Built like a Hummer. (And almost as heavy!)

By Dominick Layfield Ranked #861 - Men's Technical Sandals July 6, 2005

It seems that every hard-core outdoorsman wears Chacos, so I had high expectations for my first pair.

On the positive side, the continuous strap is really good: it's simple, and holds your foot very securely. You can always slide the toe loop flat for a more relaxed feel. And these sandals are clearly built to last.

But their most striking aspect is their weight: they are *heavy*. It feels more like you are wearing a pair of hiking boots than sandals. And because of the very dense sole, I felt that the cushioning was minimal. I'd happily jog ten miles in my Tevas, but not in Chacos.

The Chacos weighed 1075g (2lb 6oz) vs 655g (1lb 7oz) for my Tevas. Some running shoes for comparison: Montrail Masai 780g. Salomon Techamphibians, 710g.

All-in-all, I was disappointed. You pay a significant premium for Chacos, and for your money you get a sandal that feels like it will last 10 years. Personally, though, I'd rather pay half as much for a pair of Tevas: they might only last three years, but they are smaller, lighter, and more cushioned.

[I returned the Chacos...]

View Details: Chaco Z/2 Terreno Sandal - Men's

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