone. I am still hoping for the Z/2 classic edition.

ric3267261 at Backcountry.com on 09/28/2009
Rating:***
Looks are deceiving - Shoe was too heavy.
Anonymous at Zappos.com on 03/24/2008