chaco's are hands down the best technical sandals i've ever owned, however, if you're doing more technical stuff, i'd HIGHLY suggest getting the Z2 chaco's. they have an extra toe strap thats keeps you planted to the shoe. just posted a pick of being stuck in mid shin deep in TEXAS mud. which is MUCH more different than midwestern mud. Texas mud has a lot of clay and sinks practically everything it touches. (my samurai suzuki on 32's w/ 5inch lift, 6 to 1 gear ratio and the works. i've never gotten it stuck in the midwest, but in texas...DANG!)

my twin had the z1's at the time, and after losing his chacos in the mud and spending a lot of time with his arm in the mud he converted. the z2's are by far more superior for more technical things and does not allow you to slip around or anything of the sort. the z2 is more versatile on every terrain and your foot doesn't slip forwards on steep inclines and slopes.

my twin denied it's the z1's inferiority alllll day til he got em stuck in the mud.

When I wondered about the new MADE IN CHINA tag on my chacos, this is what I was told by Chaco Help.

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
39955 Hayden Road
Paonia, CO 81428
970-248-5861
kaputa@chacousa.com

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.

I bought my Chacos in June 2004 and have now had them for five-and-a-half years. I have worn them everywhere: Japan, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, U.S., and more. I wear them all the time. These are the best sandals I have ever owned.

I almost didn't buy the sandals because they were so expensive. Knowing what I know now, I would not have agonized as much as I did. I almost feel a bit guilty that I have gotten so much use out of them.

I almost feel guilty that I have gone so long without replacing them. I want the company to stay in business from sales to repeat customers like me, but until now I haven't had to replace them.

I am now looking for a good price on my second pair of Chacos. If the quality of the Chinese-made sandals is as high as the Colorado-made sandals I first bought, then I'll be a happy customer. Based on the quality of the first pair, and the five-and-a-half years I've had of very happy feet, I'm willing to give Chaco's China sandals a try.

I originally got these when they first came out as an alt to Tevas. I got them back in college, had them for over 5 years, lost them, bought a new pair, continue to still have them. The support is uncanny for a sandal and the sole can be replaced, which makes your $ stretch. Guess I'm kind of one of those people that if it's good why change. I have a low arch profile and wide toe box. Comfort is great with water to trail entry and has good mileage on walks up to 4 miles and then I would have to switch to something with more support, trail shoes. The cushions/rubber seems like a magical compound such as Disney 'blubber'. It has good support as stated but it seems to be endless. A definite yes for all.

Durable AND comfortable. Teva does not make a product that can hold a flame to the Chaco line. The new unaweep sole design cuts on the weight a bit, which is nice, but the weight goes unnoticed because of the supreme comfort of these sandals. I routinely compare them to Birkenstock in the comfort category. Can be re-soled, re-webbed, and Chaco customer service is the best I've ever dealt with, hands down. They are courteous, efficient and eager to help, and they stand by their product. Try on a pair and see why everyone loves them.

I recommend these sandals highly. They are well cushioned, stay unflappably cool in the most sultry weather (in contrast to my Keens,which felt clammy in the summer heat), have comfortable but supportive strapping, and have admirable arch support. I had been seeking a sandal that offered arch support to ease my plantar fasciitis: these did the trick, when my Keens did not. Kudos for an outstanding design and execution.

These things will last you forever, and if they don't just send them into Chaco and they will re-sole them for you. Just give them a chance to break in and you will love them.

I love the Chaco Z/1. This is my third pair. Each pair has lasted me 4 years in the past. I wear them all the time when I am not at work. They have decent arch support (unlike Teva) and can handle ANY terrain.
My last pair made it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back, kayaking the ocean, hiking, rafting and mountain biking all over the west. I bought them June 2004 and retired them August 2008. I would have sent them in for a re-tread, but the straps were starting to deteriorate.
I could go on for hours. They are worth every penny I spend on them.

I have had a pair for 5 years and have given them HEAVY use. I have gotten them resoled once (originally they had the colorado sole) and I will have to get the rewebbed in the next year. A bit heavy but they are my go to sandal. The Z tan line is like the symbol of a secret society, people know whats up when they see that on your feet. Not sure how being made in China now will affect these sandals, although I have not heard the best things. Grab a pair while you can.

I got these my first day working at backcountry.com. I'll say that they've stood up very well-- worn daily all through summer/fall, including several excursions into the Snake River and canyons around Moab. The soles have molded nicely to the shape of my feet, and they are like a second skin at this point.

After nearly 20 years in Tevas I made the switch; and I'm glad I did. Bomber sandals!

Chacos are hands down my favorite shoes. I live in MS, and am able to wear these literally every day of the year. An advantage these have over Z/2s is that socks can be worn under them. Sure, sure, you might look a bit out of place, but it's well worth it. These shoes last forever. I've had a pair of Z/1s for 4 years now, haven't had to send them in, resole them, nothing. I have to wash them once every two weeks or so, but that's about it. Once I broke them in, there was no question that these are the shoes for me.

I almost went with Powersuit but some websites showed a dark blue (manly) color, while others showed a lighter blue (not-as-manly) color. I ended up going with Static, which is a good grey (manly) color.

I bought these because my girlfriend raved about how comfortable Chacos are. Mine were uncomfortable at first (more so than a usual pair of new shoes), but became very comfortable after a few weeks of breaking them in. I'm now very happy with the purchase overall. One annoying thing: when I tighten the sandal, I have a lot of "excess strap" that hangs down from the buckle... touching the ground, actually. It flaps when I walk, which is kind of annoying. I'm told that if I pay for the shipping, I can send them back to Chaco and they'll cut and re-hem the "excess strap" for me. Being too cheap to do so, I guess I'll either deal with it or cut and re-hem myself.

These sandals have great arch and heel support. They are very comfortable for all day everyday wear. Highly recommend them, the support is great for your feet. They are a little heavy but you get used to them. I wear mine all the time. Buy Some!

I have a pair that are two years old and they are flawless and fantastic !

I never owned original made in the U.S. Chaco's. The one's I bought are made in China, but I still love mine and highly recommend them. I've worn mine all summer long, at least 4 days a week, and they show little signs of wear. They are extremely comfortable and fit very well. The vibram sole provides awesome traction. Also, Chaco, is the only sandal company that designs their shoes with the American Podiatric Medical Association, to make sure the footbed conforms to the natural shape of your foot and your arch is properly supported. They are great, and anyone who spends anytime in the outdoors definitely should have a pair. They are tough, rugged, and comfortable. What else can you ask for in footwear?

These are great sandals. I've been looking for the "perfect" sandal and these are the closest I have come. Tried the Z2 and even though they were slightly more supportive with the xtra big toe loop, felt the loop would bother me over time. These Z1 are still very supportive yet comfortable. Similar to Teva, but with a more supportive sole and better designed straps.

I bought these to replace a pair of Z-1 sandals with a vibram sole. These are as comfortable and lighter. Great footwear for the beach or mountains

My 7 year old Nike sandals were getting ratty, so I was looking for a suitable replacement. The Chaco Z/1's were the eventual winners. I like the non-restricting open toe design (unlike other Chaco models) as I will be using these as backpacking/mountaineering sandals with socks at camp. Weight is good, and I like the simplicity of the strap system; it looks like these will dry quickly after a dip or creek crossing. Arch support is decent, and the sole is rugged as well.

These are great! I absolutely love them and you can wear them anywhere.

This is a great product. Comfortable, stylish, durable, and ready for the trails. These sandals are solid and make me feel confident in the safety of my feet, unlike most sandals.

Very comfortable and a nice way to adjust sandals with just one adjustment buckle to deal with. I like the way the sides of the sole come up for stability and also the Vibram sole found on high end hiking boots. Other customers were right... go down 1/2 size for the perfect fit on this one if your a 1/2er. I simply love these sandals! Better design than my old Teva's.

Sole began to peel apart after 2 weeks of extremely light use slowly getting worse and worse. I got the stealth sole the second time and haven't had a problem with it yet.

I was happy that this site had what I wanted at quite a reasonable price. The Chaco itself is all I wear, however, I wouldn't say it fits my feet perfect. I actually think that the arch on both feet go to far forward. But, as far as this site is concerned. Great job delivering.

Better than Tevas or Keens. Chacos wash easily and well, don't hold odor, and bed contour is very comfortable. This version is better than the Chaco model that wraps the big toe, as the toe wrap can slowly constrict your toe due to the continuous strap. This sandal has none of those problems but still fits snugly enough to run for the train. Grippy on wet boat decks too.

Used Tevas for years but got tired of the hook-and-loop-closures blowing out or losing functionality when playing in sandy conditions. Absolutely love the single strap configuration, very easy to tailor the fit. Also appreciate the fact that these can be re-soled after the tread wears down.

I am quite impressed with the fit and function of the Z/1 Chaco. I used them for fly fishing wet. The sandal conformed and held well to my foot, and gave good traction on rocks. If both sandal and rock are wet there was some slippage, but that is the nature of friction or lack there of. I also bought some Salomon Karmas. I think the Chacos had a little better grip on wet rocks, Salomons protect the fit better, and are lighter so I take them backpacking. I like the Salomons for kayaking, but really enjoy slipping on the Chacos for walking around. In or out of water they are at home on my feet.

My wife has owned Chaco's for a few years. She LOVES them. She was very happy when I decided to get a pair and try them. I have owned my pair for about a month. I have tried to wear them almost everyday waiting for them to start to feel good. I have gone back to the store to have the straps adjusted by a salesperson. I bought a smaller pair to try to get them to fit better. I bought a larger pair for the same reason. The straps are a HUGE problem for me. They are either too loose, as to cause the shoe to flop around, or they are too tight and cut into my feet. Also the rubbery soles really cause my feet to sweat. I can't store them in my closet, because they stink it up. I'm going to try putting some mole skin on the straps to stop them from cutting into my feet. I'm starting to think I've made a bad purchase. If you want something that flops around when you run, or something that digs into your feet, these are the sandals for you. Otherwise, consider getting something for a third of the price.

Great to wear in the water. Non slip, great grip. They wear forever but this is my third pair. (I keep giving mine away to my fishing buddies).

Comfortable, durable, I use heavily for rafting and general use and I usually get a season out of them.

These Chacos are great! I have been wanting a pair for about a year and had been waiting for find a decent price. The adjustable straps made the sandal fit perfectly to my odd-shaped foot. Great deal too! I recommend to anyone who is apprehensive of buying!

The best fit, great vibram sole. Strongly suggest them!

This is my second pair, having had my first pair last for over 6 years. The first pair shows a little sign of wear on the straps but the sole is still in good shape. I guess I'll have to retire them for "Gardening Use Only". This is the most comfortable, lightweight sandal on the market. There's nothing you can't do in them!

I didn't like my Teva sandals because the plastic piece on the side digs into my ankle bone. No issues with these Chacos. Walked all day w/ my kids at an amusement park and they worked great. I also do some light hiking on the east coast and they are great on the rocks. Good thru creeks too! No slipping. I recommend these to anyone.

Excellent sandal. I've been from the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee to Cozumel, Mexico in them and they haven't missed a beat. I haven't worn socks or shoes since.

I decided to pick up a pair after reading good reviews...the sandals really are a great pair of all-around footwear. Very comfortable with or without socks, and when my luggage got lost and I had to do some light trekking and hiking on rocks for the first few days in these, they worked great. Amazing grip, very sturdy and stable...the only reason I switched back to my hikers was because I wanted some more protection for my toes, and there is slightly less cushioning in these for long hikes than some other shoes. Otherwise, they were great and nice and cool as well. Highly recommend them...

Great sandals. Solid vibram soles and easy to get on and off.

These sandals were a very good buy. Initially, they caused a blister on the outside of my big toe, and the inside of my left heel. However, as far as I know, that's par for the course for new sandals.
My impression from their website, although I couldn't find it exactly, is that they're made in the US. In addition, they seem to have the environment in mind as they just "purchased 400-megawatt hours of windpowered Green Certificates, " which apparently covers the amount of energy they use at the factory.

This is my second pair of Chacos. It seems the sole has been upgraded from when I had my first pair. Otherwise they are just what I expected.

Easy to adjust to your own foot, the wear like shoes and are so comfortable you don't really think about the need to take them off at home.

I got a pair of 11s even though I wear 10.5 b/c they just had whole sizes. The strap is a little long and I tend to walk on it unless I tuck it in. But that's my only complaint.

i hardly ever wear anything else- on my feet i mean

Worthy of the five star distinction, as others have mentioned these are sturdy, comfortable, and durable = the ideal technical sandal. After a long hike put these on at camp and instant relief from all day trekking. They are incredibly sturdy and grip as well as boots with the Vibram sole. Additionally, they are great for outdoor activities where you need more than a sandal and less then a closed toe shoe. A crucial piece of gear needed in the arsenal, great for multiple activities.

My second pair of Chacos and I think they may have improved on the footbed, if that's possible. This site got them to me amazingly fast and the price was as good as I could find anywhere..............

Worked great for portage trails. Plenty of support.

The first sandals that my husband loves. After a few months of wearing them he starts to complain about dry feet because these do such a good job of getting rid of feet sweet, but that's what lotion is for right? He really likes not having the toe strap.

Awesome sandals - highly recommended.

Great sandles! Don't wear on the beach, however. The great arch support holds sand against the tender arch skin (ouch). Will wear them in the mountain rivers and elsewhere!

I put my chacos on at the first sign or spring and take them off when it is time for my ski boots to go on. I went to Uganda for a year. Lost my chacos after 8 months and realized that I never used any other shoe! I even had a new pair sent to me I loved them so much.
I use them for everything I do from climbing approaches to climbing mountains, rafting the river to hanging with friends. Great Arch supports and they stand up to everthing. Mine have been up more than their fair share of mountains and down many a river.

Chacos have excellent arch support and stability, and they wear more like expensive hiking shoes with nice inserts in that regard. In fact, my father-in-law wears them for backcountry hiking. I took my first pair to Costa Rica for wear on the beach, hiking through rivers, walking around, and, after a rinse, nice dinners. The performance and toughness of the Chacos was great. The abrasive footbeds take some getting used to, but they're designed that way to reduce foot slippage. One caveat for wear on the beach and in dusty environments: sand and dirt can enter the soles of the Chacos through the strap slits, and can reduce the ease with which the straps adjust. I spent a good deal of time banging the Chacos around trying to get the sand and dirt out.

Yes, they fit well. Yes, they improve posture, but kinda saggy baggy barefoot. If you're 73 and would normally wear Birkenstocks with socks, get these instead.

Ya gotta wear them for a while to fully appreciate why Chacos are the best! They fit great, no hot spots, easy on/off, durable, cool, just everything you need for a casual sandal. But the great thing is you can wear them hiking with a backpack and cruise thru the desert canyons, thru creeks or whatever. The sole is bomber. These will last you for years! Get em, you will totally be psyched about them. Make sure you get fit for the right size though first, then go online and buy them, this will insure you get exactly what you want.

Excellent sandals! High quality materials. Fit well on my feet - nice and snug. Great tread. Overall stylish. I highly recommend them.

I have owned two of the original Z/1 Pro's made in Colorado. I really liked both pair and wore them as if they were hiking boots over tough terrain. I am still planning to get my last pair resoled.
However, I have just purchased the new Chinese made Z/1's. They are lighter and probably not as good in really rugged rock, but the fit is the same. The "unaweep" is a very serviceable sole and has good grip. Except for the most extreme uses, I am completely satisfied with this new model. Just wish it was made in Colorado.

I love these sandals for just about everything but snowsports. I prefer the Z/1s to the Z/2s because you can throw a pair of socks on if it gets chilly in the woods at night. Incredibly durable and comfortable.

I just retired my last pair ( they were bought in 2002.) The Diamond Stealth sole is great for all-around traction. People say that the Diamond Stealth sole wears quicker, but I've worn my new pair almost everyday for 2 months and they look like new.

My husband LOVED his Chacos..I mean loved them! He said he is going to wear his Tevas for work and use the new Chacos for dress occasions...Great product, great customer service - all in all a jolly good purchase.
Would recommend to one and all.

I bought these sandals for my husband and they were delivered faster than anything I have ever purchased on line. He absolutely loves his sandals and wears them as often as he can. I would recommend this company to everyone. Thanks, Erin

What can I say? I've been wearing Chaco's for more than 10 years. They support my feet like a champ, and never give me rub marks. I've backpacked with these as my primary shoe all over Utah and Montana. I've walked to class through a snowstorm with them, and hiked peaks in the Wasatch. The Chaco's recently graduated from a 18 day private Grand Canyon float. I even discovered a line in a free write from an x girl friend of mine talking about our love for Chacos. I tried to hate Chaco when they moved production to out of Colorado, but hey, now I like the shoes and everything.

The only downside... The grip on wet rock isn't amazing.

I bought these sandals for a trip to southern Utah and LOVE them. They are durable, rugged and comfortable!

These are perfect for life in the mountains! I can do just about anything in them. They're a little heavy but fit great and don't slip. Great for everyday use in rugged terrain as well as street wear!

These sandals are sick. I use them when kayaking, for small hikes and around town. They have great support, cinch nice and tight without chaffing your foot and are stable on rocky terrain. Worth the price. You may never buy another sandal in your life.

Hands down the most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned. I've been a Chaco wearer for over 6 years. I wear these sandals 9 months out of the year.
The new Unaweep sole is awesome! It makes the sandal lighter than past models and is more versatile. It does well on trail and in the water.
I will definitely wear these for many years to come.

Love these. With the pull through strap, you can adjust these so they are really comfy and put on with one pull.
The footbed is very supportive and you can stand or hike for hours in these.

Compare this to the Z2 and you have a dead draw. The strap system you like will make the decision. Someday I like the toe strap, someday I don't. If you don't want the toe strap, there's no better sandal on the planet.

So these seem like sturdy strong sandals and if they were in line for what i wanted i would prob have loved them with 5 stars. Do not be fooled these things are heavy with a capital H and really are not in the least bit subtle...they are really loud for sandals (unless you buy the black straps). I am going on extended international travel and these things would have screamed "loud american" while adding what felt like 5 lbs to my pack. So in short if you are looking for around town sandals in a place like Boulder or some other gear flashing town they are perfect...if you want to carry these in your pack on a BC trip or to travel abroad definitely look elsewhere.