Chaco Z/1 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

I bought these after loving my pair of Keenes that just wore out way too fast. I was worried about a number of things (toe protection, slipping around in them, etc.), but I haven't had a single problem since buying them. Would recommend to anyone.

These are really awesome! I would like to note that in some cases, well mostly my case, and a couple friends... you will need to break your foot into these if you plan on putting some serious backpacking miles on them. I've done over 20 miles in a single day with a pack, and paid for it the next day. Now, however... I can do that without any "next day" pain. These are also awesome for Disneyland!

Pretty much the only shoe I wear when its warm out. Best sandal I have ever owned. Great for canoeing, rafting, hiking - any outdoor activity. Wear them around town for a little bit before you take them out on a hike so your bare feet get used to the straps. Once your feet get used to them they are the best! I use them for hiking a lot of mtns too as long as the terrain isn't too gravely.

When I wondered about the new MADE IN CHINA tag on my chacos, this is what I was told by Chaco Help.

Dear Chris,
Last summer Chaco laid off the entire production crew and farmed out the last of our American made products to China. Over 100 people lost their jobs. On May 29 the rest of us will be laid off. Chaco has sold to Wolverine Worldwide.

Nobody here was thrilled about moving to China.
Nobody here was thrilled about Wolverine buying us. The man quoted in the article, Ed Wieland was let go since those articles were written. So now we are all being let go to join the swelling ranks of the unemployed.

It seems as soon as we outsourced we went down the tubes.
Wolverine will keep the Chaco label but the product will be made in China.
Chaco will no longer be in Colorado but in Michigan.
Thank you for your e-mail.
Joe

Joe Kaputa
Chaco,Inc./ ULU Boot
39955 Hayden Road
Paonia, CO 81428
970-248-5861
kaputa@chacousa.com

I bought my Chacos in June 2004 and have now had them for five-and-a-half years. I have worn them everywhere: Japan, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, U.S., and more. I wear them all the time. These are the best sandals I have ever owned.

I almost didn't buy the sandals because they were so expensive. Knowing what I know now, I would not have agonized as much as I did. I almost feel a bit guilty that I have gotten so much use out of them.

I almost feel guilty that I have gone so long without replacing them. I want the company to stay in business from sales to repeat customers like me, but until now I haven't had to replace them.

I am now looking for a good price on my second pair of Chacos. If the quality of the Chinese-made sandals is as high as the Colorado-made sandals I first bought, then I'll be a happy customer. Based on the quality of the first pair, and the five-and-a-half years I've had of very happy feet, I'm willing to give Chaco's China sandals a try.

I love my Chacos. I've had them for about 7 years, and the soles are pretty worn. The straps have held up, and I'm going to get them re-soled. It's also great that you rarely meet someone with the same color pattern, so high points for uniqueness in an otherwise popular and common outdoors sandal. Overall, it's an incredible sandal that I've used for hiking, approaches/belaying, rafting, sea kayaking, and general wear. Bomber grip, good arch support, and a wonderful strap set up.

Is what I keep having to remind myself of. Usually by the first footjam is when I realize this.

Ya gotta wear them for a while to fully appreciate why Chacos are the best! They fit great, no hot spots, easy on/off, durable, cool, just everything you need for a casual sandal. But the great thing is you can wear them hiking with a backpack and cruise thru the desert canyons, thru creeks or whatever. The sole is bomber. These will last you for years! Get em, you will totally be psyched about them. Make sure you get fit for the right size though first, then go online and buy them, this will insure you get exactly what you want.

Durable AND comfortable. Teva does not make a product that can hold a flame to the Chaco line. The new unaweep sole design cuts on the weight a bit, which is nice, but the weight goes unnoticed because of the supreme comfort of these sandals. I routinely compare them to Birkenstock in the comfort category. Can be re-soled, re-webbed, and Chaco customer service is the best I've ever dealt with, hands down. They are courteous, efficient and eager to help, and they stand by their product. Try on a pair and see why everyone loves them.

I used to love Chaco sandals until they moved their production to China. They used to be super comfortable and I would wear them 6 months out of the year. Now they are just like all the other cheap crap that is sent over by the boat load. They hurt your feet by digging into your soles. Shame on the owners of Chaco to try to save a few cents and ruin the quality/reputation of their company.

Mine are 8 years old and made in Colorado. They are still going strong and look great. Too bad they are made in China now.

I recommend these sandals highly. They are well cushioned, stay unflappably cool in the most sultry weather (in contrast to my Keens,which felt clammy in the summer heat), have comfortable but supportive strapping, and have admirable arch support. I had been seeking a sandal that offered arch support to ease my plantar fasciitis: these did the trick, when my Keens did not. Kudos for an outstanding design and execution.

I originally got these when they first came out as an alt to Tevas. I got them back in college, had them for over 5 years, lost them, bought a new pair, continue to still have them. The support is uncanny for a sandal and the sole can be replaced, which makes your $ stretch. Guess I'm kind of one of those people that if it's good why change. I have a low arch profile and wide toe box. Comfort is great with water to trail entry and has good mileage on walks up to 4 miles and then I would have to switch to something with more support, trail shoes. The cushions/rubber seems like a magical compound such as Disney 'blubber'. It has good support as stated but it seems to be endless. A definite yes for all.

I love the Chaco Z/1. This is my third pair. Each pair has lasted me 4 years in the past. I wear them all the time when I am not at work. They have decent arch support (unlike Teva) and can handle ANY terrain.
My last pair made it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back, kayaking the ocean, hiking, rafting and mountain biking all over the west. I bought them June 2004 and retired them August 2008. I would have sent them in for a re-tread, but the straps were starting to deteriorate.
I could go on for hours. They are worth every penny I spend on them.

I've owned and tried every kind of sandal in my adventures around the world. The Chaco Z/1 has consistently out performed all the rest. This is my 6th pair.

I love these sandals for just about everything but snowsports. I prefer the Z/1s to the Z/2s because you can throw a pair of socks on if it gets chilly in the woods at night. Incredibly durable and comfortable.

I had never heard of this kind of sandals before a kayaking guide in Fort Benton, MT told me about them. "Guide sandals", he called them, obviously for the pros. And a Vibram sole usually indicates good footware.

I did one major mistake when buying these, and that was to walk extensively the first day, resulting in blisters and wounds. That was a huge drag as I had just started a week-long holiday of hiking and swimming.

Also, my heel seems just a tad to wide for this sandal design. I don't get much blisters anymore, but the skin gets sore on either "side" of the heel when using the sandals for longer periods at a time. My foot is of Scandinavian heritage, but then I can't really tell for sure if there are demographic differences to heels or feet.

The strap over the front foot is also 4mm too far ahead, and annoys my big toe at times.

I will be a little more cautious next time I buy this kind of sandals.

Pros:
• Super grippy tread
• Mad sticky vibram rubber
• Super adjustable
• ARCH SUPPORT!
• Comfy

Cons:
• What?

These sandals are awesome. I've used them for hiking, gnarly approaches, rock hopping, bouldering (not really the intended use, just watch your toes), etc. The super sticky rubber is amazing, you can straight run on an algae covered, slimy as hell river rocks. I've had tevas for years, but they always rubbed my feet raw in certain spots after a few miles. With these, once I broke them in a little, they feel great.

Plus, the mad arch support and heavy duty treads lend the shoes some serious mass, you could probably fight off a bear or something wielding a pair.

I received these sandals today and as soon as I took them out of the box I knew I would not like them. They are made of thick heavy rubber and are pretty stiff when I bent the soles. I like a lightweight sandal. I put them on and adjusted them and when I walk with them my toes rub on the shoe pad when I would walk. After a while if I walked with them for any long length of time I would probably rub the skin of the bottom of my toes from the constant rubbing. Standing on them without walking felt good on the feet but you don't buy sandles just to stand in them.. I was really hopeing I would like them because I like the style.

Rafting, hiking, camping...pretty much handles everything. Very comfortable and super durable (not to mention re-soleable).

I bought my first pair of chacos in 2007 and fell in love. Now that I live in Southern California, I wear them just about everyday. Super comfortable and perform well in a mix of activities (light hiking, walking around town, beach, rivers, etc). My first pair lasted ~2 years, with ~1 year of wearing them daily (only had to replace them because the webbing was getting dangerously close to slicing through), my second pair I've been wearing daily for the past year and they're still in great condition.

The only annoyance about them is that if you're hiking or walking in a river, it's easy for a little piece of gravel to get caught under your foot, and you usually need to remove the whole sandal to take it out. But it doesn't happen super frequently, and having all the webbing to secure your feet in place is nice for hiking.

Hiking, chillin, rafting, tubing ... these are soft on the feet and are great for a range of activities. Got 'em for rafting (I was duct taping flip flops to my feet) and they are an essential piece of gear. Good sizing too.

If you are familiar with the brand chacos explain themselves. I have flat feet so they are especially good for me. If you do a lot of wading in sandy or fine-gravel areas I would suggest fitting them to your feet and then just loosening the strap with the clip so you can just slip them on without loosening and tightening each strap everytime

I liked the added stability, and increased traction in less than ideal environments, even without the toe strap! I went sans toe strap because I had heard that it can synch down on your toe, and that if it get grit and sand in there it acts like a blade between your toes…ouch!
The draw back with these beef sandals is weight; these things are some hefty SOBs! They also have a bit of a break in time, so don’t get them and plan on going big right away, give yourself a few days of break in around town before you need to scramble some serious distances in these!
5 Stars, except for the weight and break in time, so 4 stars.

After 5 years of useing them. I can say they grip all time. on wet and on dry. and if you clean them every 3 weeks they look like new!

I have had the z/1 sandal for about two years now and I wear it everywhere...and I mean everywhere. I wear it hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and airports (easy to slip off and on at security checks). The sandal even provides a totally cool tan line on your feet that will be the envy of all the town. Prior to this sandal, I had the z/2 and probably because I have a slightly bigger "big toe" the extra toe strap was never very enjoyable. I had actually considered not ever getting chacos ever again, but took a chance on these bad boys and is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made!

I received this sandals about 10+ years ago from my father. I love them! Yes, the buckle has changed, and the tread might be a little different now. But they are the same basic structure. They don't have any signs of wear. I use these to hike in the White Mountains and in the summer, I use them as my daily footwear.

Well, I've had my AMERICAN made Chacos for three years, and I can't think of anything to say except THESE ROCK. They snug down for ultimate support, have a grippy Vibram sole for traction on any terrain, wet or dry (except Wisconsin snow...) and give you an awesome Z shaped tan after a couple days in the canoe! They aren't light, but I'll sacrifice weight on my pack to wear them around camp. I can't wait to pull off my boots and put these on. You don't notice the weight while wearing them. You can't wear socks too easily with the z/2, so you may need to invest in two pairs, for different circumstances. I'm pretty bummed, along with everyone else, that a great company from the land of the free was sent to China, so I'm very glad I have a pair of original American handiwork. They send you stickers if you send a self adressed envelope to someone in Michigan though. One thought: the straps take a little while to dry..

Ok I'm a little bummed. I got a coupon for $20 off from BC and ordered my size 9 Chacos(I wear a 91/2 but they don't come in 1/2 sizes. I did this after searching for reviews and finding 1 post that indicated it was fine to size down from your 1/2 size. Wrong!!!!It was too small. So after paying return shipping I exchanged them for a size 10 which fit perfectly!! They seem well made and I think they'll be great sandals. But it should be made known that if you are a 1/2 size, to size up rather than down.

buy them!!!

I love chacos. I have had a pair like this for the last seven years and they finally needed replacing. The Z/1 are about the same, just a little thicker in the sole than the last pair I had but it has the same strap system. They are super comfortable and great tread and grip. Only think is, I bought them a half size larger than I wear which means I have to tighten them down more and now the excess webbing flops around, but it is not that bad. All in all great shoe.

Does it come in red?
Thanks

This was my first Chaco purchase, and I must say that I am completely satisfied with them. The durable soles are great for trails, and the webbing straps are by far some of the most comfortable that I've ever witnessed on a pair of of sandals.

This was my first Chaco purchase, and I must say that I am completely satisfied with them. The durable soles are great for trails, and the webbing straps are by far some of the most comfortable that I've ever witnessed on a pair of of sandals.

I haven't actually tried the pro sole, but if it's anything like the original it's a vast improvement for the extra price.

These unaweep soles are dangerous and cause harm. Simply put, they don't stick to rocks and slip on almost any wet surface. I've had 2 fairly gnarly falls in the months of use since I replaced my original chaco's (after many years of heavy use). The original sole rubber was amazing, causing mountain goat like super human abilities. If the pro sole is half as good as the original rubbery goodness then it's well worth the extra cost.

Oh, and they've done something different with the straps. The original straps were far more comfortable, but seemed to fail after 5 years of heavy use. Note: feet are pretty good about calusing up. It took a few months of use, the straps are just as nasty but my feet have gnarled up to compensate.

Also the buckle was broken when I got them, I use a paperclip to replace the plastic bit that broke off. Needless to say, yes quality has gone way down since the good old days.

All this, is very negative, and they still get 4 stars, because no other shoe company has the brains to put backpack style straps on shoes in a way that keeps them on your feet, and keeps your feet nice and dry.

Mostly I just want people to know that you can get custom shoes for a tiny bit more money that potentially approach the quality this brand used to represent.

awesome shoe. the only sandal I'll wear.

insanely fast shipping from Backcountry too!

I rock climb, and these are great for rough terrain approaches on hot days. They support the feet real well and are very comfortable. The vibram sticks to everything.

I never owned original made in the U.S. Chaco's. The one's I bought are made in China, but I still love mine and highly recommend them. I've worn mine all summer long, at least 4 days a week, and they show little signs of wear. They are extremely comfortable and fit very well. The vibram sole provides awesome traction. Also, Chaco, is the only sandal company that designs their shoes with the American Podiatric Medical Association, to make sure the footbed conforms to the natural shape of your foot and your arch is properly supported. They are great, and anyone who spends anytime in the outdoors definitely should have a pair. They are tough, rugged, and comfortable. What else can you ask for in footwear?

Excellent sandals! High quality materials. Fit well on my feet - nice and snug. Great tread. Overall stylish. I highly recommend them.

I have owned two of the original Z/1 Pro's made in Colorado. I really liked both pair and wore them as if they were hiking boots over tough terrain. I am still planning to get my last pair resoled.
However, I have just purchased the new Chinese made Z/1's. They are lighter and probably not as good in really rugged rock, but the fit is the same. The "unaweep" is a very serviceable sole and has good grip. Except for the most extreme uses, I am completely satisfied with this new model. Just wish it was made in Colorado.

I have a pair that are two years old and they are flawless and fantastic !

I have had a pair for 5 years and have given them HEAVY use. I have gotten them resoled once (originally they had the colorado sole) and I will have to get the rewebbed in the next year. A bit heavy but they are my go to sandal. The Z tan line is like the symbol of a secret society, people know whats up when they see that on your feet. Not sure how being made in China now will affect these sandals, although I have not heard the best things. Grab a pair while you can.

These sandals have great arch and heel support. They are very comfortable for all day everyday wear. Highly recommend them, the support is great for your feet. They are a little heavy but you get used to them. I wear mine all the time. Buy Some!

Worthy of the five star distinction, as others have mentioned these are sturdy, comfortable, and durable = the ideal technical sandal. After a long hike put these on at camp and instant relief from all day trekking. They are incredibly sturdy and grip as well as boots with the Vibram sole. Additionally, they are great for outdoor activities where you need more than a sandal and less then a closed toe shoe. A crucial piece of gear needed in the arsenal, great for multiple activities. However, styling wise they are not attractive IMO. I wear them with an activity in mind, never "out" or for fashion purposes.

Great sandles! Don't wear on the beach, however. The great arch support holds sand against the tender arch skin (ouch). Will wear them in the mountain rivers and elsewhere!

Yes, they fit well. Yes, they improve posture, but kinda saggy baggy barefoot. If you're 73 and would normally wear Birkenstocks with socks, get these instead.

Chacos have excellent arch support and stability, and they wear more like expensive hiking shoes with nice inserts in that regard. In fact, my father-in-law wears them for backcountry hiking. I took my first pair to Costa Rica for wear on the beach, hiking through rivers, walking around, and, after a rinse, nice dinners. The performance and toughness of the Chacos was great. The abrasive footbeds take some getting used to, but they're designed that way to reduce foot slippage. One caveat for wear on the beach and in dusty environments: sand and dirt can enter the soles of the Chacos through the strap slits, and can reduce the ease with which the straps adjust. I spent a good deal of time banging the Chacos around trying to get the sand and dirt out.

These things will last you forever, and if they don't just send them into Chaco and they will re-sole them for you. Just give them a chance to break in and you will love them.

Chacos are hands down my favorite shoes. I live in MS, and am able to wear these literally every day of the year. An advantage these have over Z/2s is that socks can be worn under them. Sure, sure, you might look a bit out of place, but it's well worth it. These shoes last forever. I've had a pair of Z/1s for 4 years now, haven't had to send them in, resole them, nothing. I have to wash them once every two weeks or so, but that's about it. Once I broke them in, there was no question that these are the shoes for me.

I got these my first day working at backcountry.com. I'll say that they've stood up very well-- worn daily all through summer/fall, including several excursions into the Snake River and canyons around Moab. The soles have molded nicely to the shape of my feet, and they are like a second skin at this point.

The first sandals that my husband loves. After a few months of wearing them he starts to complain about dry feet because these do such a good job of getting rid of feet sweet, but that's what lotion is for right? He really likes not having the toe strap.

i hardly ever wear anything else- on my feet i mean

I bought these because my girlfriend raved about how comfortable Chacos are. Mine were uncomfortable at first (more so than a usual pair of new shoes), but became very comfortable after a few weeks of breaking them in. I'm now very happy with the purchase overall. One annoying thing: when I tighten the sandal, I have a lot of "excess strap" that hangs down from the buckle... touching the ground, actually. It flaps when I walk, which is kind of annoying. I'm told that if I pay for the shipping, I can send them back to Chaco and they'll cut and re-hem the "excess strap" for me. Being too cheap to do so, I guess I'll either deal with it or cut and re-hem myself.

I put my chacos on at the first sign or spring and take them off when it is time for my ski boots to go on. I went to Uganda for a year. Lost my chacos after 8 months and realized that I never used any other shoe! I even had a new pair sent to me I loved them so much.
I use them for everything I do from climbing approaches to climbing mountains, rafting the river to hanging with friends. Great Arch supports and they stand up to everthing. Mine have been up more than their fair share of mountains and down many a river.

What can I say? I've been wearing Chaco's for more than 10 years. They support my feet like a champ, and never give me rub marks. I've backpacked with these as my primary shoe all over Utah and Montana. I've walked to class through a snowstorm with them, and hiked peaks in the Wasatch. The Chaco's recently graduated from a 18 day private Grand Canyon float. I even discovered a line in a free write from an x girl friend of mine talking about our love for Chacos. I tried to hate Chaco when they moved production to out of Colorado, but hey, now I like the shoes and everything.

The only downside... The grip on wet rock isn't amazing.

I bought these sandals for a trip to southern Utah and LOVE them. They are durable, rugged and comfortable!

Worked great for portage trails. Plenty of support.

I didn't like my Teva sandals because the plastic piece on the side digs into my ankle bone. No issues with these Chacos. Walked all day w/ my kids at an amusement park and they worked great. I also do some light hiking on the east coast and they are great on the rocks. Good thru creeks too! No slipping. I recommend these to anyone.

Awesome sandals - highly recommended.

Great to wear in the water. Non slip, great grip. They wear forever but this is my third pair. (I keep giving mine away to my fishing buddies).

These are perfect for life in the mountains! I can do just about anything in them. They're a little heavy but fit great and don't slip. Great for everyday use in rugged terrain as well as street wear!

My second pair of Chacos and I think they may have improved on the footbed, if that's possible. This site got them to me amazingly fast and the price was as good as I could find anywhere..............

Great sandals. Solid vibram soles and easy to get on and off.

After nearly 20 years in Tevas I made the switch; and I'm glad I did. Bomber sandals!

These sandals are sick. I use them when kayaking, for small hikes and around town. They have great support, cinch nice and tight without chaffing your foot and are stable on rocky terrain. Worth the price. You may never buy another sandal in your life.

This is my second pair of Chacos. It seems the sole has been upgraded from when I had my first pair. Otherwise they are just what I expected.

Easy to adjust to your own foot, the wear like shoes and are so comfortable you don't really think about the need to take them off at home.

I got a pair of 11s even though I wear 10.5 b/c they just had whole sizes. The strap is a little long and I tend to walk on it unless I tuck it in. But that's my only complaint.

Hands down the most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned. I've been a Chaco wearer for over 6 years. I wear these sandals 9 months out of the year.
The new Unaweep sole is awesome! It makes the sandal lighter than past models and is more versatile. It does well on trail and in the water.
I will definitely wear these for many years to come.

These sandals were a very good buy. Initially, they caused a blister on the outside of my big toe, and the inside of my left heel. However, as far as I know, that's par for the course for new sandals.
My impression from their website, although I couldn't find it exactly, is that they're made in the US. In addition, they seem to have the environment in mind as they just "purchased 400-megawatt hours of windpowered Green Certificates, " which apparently covers the amount of energy they use at the factory.

I just retired my last pair ( they were bought in 2002.) The Diamond Stealth sole is great for all-around traction. People say that the Diamond Stealth sole wears quicker, but I've worn my new pair almost everyday for 2 months and they look like new.