I'm a LONG time Chaco fan/proselytizer, and was excited to give this strappy, non-flip-flop shoe a try. It fits true to size, length-wise (I weer a 9 in these and the Chaco flip-flops), and is OH so comfortable and supportive for my high-arched feet. They're great for walking and hiking (and river-fording), but for standing (at concerts, for example), I've had some issues. As my feet swell up, the strap around the toe becomes very tight. Maybe I have a bigger big toe than average, but I do find myself manually yanking the straps on a regular basis so that they're more generous in the big-toe area--they slip/tighten over the course of the day. I'm still a fan, but these are taking some getting used to and might not be a good long-term shoe for me. The z/2 that doesn't have the toe strap might be a better option for people who worry about the toe-strap tightening issue.

I'm on my second pair of these, but they are by far my very most favorite shoes ever. I have high arches and have to wear orthotics in my hiking boots, running shoes, etc. but these Chacos give me just as much support, plus the grip of a running shoe (or at least a really good technical sandal). I walk between 1-6 miles a day in these to and from the bus stop or to and from the office, and could easily walk even further in them if I needed to. They may seem pricey for a flip-flop, but they're worth every penny. I'm on my second pair (puppy chewed the first a couple years ago, otherwise I'm sure they'd still be going strong), and they're wearing great, two years in. They're also great if your feet sweat b/c the suface is non-porous (to the naked eye, anyway) and these don't smell or get spongy they way some flip-flops do if you sweat in them. And if they do get dirty or stink, you can just scrub them off in the sink, no worries.

Fit: I wear a 9 in my Vasque hiking boots, North Face running shoes, and other shoes generally speaking, and the 9 works fine for me in these Chacos. My feet are on the narrower side of a regular width, but they seem to work okay for my mom, as well, and her feet are size 9 but wider.

These felt like running shoes from day one--they needed next to no break-in time, had removable insoles so I could use my trusty orthotics, and served me extremely well both on the trails around home (Shenandoah Nat'l Park) and on a recent trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. They were stable and saved my ankles from catastrophe on numerous occasions over thousands of uneven, rocky stairs, and weathered not one but two Andean thunderstorms with flying colors; after hours hiking in the rain and mud, my feet were bone dry and blister free. These boots are worth every penny you pay for them.

Well made, heavy technical fleece (but have not tried it in cool temps yet). Many well-place zippers and pockets and overall good fit. I got the small and it fits perfectly except is a bit snug around the bottom/hip, the one place where the fabric doesn't give (although it is definitely long enough for my longer torso, so shorter women might find it too long).