Jun 13

Jun 13 The Hiking Sandals You Need For Your Next Adventure

Hiking in Red Rock Canyon outside of Las Vegas

Last updated: June 2023

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Before moving to Maui in 2007, I didn't hike often and certainly didn't own any appropriate outdoor shoes. After about a month on the island, we planned a full day trip to Hana complete with a hike to Waimoku Falls in the Haleakala National Park and Ryan realized he needed to fix my lack of proper footwear. I bought my first pair of Chacos the day before our trip. Little did I know, I'd be wearing them a lot more than a few times a year.

The next day we set off on the long and winding road to Hana. If you've ever been to Hana then you know how crazy curvy this road is. Despite it taking several hours to reach the end (yes hours); it is so worth it.

Once in Haleakala National Park, we headed up the Pipiwai Trail. We hiked for hours (4 miles roundtrip), taking our time, skirting around behemoth banyan trees, looking out over waterfalls, and gliding through the bamboo forest until we reached the top.

The 400-foot Waimoku Falls greeted us with a rush of cool air; I sat beneath the falls for a little bit letting the mist wash over me before we made our way back down. I saw quite a few pairs of broken flip flops and soggy running shoes on this hike and I was thankful my Chacos helped me avoid both of those scenarios.

What makes Chacos different?

They’re both sturdy and comfortable. I can’t tell you how many miles I’ve logged in these shoes but it’s likely in the thousands. I was skeptical of feeling supported by sandals but as someone with pronating ankles, the arch support on Chacos fit the bill for me. From sightseeing in big cities to hiking trails in the summer, the footbed will swaddle your aching feet and help you keep going, even when you think you can't. The soles are sturdy too with an excellent grip, even in slippery conditions. Breaking in these sandals can be challenging, but keep wearing them.
Single Strap construction. Chacos may look like they have a bunch of complicated straps but it's just one strap. It takes a little finagling but once you fit the strap to your foot, you never have to mess with it again.
The warranty. It states that all Chaco products are warranted to be free of defects in materials or workmanship for the entire life of the product. I love that they believe in their products and you know you’re going to get your money’s worth. How many companies will offer a warranty for life?
They offer repairs. My oldest pair has tired soles that have peeled off a couple of times; I guess that's the sign of a busy summer and a well-loved pair of shoes. Whenever this happens I just call the repair line and tell them what’s going on and they will help you figure out the next steps for repair. If you have a pair of Chacos that need repair (soles or straps), call them, and they will help you determine your options.

Which Chaco Sandals Should You Try?

The main difference between the styles is the straps. I have the ZX2 (multiple skinny straps, Z1 (no toe strap), and Z2 classic. I prefer the Z2 style because it is a single piece of webbing with the extra security of an ankle strap and a toe strap. I wear mine for long days on the river and hiking and I like knowing these aren’t going to slide off and the simplicity of the single piece of webbing. It really depends on what you plan on doing in your sandals. If you plan on hiking a lot I’d at least think about a style with an ankle strap. Check out a few of the different styles below.

Chaco lady gang after Austin River Float

Where have my Chacos been?

Since that first hike in Maui, my Chacos have hiked the crater on Mount Kilauea, floated down the San Marcos River near Austin, Texas, explored the riverwalk in Chicago, supported me through many beer festivals including The Great Taste of the Midwest, hiked waterfalls in Michigan while very pregnant, Red Rocks Park in Nevada, and carried me all over St. Simons Island.

Chasing murals in Bloomington, Indiana. Photo: Danielle Lucas

I know I've added at least 10 people to the Chaco Nation and I'm sure there will be more. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just want some comfortable shoes to walk around the farmers market in, I really believe everyone needs a pair of these sandals.

Side note: Chaco has a new boot collection that I haven't tried out. Clearly, I have some shopping to do.

Shop the Entire Chaco sandal collection