Gear Review
DON'T BUY
By aharadir2345519
Ranked #209 - Men's Flip Flops
April 28, 2009
DON'T BUY THIS SAD EXCUSE OF A FLIP FLOP. In fact don't buy any Chaco flip brand. I don't know about their Unaweep model as I've never worn them, but I can confidently say do NOT buy their flip flop (thong) model! First I bought their Chaco Flip (the polyester strap) because it was too good of a deal, half off the retail price, and to be honest I just fell in love with the style. It looks so cool. Plus I kept on hearing the name at climbing crag so... gave it a try. Golly the razor sharp, non-padded polyester strap of this first pair cut my upper right foot skin off. I thought, oh well, maybe it's just this model due to the nylon strap.
Then a week later the leather flip went on sale, also half off retail! I totally thought the leather would be better because, well, it's leather. I mean when I tried it, it fits oh-so-snug and heavenly. So I bought it and how I was WRONG!!!! The leather strap has stitching on the outside perimeter of the strap and it rubbed my left foot RAW!!! I was so mad. Now I can't wear ANY sandals at all while my foot is healing. My toes also ache due to the thick, pillar-like hard toe piece. I was disgusted. Chaco manufactures very high quality sandals but they should take a page out of Rainbow Sandal page in terms of comfort. Never have I owned a flip flop as bad as Chaco, and that's saying a lot. I have 5 pairs of Rainbows, 3 Sanuks, 2 Reefs, a Teva (I don't care much about Teva though) and now 2 Chacos, which are going to the trash very soon.
Here's my tip for breaking in this stupid leather flip: As soon as you get it BEFORE you wear them, twirl the straps together so that they become one tight knot, then force a 12oz beer bottle through the strap. Leave it a night or two. After that practice pulling on the straps hard, until the sandal bends. It won't break, but it will make the straps more supple and hopefully save your feet. Then use it to wash your car, get it wet and stretched further. Use it around the house before its big break. I wouldn't wear them on a long trip like I did before a period of break in.
View Details: Chaco Leather Flip Sandal - Men's
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
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