In our experience, the newer Z/Cloud offers the same traction we've grown to expect from the Chaco family. (Its sort of frustrating that Chaco has different strap prints for every single model. The Classic sandals lack this extra 5mm of cushioning, but that does not mean that theyre uncomfortable. Yeah I had the exact same problem which is why I wanted to write this post in the first place. From the pictures it looks like you may actually be wearing too large a size. That is one reason you would have the extra long tail when you tighten them. We curated Sandals are very versatile and functional footwear thanks the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, versatile, excellent traction, Very comfortable, good support, grippy outsole, Great wet traction, comfortable and stable, quick-drying, Less supportive than others, loses some traction when wet, This lightweight sandal is comfortable, durable, and capable of handling anything out on the trail, Classic three-strap sport sandals that provide high-end comfort and solid all-around performance, Impressive comfort and solid all-around performance in a lightweight and affordable package, With solid coverage and water friendly materials, this is our favorite closed-toe sandal for water sports. Once past the initial learning curve, the webbing loop can be adjusted to accommodate the nuanced features of your foot. Unfortunately,sandals in neither range are available in half sizes. In this detailed comparison well be talking about materials, design, lug depth, sizing, variety and so much more, in order to help you find just the perfect pair for you! For me, I own both pairs of Chacos and I use both of them pretty equally. I was able to explore the differences between the Chaco Z/2 and Chaco ZX/2Classics. ! No! These things were staying on my foot no matter what. If you just want a pair for daily wear, either will work. I really wasnt certain if I could hike this entire trail in my Z2s. Either way, in both pairs I ended up with an extra long tail dragging on the floor.

When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. They are very comfortable and I use them for long walks, hiking and in wet weather.

The downside of a softer footbed is that it gets worn out easier. I was very confused on Amazon. There areloads of options for both men and women, so this shouldnt play a big part when it comes to choosing the perfect pair of sandals for you. Hi Kayla, Im so glad to hear this was helpful! I did throw the Z2s back on for the descent, and they performed fantastically, flexing underfoot and comfortably supporting my arch. Ive received the worst blisters on days where I hike long distance with wet or sweaty feet. Both of the shoes we tested are part of the Classic Pro model, though you can now purchase the Z1 and Z2 with ChacoGrip or EcoTread (see below). The sole of the shoehas deep enough tread for land and water use. Chaco Cloud sandals have a MEGA strap model which is a single really thick strap and super comfortable, Chaco Classic has an additional three-strap option some might like. The most impressive moment came when it was time to scout a more technical rapid. This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. The Lego Effect is unavoidable with both the Z1 and Z2 models, but much easier to fix with the Z1s. Hi Neshama, thats SO good to know about getting the strap shortened I had no idea! I just bought the Yampa after reading your information. If you find a pair of sandals that are heavily discounted, be sure to check whether they are available on the official website and compare their features. Chaco also says the footbed is softer than the Classic footbed. I just wanted to say thank you! Without the additional toe loop, this particular Chaco model also gains the bonus of being compatible with socks for those chilly nights at camp. Where I am currently: Atlanta Last stop: Tulum Up next: ? The Z/Cloud is no exception. So ugly yet socomfortable. Head over to Amazon to find awesome deals on these Chaco sandals. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Comfortable, rugged, grippy on variable surfaces. InterestingI will have to try on the ones with no toe strap then some time. Berne Broudy from Backpacker Magazine described the Pro series well as: A sole that bites into micro nooks and crannies underfootin and out of wateralmost as well as a climbing shoe, and is even more durable than previous models.. Now, Chaco has started to make their own rubber sole, the ChacoGrip. This to me seemed like possibly a difference in manufacturing plants? But, my cyclist friends like the Z2s because they are easy to throw on but snug enough to wear for quick commutes. Chaco says this model was designed with river guides and whitewater athletes in mind. Here are instructions on how to un-stick your Chaco straps if they get stuck. You might give it a try so that you can see for yourself. Walk in them, sweat in them, run through a stream or two. The plush sole material that is softer than other Chaco models enhances the comfort of the Z/Cloud. If youre looking for a pair of sandals suitable for your next vacation, you should look no further than Chaco. The softer insole material provides greater shock absorption and comfort, with only a slight compromise in overall stability. And they are great for hiking, walking, trekking, light climbing, and pretty much anything else. This is referred to as sticking and is the reason why once you achieve your perfect fit, it will stay that way. We love Chacos because they are extremely reliable. So, there you have it the Cloud is technically the comfier option, but they win by an inch. To test the Chaco Z1 sandals on the trail, we hiked the classic Mist Trail loop in Yosemite National Park. So, thank you!! You can fold the xtra long tail and stitch them. Plus, go look at other brands that make these sporty sandals. The Yampas and the Clouds? The footbed has swirly indentations for traction. After the learning curve of floating with the Z1 Chacos, I set out on the same route with the Z2s. My name is Michelle but you can call me Mishvo. The Cloudis essentially the Classic footbed and sole but has a softer layer on top of the Classic footbed. This model features the same ChacoGrip rubber and tread pattern found on the traditional Z/1 Classic model. The softer material may not offer the same arch support as the classic Chaco, though it does conform to the foot a little better and helps minimize pressure points. Cloud sandals have an extra 5mm of Cloud PU cushioning, which makes them remarkably soft and wearable straight out the box. The X in the name refers to the number of straps. Got feedback? The Cloud series of Chacos features softer, lighter soles to provide more comfort during extended use outings. The Chaco Z/Cloud is only slightly different than its sibling, the Chaco Z/1 Classic. He also said that the longer strap happens with thinner feet (actually thats not the word he used, but I cant remember what his exact words). At the put-in, I avoided descending the slick rocks and climbed down a more sandy patch, with the straps firmly cranked down. What does all of this mean? Hey! When Im going for a hike, I wear my Z2s. I usually wear kids size 3 but they dont offer the toe strap version in kids sizes so I went with the womens 5 in reg width, I dont seem to have a super long tail after adjusting them but the strap around my toes are always loose, Hi Ana, You should be able to tighten the strap around your toe since its all one continuous strap. My Chacos broke (under warranty! I believe it has the same outsole as the Yampa. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. However, we've been shown repeatedly that Chacos can stand up to years of abuse no matter where you take them. To adjust one portion of the strap, every piece must likewise be adjusted to accommodate the change. Material on GearLab is copyrighted.

It takes a certain amount of patience, commitment, grunting and tugging to achieve your perfect fit. Then once I had narrowed it down to two types, I ordered both the z/2s and zx/2s and took them for a spin. I will talk about their design, performance, materials, sizing, and pricing everything you need to know, in order to really figure out which pair is best for you. I got my first pair (Z2) 13 years ago, I replaced them with the ZX2s but when those got destroyed I went back to the Z2s and they unfortunately got misplaced recently so im shopping for replacements and couldnt decide on which ones to get. None of them mentioned that this self-tightening was due to their arches though (because I dont think they knew that was the reason). Some of us were wearing the Z1s and others were wearing the Z2s the main difference between the two models is that the Z2s have a toe strap while the Z1s do not. While it sports the same rugged outsole that is substantially thicker and stiffer than most sandals, there is noticeably more flexibility in the Z/Cloud compared to the Z/1 Classic. But bonus They will probably form fit to your feet a lot quicker! In the end, they are truly *so* similar, I probably couldve gone with either and wouldve been fine. Are Chacos With No Toe Straps Right For Me? The store where i bought my pair did it for me. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. He never tripped and made sure to giggle-snort when I did. Like most Chaco models, the Z/Cloud can handle almost any conditions with comfort and style. Then I made the mistake of asking Aidan what he thought of his Z2s. They are alsoreally similar when it comes to design and color variety. Chacos are known for being ultra-rugged and sporty sandals that handle everything from river floats to rocky approach hikes to days at the beach. I havent figured out how to remedy this yet. The proprietary Chaco webbing weave keeps your foot secure during dicy scrambles and even maintains solid footing when you've gotten them wet after impromptu river crossings. The break-in period for the Cloud sandals is non-existent, which is absolutely amazing. I mentioned it out loud and we all looked fondly down at our feet. It personally doesnt bother me at all to have something in between my toes. Themain differences in these are in the strap design and cushioning. ChacoCloud sandals include a MEGA strap option,which is a single really thick strap. Have you ever tried any of the Chacos that have nothing between the toes? With the double strapped ones, the two straps split over my bunions and I didnt have to adjust them with my hands, which was nice. You can handle virtually any terrain in them from sandy beaches to rocky mountainsides. Upon close inspection, I noticed some teeny tiny differences that technically shouldnt be there since both shoes are the Classic and the only difference is the 1 versus 2 straps. For the final pitch, I paused the Chaco experiment and threw on my pair of Salomons. As for climbers, many I know prefer the Z1s as a shoe for short approaches because its easier to take on and off at the crag. I still love the two strap look though, so Ill just deal with loosening them, hah. There are dozens of sandals in either range, and you can get either pair in pretty much any print/color your heart desires. Knowing that Chaco originally made these sandals for the outdoors and water sports, I knew there had to be important functional differences between all the types of Chacos. They are alsoslightly cheaper,as its easier to find a pair of Classic Chacos that have been heavily discounted. In addition to that, every single pair of Chaco sandals iscertified by the American Podiatric Association,which speaks volumes. The functional differences between the two models felt so minute to me that I wanted to go with the double-strapped pair just because I preferred it aesthetically. Would you say that the ZX/2s are the same as the ZX/3s? Ecotread is made of 25% recycled rubber. They do have similar footbeds both of them are textured and soft, and both actually feature a Chaco LUVSEAT Footbed. It is nearly the same as the Z/1 Classic but offers a softer footbed with slightly less stability. I thought about this when reading your post! If you're already fond of Chacos and would like a sandal with no break-in period and greater comfort for extended use, we highly recommend the Z/Cloud.With one of the highest list prices in our lineup, the standout comfort and performance of the Z/Cloud certainly don't come cheaply. The Z/Cloud is ousted only by its burlier brother, the Z/1 Classic, regarding overall stability. Iordered the ZX/2s from Chaco.com whereas I got the Z/2s from REI, because REI didnt have the size I wanted in the double-strapped sandal. Im a freelance writer by day and world explorer by, well, other days.

Ive never had a probem wearing thongs but I imagine it would be a similar sensation wearing the toe strap version so sounds wise of you to avoid them! In addition to that, the footbed istextured, so that you dont slip around even if your feet are wet. But theyre still pretty comfortable. But when it comes to shopping for them, there are so many types of Chacos to choose from. This was such a detailed and helpful article!! There will be blisters, hot spots, andsunburns. Occasionally, I experienced what I refer to as the Lego Effect. While some may prefer a sandal with more independent points of adjustment, our testers remain convinced that the Chaco system can provide a highly-customized fit. I guess its like wearing flip-flops. This model is a step back from the ultra-sporty original, though we still think it can hold its own against most of the competition. It was a bit brisk outside so I donned a pair of hiking socks with my Z1s. The river section of our testing took place on a section of the lower Animas river. The first month of owning a pair of Chacos may not be very fun. I have a pretty average if not flat-ish arches, and I did notice that one of the double-strapped sandals straps around my toe seemed perpetually too tight no matter how many times I loosened it. Ive got to give mad love to the riotous group that started this debate. Other Chaco sandals with the additional toe strap also help dial in an even more snug and stable fit. The route summits the peak of Engineer Mountain at 12,968 feet and is more technical than the Mist Trail. They are like awesome rubber slippers. Being able to do this is one of my favorite perks about these shoes. Thank you, all this information was very helpful! Also, I do not wear thongs because I find them uncomfortable between my toes, so Im tempted to avoid the toe strap versions altogether. Thats what were going to help you with here, by comparing every single aspect of these two sandal ranges. You will even feelstable on wet terrain since the rubber is not slippery. The sole is sturdy enough for sections where we need to walk and the shoe doesnt feel too heavy. Bomber construction, coupled with a guarantee to repair or replace blow-outs, makes this shoe a valuable footwear investment in the long run. Im not sure I never tried on or owned the ZX/3s. The Chaco interwoven webbing loops provide a good amount of adjustability, provided you take the time to learn how to get the fit dialed in. Most of this trail being granite rock and well-packed dirt, the walking was easy and I had no problems with traction. Sandals with two straps are a little bit more stylish, but wont always be the most comfortable option if you have high arches and big feet they might cut into your skin and make you sore. We set off with ease and the general activity of floating was without problems. Honestly, it was incredibly hard to make this decision. Both the Classic and the Cloud range now feature exclusively ChacoGrip outsoles. Copyright 2022 by Expert World Travel. When you put them on your feet, they look a lot better.

I cant walk but a couple miles in mine before I start getting hot spots. , The Z2 Chacos are solid for a day on the river. Just mail in your pair using theRepair Authorization form. All in all, the Z/2 and ZX/2 fit and feel was almost exactly the same for me. And I preferred the print options of the ZX/2s to the Z/2s. In addition to that, all of theCloud sandals have an extra 5mm of Cloud PU cushioning,which makes them remarkably soft and wearable straight out the box. Sometimes Chaco uses letters, sometimes they use numbers, and sometimes they use names of rivers (lol). It take some adjusting in your hiking form to get used to. Chaco has made sure to include an option for you. Z1 vs. Z2: Which Is Best for Water Activities? How big of a difference could one toe loop really make? However, Chaco stopped using Vibram in their sandals, and now they use either ChacoGrip or Ecotread. Enjoy your sandals and all the adventures you go on with them . I read the reviews on Amazon for both models and noted that the reviews for the ZX/2s featured a lot more people complaining of the toe loop self-tightening. But overall, the Z/Cloud has an intuitive and reliable adjustment system that works great once you know how to use it properly. It is worth noting that because of the softer footbed on this sandal, a tighter fit is preferred to keep your foot from sliding around too much. My socks were able to prevent any rubbing or blisters, despite the moderate trail length. Anything with a 1 has no toe loop, and anything with a 2 or 3 has a toe loop (although, again, the three in the ZX/3s seems to refer also to the number of straps so its incredibly confusing). If theres an X, that means the strap is either double or triple (the only one with three straps is the ZX/3 Classic and it just doesnt make sense why its named the way it is. Your information was very thorough and helpfulfor a sandal costing +$100, youd think some of this info WOULD be on their website but instead, we must rely on people who take the time to post and explain the differences between all of the many, confusing different kinds of sandal names. No ads. I knew this would be a tricky climb so I threw my Salomon trail runners in my backpack just in case. The toe loop is known to self-tighten in the ZX/2s on people with high arches. Chaco carries other shoes, including leather sandals, sandals without ankle straps, and even boots. When I hit the water, I wear my Z1s. If you are unsuccessful in un-sticking your sandals straps, Chaco can do it for you. Just wanted to saythank you! The outsole is their Ecotread design, as opposed to the classic Chacogrip outsole. I was rolling over the loose scree like they were marbles and working significantly harder than I normally would wearing my trail runners. The Classic, unfortunately, lacks this cushioning. Very detailed and helpful thank you so much! I personally prefer sandals without a toe loop, but thats just me. Although the material is softer than other traditional Chaco models, the molded footbed provides plenty of support and stability. I dig the strap system because its fairly easy to adjust once you do get them broken in. GearLab is reader-supported. This is especially important if you want to wear these near the beach, or if you get caught in the rain while youre out exploring the great outdoors. The quickest recommended way to get them adjusted to your perfect stickiness is to get them wet. The shoes performed well throughout the days activities, loosening only a few times in the heavy current. How do I know if Im wearing the right size of chacos? The current would suck a pile of rocks and gravel underfoot. So now we know! And check out our related posts, for more ideas on excellent sporty sandals!

If you dont really have any issues with your feet, the Classic sandals will feel just fine. The traction on this shoe just wasnt cutting it on the steep and slick gradient.

The packable travel jacket I bring EVERYWHERE I go, What to pack for ANY trip: My most-used travel items. I havent tried the Chacos without the toe strap I find the toe strap is super integral to the functionality of the shoe. The Z/Cloud has dependable traction on a variety of wet and try surfaces. At the time that both of the tested pairs were purchased, this was the best sole available. In the world of car camping, these shoes are a delight. We found that the Z/Cloud requires less tweaking on the trail than some other Chaco models because the webbing is a bit thicker and has a greater tendency to stay in place during use. It is said to be the most optimized sole engineered to date, designed for extreme conditions and wet traction. I felt slight discomfort only during the descent of the hike. ), so Im currently deciding between getting a pair of ZX/2 Classic versus the Cloud. However,the Cloud range has sandals with prices well over $100, and the Classic just doesnt. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Click here for more about me and this blog. Hi Sara! This is excellent for all of you that have wide feet and find regular sandals to have extremely narrow footbeds. Whoa! Copyright 2020 Michelle Vogel | All Rights Reserved |, Comparing Chaco Sandal Models: the Z/2 v ZX/2 Review. Privacy Policy | Friends: FS22 Maps, excellent for all of you that have wide feet, Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal - Women's Foster Pavement, 8.0. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Overall, the outsole is not going to be a reason why you go for the Cloud or the Classic, since both ranges feature the same ChacoGrip outsoles. I set out on a mission to find out. Let the straps flex, stretch and pull. Skin will slough off and blood blisters will pop at inconvenient times.

For one thing, itsextremely soft and comfortable,which you will not get in any dress sandals you own. Size down in wide might be the answer then. Since the Z2 is so form-fitting, I almost always needed to remove them to dump out the rocks. However, once you do, it is more secure. Hope that helps! Its that feeling. But, seeing as they are completely adjustable, this is not going to be that big an issue. This was just the review I was looking for. Thanks for the helpful information and detailed review of the ZX/2 vs. Z2! As much as I loved the pattern and design of the double straps, the other pair just felt a touch softer and more conforming to my feet. I wanted to compare how well the Chacos would perform over slippery river rocks, on loose terrain and with a swift current. Especially if you need a pair thatscomfortable, durable, and able to get you through any adventure. Worth it if you can handle a little toe pinching. I only recommend products and services I myself use and LOVE and think youll love too. Actually, you might be surprised just how similar these two ranges are. They work great, but what I didnt realize is that, with all the straps involved, you really have to get a good fit if you want to avoid getting blisters. Thats what happened to my and my daughters Chacos too since both of us have kinda thin and narrow feet. Both the Classic and the Cloud range have single and double strap options. Let me know if you have any ideas. Chacos are known to handle all sorts of outdoor activities with style and grace. Are you a river rat or a mountain bum? I then compared both experiences, analyzingwhat differences existed in functionality, versatility, traction and comfort. Our verdict: The Chaco Z1 is the best for tubing and other water activities. In the past, we've also reviewed the Chaco Mega Z/Cloud that has a similar design but with wider strap material. I think when most people pick out a pair of Chacos, they arent as concerned with the functional differences between the models as they are with the differences in aesthetics. Once I reached the base of the mountain, there were difficulties. You can, but youll never get those straps adjusted the way you want. What if I want to wear socks with my Chacos? Just flatten the toe loop! No problem with sliding. So heres what I learned: When you shop for Chacos, one of the first things youll notice is there are a million different types of sandals in the Chaco Z collection. How do you know which Chacos are best for me? I was more attracted to the design of the ZX/2s. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, I chose this hike in the Z2s for a reason. Thats right, O ye of little faith. I was looking for the same which was why I created it! I love the toe strap! Because it is slightly more oriented towards comfort than performance, the Z/Cloud is best suited as a general all-purpose sandal but is still capable of tackling extended hikes and sporty terrain. To be clear, are you saying that the single strap version does NOT tighten up on the toe? And, since theyre so much alike, how do you decide which pair to get? Hi Donna, Correct, I find the single strap one does not tighten on the toe as I wear them. And you can find either option in both the Cloud and the Classic range. The Chaco Z/Cloud is a very comfortable sandal that is also capable of handling rugged terrain. The Z/Cloud is a comfortable and refreshing update to the classic Chaco sandals that many people already know and love. I stuck with the Classic for durability but comfort is important too. Most Chaco models feel and perform similarly, with only small nuances setting them apart. You see this if you look closely at my foot on the right in the above photo, or on my left foot in the photo above that. The outsole material is stiff and heavy but provides excellent support for long days on the trail. I find it a bit irritating, as I have sensitive skin, and more often than not the loop causes blisters. In addition to that, the outsoles are verysturdy, and they will provide you with more than enough traction in your adventures. Agh yeah that sounds super annoying but Im glad you found a pair that work well. Chacosandals are among the ugliest sandals on the market. Keen and Merrell sandals are not exactly pretty either in fact, Chacos might just be the best-looking option. Our testers agree that the Cloud series is an excellent choice for comfort, assuming that you prefer the pronounced arch support that this brand typically provides. Sorry :/. Ugly? As you could imagine, the Z2s more complex straps are more difficult to un-stick. Otherwise, the traction and adjustability of this sandal are on par with most of the higher-scoring models in this review. On average, the sandals are between $80-100, and thats what youre going to usually spend on them. The classic Chaco straps allow for a precise custom fit, though they can be a little tedious to work with. Glad it helped.

How can we improve GearLab? I decided to research all of my options.

Taylor did not wear socks, nor did he receive blisters. Anyway thanks again and enjoy your Chacos . The total elevation gain is 2,333 feet. I have two pair of the no-toe loop and they do not slide. I originally planned to keep one pair and return the other after wearing them around the house, but my mom ended up wanting some Chacos after she saw mine and we happen to be the same size so we got to keep and test out both pairs. Its been tough trying to demystify the chaco models, and this post does just that, much appreciated! Hey Kay! Chaco Classic also has a few more color/style options & is often $10-20 cheaper than the Cloud model. However, the few times that we were required to scout or stop at a beach, the Lego Effect was fierce. I tested the Z1 sandals first and it started off pretty rough. The shoes performed fantastically, gripping the slick, mossy rocks better than I anticipated they would. At the end of the tail there is a fold, and the fold sits perfectly on the ankle strap and stays secure. And this makes sense since I have pretty narrow feet I think. Behind-the-scenes updates + newest blog posts sent straight to your inbox. Home Blog Comparing Chaco Sandal Models: the Z/2 v ZX/2 Review. Wow! When I asked Chaco on Twitter what the difference was between the Z/2s and ZX/2s, they responded that people with high arches should avoid the ZX/2s and stick with the Z/2s instead. Both ranges are pretty similar when it comes to the variety of designs. Eventually, the trail became too slick and the consequences of a fall too high. The nice thing about the floating with the Z2s on the river was that the straps never needed adjusting. An REI salesperson told me that you can send your Chacos in to have the long strap trimmed for about $12. After a long day of skiing and after finally removing those boots, its nice to be able to keep your socks on. Click here for more about me and this blog. The first trip I took my Z1s on was a 16-day sailing trip through British Columbia. At the same time, theCloud range has a MEGA model this features a single strap that is really thick,and it is something that you cant get in the Classic range. Andthe straps are actually kind of cute,especially if you go for a bright color or a cute print. Chaco sandals in general have either one, two, or three straps.

w nylon straps, one can always cut the end with a sharp pair of scissors then lightly but deliberately run a lighter flame across the cut a few times to prevent fraying.

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