Enter the China Chaco-fulla-crap

By Bimbrie Ranked #613 - Men's Technical Sandals August 4, 2009

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.

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

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