I’ve always loved how comfy and tough Chaco’s hiking shoes are. When I got my Chaco Z/2 Classic sandals, I couldn’t wait to see how they’d stack up against the older models.
Our Verdict
I put these sandals through their paces at the Olympic National Park in Washington for three weeks, and I was very pleased with their versatility and adjustability.
Although these Chacos were heavier than some other hiking sandals I’ve tried, they consistently delivered top-notch performance.
Their improved strap system, toe loop, and the LUVSEAT polyurethane midsole really set them apart.
That being said, let’s jump straight into my review to see how they performed on the testing field.
Highlights
| Feature | Chaco Z/2 Classic |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~1 lb 12 oz (approx. 794 g) per pair |
| Water Resistance | Quick-drying; not fully waterproof |
| Traction | ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole with 3mm lugs; excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces |
| Comfort | LUVSEAT™ PU midsole; suitable for high arches; requires break-in period |
| Adjustability | Fully adjustable strap system; customizable fit |
| Breathability | Open-toe design; breathable webbing straps |
| Durability | High-quality materials; repairable through Chaco’s ReChaco program |
| Arch Support | Moderate to high; LUVSEAT™ footbed provides support |
| Toe Protection | Toe loop design; secure fit |
PROS
CONS
How Did We Test These Chacos?
1. Durability
During my time testing the new Chaco sandals, I found them to be incredibly durable. The polyester jacquard webbing upper combined with a rugged rubber outsole contributed greatly to their sturdiness.
Compared to other hiking sandals I’ve used in the past, these stood out for their ability to withstand harsh conditions and daily wear without showing signs of damage.
2. Traction
With a non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsole and 3mm deep lugs, my first pair of Z/2 sandals from Chaco ensured a secure grip, both on rocky trails and while crossing slippery riverbeds.
However, I did notice that when faced with extremely muddy surfaces, the traction wasn’t as effective, which is something to consider if you plan on tackling more challenging conditions.
3. Comfort
One aspect of this Chaco model that I appreciated was the LUVSEAT midsole, which provided excellent arch support, making them comfortable for extended periods of use.
However, I must admit that the initial break-in period caused some discomfort for my sensitive feet, but this subsided after a few days of use, and the sandals became much more comfortable.
4. Breathability
The open design of these classic sandals offers excellent breathability, which I found to be a significant advantage during my hikes.
My feet remained cool, unlike the experience I’ve had with closed-toe hiking sandals, which often cause them to feel sweaty and uncomfortable during long treks.
5. Weight
These Chacos weigh approximately 1 lb 4 oz for a men’s size 9, making them slightly heavier than other hiking sandals on the market.
While the added weight does contribute to support, it may be a concern for some users, especially when the sandals are wet.
6. Waterproofing
These sandals aren’t waterproof but dry fast, making them good for water activities.
When I tested them, they got wet but dried fast enough so I could keep hiking comfortably.
7. Support
The LUVSEAT midsole and customizable strap system in this Chaco shoe provide great support, ensuring stability and comfort for users with different arch types.
However, those with extremely high arches may require custom orthotics to feel completely comfortable.
8. Fit and Sizing
These great sandals offer a true-to-size fit, and the straps allow for a customized fit.
The big-toe loop keeps the big toes secure, preventing the foot from sliding forward.
While getting used to the strap adjustment system took some time, once adjusted, I found them to be an ideal fit for my foot shape.
How It Evolved?
Compared to the Chaco Z/1 Classic, the Z/2 version of the Chaco sandals retains the customizable straps and durable construction that made its predecessor popular among outdoor enthusiasts but also adds some noticeable improvements.
The new model comes with a more stable design that reduces foot slipping while wearing it and a more supportive footbed for prolonged comfort.
The sandals also feature a toe strap that needs a bit of time to adjust but helps keep your foot braced better when trekking long miles.
How Does it Compare with Other Products?
Chaco Z/Cloud
The Z/Cloud is a sibling model to the Z/2 sandals, sharing many similarities and the $100 price.
Both sandals feature adjustable straps that provide a customizable fit, but the Z/Cloud offers a slightly different experience with its softer footbed.
However, if the added security of a toe loop strap is your priority, the Classic Chaco would be the better choice.
Get to know more about this product by examining Chaco Z/Cloud’s thorough review.
Xero Z-Trail EV
Quite affordable at $79,99, the Z-Trail EV features a thin and flexible outsole, promoting natural foot movement and a closer connection to the ground.
This minimalist design allows for an improved ground feel and freedom of movement for your feet.
However, the trade-off for its lightweight and flexible nature is reduced durability and less support compared to the Chaco model.
Gain a deeper understanding of this product through our Xero Z-Trail EV complete review.
Teva Katavi 2
Retailing at $70, the Katavi 2 provides decent support and cushioning for day hikes and casual outdoor activities, but when compared to the Z/2 sandal, the Katavi 2 falls slightly short in terms of durability.
The Chaco sandals offer more robust construction and superior support, making them better suited for longer hikes and demanding terrain.
Where Do These Chacos Sandals Perform Better?
These sandals are ideal for hikes in warm and dry climates, where the breathability prevents discomfort from sweaty feet. They are also well-suited for water activities, such as kayaking or rafting, due to their quick-drying materials.
Additionally, this sandal performs admirably on trails with loose or rocky surfaces, offering stability and grip.
Where It Falls Short in Performance?
Although the Classic sandals from Chaco outperform other models in several aspects, the sandals’ weight may be considered a drawback for those who prefer a lighter shoe for faster hikes or backpacking trips.
I would also recommend going with a set of hiking boots or a hiking shoe option for rougher trails, as the open-toe design is not suitable for these scenarios.
Do We Recommend It?
During the two short hikes, these Chaco Classic sandals rapidly demonstrated their value and were well worth the $100 price tag.
They are pretty heavy, so I wouldn’t recommend them for fast trekking, but for regular outdoor adventures, they have just the right traction a top hiking sandal should have.
I hiked long miles in them without blisters or discomfort, even after I crossed a river, and from my experience, they really are the best of the Chaco Classic sandals to wear when hiking through the mountains.
| WHERE TO BUY? | FOR MEN | FOR WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| REI | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Amazon | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Backcountry | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
Chaco sandals were created by a river guide to be durable, and became the standard in the industry. Since moving to China, the quality has suffered. During a recent packrafting trip, mine began to delaminate. My friends pair entirely delaminated at the same time. The soles just fell off. This was a dangerous thing to happen miles from anywhere. Luckily, we were able to go on the water the rest of the way (we had to navigate a lot of rocks however – not pleasant.) I am very unhappy, and don’t know where to look for a sandal comparable to the old Chacos.