Chaco is an outdoor and casual sandal brand initially introduced in 1989 in Colorado.
Chaco’s journey began when a visionary river guide conceived the ultimate footwear that could seamlessly transition from water to land and stay securely on your feet. This vision set the brand’s mission in motion, leading to the creation of Chaco sandals.
The Gecko symbol of Chaco represents more than just a logo. It embodies the adaptability and versatility of Chaco sandals, which are designed to thrive in almost any environment, making them ideal for hiking.
Thus, Chaco sandals are the best for hiking.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Chaco Sandals
- Should You Wear Sandals for Hiking?
- Features of a Good Sandal for Hiking
- Reviews: The Best Sandals for Hiking
- Index Table: Top Rated Sandals for Hiking
Why Choose Chaco Sandals
Chaco sandals are not just ideal for hiking; they excel in any environment, wet or dry, providing the versatility that outdoor enthusiasts need.
Chaco sandals boast a few unique elements that make them stand out in the market, making them an irresistible choice for hiking enthusiasts.
- Adjustable Straps – Chaco sandals are the only sandals with a 360 adjustable fit that you can customize to your specific needs and foot shape. The straps are adjustable and come with clear instructions on how to make the adjustments easily.
- Luvseat Footbed – A Luvseat footbed is built into every pair of Chaco sandals. The Luvseat features a contoured design that provides arch support and cushioning for enhanced shock absorbency. The American Podiatric Medical Association accepts the footbed.
- Chaco’s use of durable and eco-friendly PU materials in their footbeds is a testament to their commitment to sustainability, ensuring a long-lasting sandal that doesn’t contribute to environmental waste.
- Outsole – The Chaco range offers high-performance outsoles on their sandal for grip and traction on the toughest and most slippery surfaces. The Chacogrip outsole is designed for optimal performance and enhanced grip in extreme conditions. The Eco-Tread design outsole uses 25 % recycled rubber for the outsole, which is durable for outdoor trails but still easy on the environment.
- Care and Repair – The Rechaco Repair department offers repairs and proper cleaning on your Chaco sandals. Almost all the parts of the Chaco sandal can be replaced or repaired, so you will only need to invest in a new pair after a while.
Should You Wear Sandals for Hiking?
This is a question that frequently arises: Should you wear sandals for hiking?
There are some advantages and disadvantages to wearing sandals for Hiking.
I would not suggest sandals for icy weather conditions or hazardous trails, though.
Advantages of Sandals for Hiking
Sandals are very lightweight, water-friendly, and quick-drying. When wearing hiking boots that are not waterproof, you will need to remove them every time you have to cross a small stream or puddle, or you will end up with very wet and cold feet. Hiking boots and shoes can become heavy and also quite hot and sweaty in hot weather. For these instances, hiking sandals are ideal.
Disadvantages of Sandals for Hiking
On the other hand, keep in mind your toes and feet will be exposed, and that sandals generally do not offer the best underfoot protection for very sharp protruding objects. Your feet can be exposed to snake and insect bites, as well as scrapes and scratches. Sandals are also not a good idea for cold weather.
Features of a Good Sandal for Hiking
- Uppers – Chaco sandals for Hiking generally have Polyester Jacquard webbing uppers that wrap around your feet for a secure fit and through the midsole for durability. They are generally adjustable with durable, high-tensile webbing heel risers, and may feature an Injection-Molded Ladder Lock buckle for closure. Depending on the design, the uppers may also consist of some PU materials with different designs or straps.
- Midsole – Chaco sandals for hiking all have similar midsoles in the LUVSEAT design with vegan-friendly construction and Upbound EVA or PU materials depending on the model.
- Outsole – You get the Chacogrip outsole, a more aggressive 3.0mm rubber compound outsole that is ideal for all surfaces and extreme weather. The Eco-Tread outsole consists of 25 5 recycled rubber, which is tough but still environmentally friendly. In some models, the Outsole may be an EVA compound, which I do not recommend for hiking.
- Options – Chaco sandals for Hiking come in size and color options depending on the specific model of the sandal.
Reviews: The Best Sandals for Hiking
These are some of our top favorite sandals from the brand Chaco that are perfect for Hiking.
1
Sandals for Hiking
- The Chaco ZCloud original is a favorite in the Chaco Hiking sandal range.
- It features 1005 quick-drying polyester uppers with a buckle closure, and the fit is fully adjustable.
- There is a LUVSEAT footbed that is contoured and cushioned for your support and comfort.
- The Midsole is made of polyurethane and is shock-absorbing.
- The outsole is made of full rubber with a lug tread for excellent grip and traction on both wet and dry outdoor surfaces.
2
Hiking Sandal
- The Chaco Banded Z for men and the Wrapsody for women are similar in design, hiking sandals for men and women.
- They both have Polyester and textile uppers that dry quickly and are fully adjustable with buckle closures.
- The Luvseat PU midsole offers excellent shock absorbency, contoured support, and cushioning.
- The design is water-friendly and extremely durable.
- The rubber outsole features a high-grip, high-traction, non-marking design.
- There are also quite a few color options available from which you can choose as needed.
3
Sandal for Hiking
- Then there is the Chaco Zvolv, available in two styles for men and Zx2 for the ladies.
- They are Polyester and textile uppers hiking sandals for durability and quick drying.
- You can easily adjust their fit with a buckle closure system.
- The Luvseat footbed will contour to your feet and cushion them for optimal support on uneven terrains.
- The rubber outsole has 3 mm z-inspired lugs for grip and traction.
- Furthermore, other colors are also available in both these ranges.
4
Sandal for Hiking
- The Chaco ZCloud 2 is a newer model, more advanced than the original, with many new colors and designs available.
- It also has the same quick-drying polyester uppers that wrap around your feet for a more custom fit and are fully adjustable.
- There is a lighter-weight Pu Luvseat midsole and footbed for comfort and full foot support on uneven terrains.
- The lug rubber outsole is non-marking and fully slip-resistant on all terrains.
- This model is likewise available in wider-width models and extended sizes.
5
Sandal for Hiking
- The Chaco Mega Z Cloud is a comfortable sandal for hiking for men and women.
- This new model has full textile uppers, webbing, and a 28 mm polyester jacquard design wrapping around your feet.
- The uppers are fully adjustable with a plastic buckle closure.
- The Luvseat PU midsole features a dual-density design for enhanced cushioning.
- The ChacoGrip rubber outsole is non-marking and has 3.5mm lugs for exceptional grip on all terrains.
- There are also several color options available for you to review.
6
Leather Hiking Sandals
- The Chaco Wayfarer is a leather sandal designed for hiking.
- The sandal has leather uppers and a non-marking rubber outsole.
- A Luvseat footbed and EVA provide cushioning.
- Ideal for light day trips.
7
Slide Sandal for Hiking
- The Chaco Chillos slide is a light hiking sandal that easily slides on and off.
- It has a slide-on desi with polyester uppers.
- There is a Luvseat support footbed and cushioning EVA midsole.
- The rubber outsole is ideal for outdoor trails.
8
Hiking Sandals
- The Chaco Banded is the ideal hiking sandal.
- The uppers are a quick-drying polyester,
- There is a non-marking rubber outsole.
- The Luvseat footbed, along with a PU midsole, provides support and cushioning.
Index Table: Top Rated Sandals for Hiking
| No. | Product | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chaco® - Sandals for Hiking |  |  |
| Chaco | 98.3 |
| 2 | Chaco® - Hiking Sandal |  |  |
| Chaco | 98 |
| 3 | Chaco® - Sandal for Hiking |  |  |
| Chaco | 97.7 |
| 4 | Chaco® - Sandal for Hiking |  |  |
| Chaco | 97.6 |
| 5 | Chaco® - Sandal for Hiking |  |  |
| Chaco | 97 |
| 6 | Chaco® - Leather Hiking Sandals |  |  |
| Chaco | 97.5 |
| 7 | ® - Slide Sandal for Hiking |  |  |
| 97 | |
| 8 | Chaco® - Hiking Sandals |  |  |
| Chaco | 97.4 |
