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Chacos
Your New Summer All-Season Sandal
By Jon Gaffney
closeAuthor: Jon Gaffney
Name: Jon Gaffney
Email: jgaffney@gearpatrol.com
Site: http://www.gearpatrol.com
About: I joined Gear Patrol because I love searching for gear in my free time, and I felt the need to pass on my knowledge. As an avid reader of everything online, my bookmark list is about as bloated as George Costanza’s wallet; needless to say, my tastes are eclectic. So, readers, prepare yourselves for variety.
That said, I know that you work hard for your disposable income, so if I recommend something you can be sure I’ve done the research to know that it’s worth your while.
Outside of the gear, I am a born and bred New Englander who recently completed a 2 year stint below the Mason-Dixon Line, and I’m glad to have the Sox and Pats on local programming again (Please refrain from any TB Rays or NY Giants jokes). I’m also a Social Media dork so feel free to hit me up on Twitter @jongaffney.
I graduated not too long ago with a BS in Marketing and, according to my friends, an MS in the History Channel. As a collegiate athlete, my interest and passion for sports and fitness has carried with me. I’m always up for an adrenaline fix whether it’s from the gym, from skydiving, or from an intense game of ultimate.
That’s me in a nutshell, and if any one has suggestions, comments, disagreements, or something you think I should review just shoot me an email. Slainte!See Authors Posts (60) on Fri, Jul 10, 2009 | Email To A Friend
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Summer is here (well hopefully by you, in Maine it’s still Monsoon season..grrr). Either way, good sandals are irreplaceable and essential when it comes to the helter-swelter. After spending the last two years in the South, I became acquainted with the best sandals this side of Rainbows, and they’re Chaco’s. They have yet to make their way North in force, based wholly on anecdotal observation, but it shan’t be long.
Hit the jump to get my impressions of Chaco’s legendary performance (and floatability).
Made in tiny Paonia, CO each sandal is based on their Pediatrist recommended BioCentric foot beds that give you great support, while maintaining the comfort aspect of sandals. Heck of a lot better than some other Pediatrist recommended footwear, looking at you huge white Grandpa New Balances. Chacos offer four different sandal configs Z/1’s, Z/2’s, Zong, and Hipthongs. All of which are made with environmentally friendly glues, Vibram soles, and the ability to have straps or soles repaired at the Colorado facility (with a 5 day turnaround, no less). After demoing all four sandals, I’d say you can’t go wrong with any of them. Comfortable all day and non-dorky looking, pick a pair up to kick around in for many more summers.
Editor’s Top: There is a break in period on the soles so don’t be surprised. After a week or so you’ll be good to go, and looking at another pair to buy. If you’re going to be doing a lot of water activities with these, the Pro sole is the way to go.
Cost: $75-$105 | Amazon
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I think you'd be surprised how popular these are with the North East camping crowd. Great for water sports of all kind and a hell of a lot better than Teva's in my book. Great photos too!
Glad to see GP covering the Chacos brand. I've been a long time evangelist of these and probably wear them more hours of my life than another other shoes I own. I've got 3 or 4 different pair, but by far I've worn my first pair which are about 6 year old Z2's the most. Hiking, watersports, around town, it matters not. Just don't wear them for ultimate frisbee, a lesson I learned to the tune of a nearly broken ankle.
Side note, despite my voluminous history with Chacos, this post has schooled me to their floatability. Many thanks!
nice post and great photos!
Another thumbs (or big toes) up for Chacos! I've had my Z1s for five years and they still are like new, other than the soles which are going to need replacement soon. I've tried other water shoes in the meantime - Keens, Salomons, Tevas - but always come back to my Chacos. I got then after losing a velcro'd Teva in whitewater. Chacos don't come off unless you want them to.
Are they still made in the USA? I heard a rumor they just moved manufacturing offshore, which was disappointing to hear.
Nice read, Jon! I've had the same pair of Z1 Chacos for over 10 years now. I don't wear them as often as Dusty wears his but needless to say, they're quite the sandal.
Love those pictures! Chaco should put those on its Website. (hint, hint)
Jon, you beat me to it! I was thinking about them last fall but got busy and didn't get around to it. Love my Chacos. You can find great deals on them at Zappos sometimes. Lately I've been favoring my Rainbows though.
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