I love my Z2s but I'm not sure you will.

By Grant December 8, 2009

I've had my z2 for three years now. I where them year around. I can do an 8 hour shift on on concrete no problem, or hike 20 miles in them with a pack. I fear mine are rather different then the new ones. They are the old formulation of the mid-sole with the Colorado sole and one of the last to be made in Colorado. I just need to find the time to shorten the strap by about an inch.

I have sold Chaco's for awhile now. Main thing people should know is to fit the arch not the toe. The Z series is designed to extra room at the toe so you don't stub your toe. So many customers wanted there toes to come right to the end. If that's what it takes to get the arch to fit then fine, but most of the time people just couldn't understand the concept it seemed.

We were all sad to hear of the Chaco being bought out by Wolverine International (same company that owns Merell). To be fair I felt the quality of Chaco started declining before the buyout when they reformulated to mid-sole (to make them lighter...) and moved production to China all on there lonesome. Since the buyout it seems to have gotten worse. I have seen many Chaco's come back with rather egregious quality control issues. The sole separating like on mine I understood, a bad batch of glue can do that. But I have seen the nylon heal straps rip within a couple of week and mid soles tare in half. The only time I used to see this was when a dog got to someones Chacos. It is truly depressing to see this happen to Chaco. I'm happy the founders made out with a lot of money, but sad to see this awesome brand go down hill. Hopefully Wolvarine wakes up and fixes this stuff.

One a side note I was perusing jobs in the outdoor industry a few months back and came buy a PR position for Chaco/Merell on Wolverines site. I'm guessing your primary job if making sure as few people as possible realize that Chaco is associated with Wolverine and Merell. My Chacos get 5 stars the newer ones not so much.

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

Helpful Votes: 7 Yes