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Until very recently, my sandal quiver was exclusively made up of flip flops. Blame my Southern California upbringing but I would often find myself reaching the limits of my flips’ capabilities whether on a muddy back trail on a surf trip or somewhere closer to home and prefer to go barefoot while carrying my flip flops so I could judge others rather than (gasp) invest in a pair of functional strappy numbers. Several hundred pointy rocks to the heel later, I have come to see the error of my ways and am an absolute convert when it comes to functional sandals.
Unlike flip flops that slip and slide on even the most moderate incline, a strappy sandal that keeps your footwear firmly underfoot is a necessity for many would-be adventures and has benefits that other footwear just can’t beat. A brisk trail walk down to your favorite surf break? No issue. Creek crossing on your favorite hike? Not a problem. Flopping around for the day near an alpine lake and want to dip your feet? Easy.
These days, the adventure sandals market has gotten a bit crowded. But the Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal ($105), which has changed very little since its inception in 1989, continues to maintain a cult following. After two years of testing these babies, it’s easy to see why. I’ve spent countless days cruising around town, with a fair amount of hikes and more strenuous activity mixed in, done some camping in Joshua Tree, and even enjoyed a few summer trips to the Eastern Sierra with my Chacos in tow. Now, I can confidently report that Chaco’s Z/1 Classic is one of the best on the market for the casual hiker and on-water enthusiast.
Bottom Line: The enduring popularity of Chaco’s Z/1 Classic sandal is evidence of just how versatile and functional the design is. And after two years of consistent wear on the trail, around town, by the beach, and in the alpine, I’m convinced there’s no better casual hiking sandal out there.
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My Experience with the Chaco Z/1 Classics
Pros: Supportive, comfortable, and stableCons: High profile, heavy, strange tan lines…