Customer Reviews Chaco Z/1® Classic

These sandals were my first ever Zappos purchase 10 years ago. I'm not exaggerating. These sandals are so amazing, I still have them, and they're still in perfect shape, despite lots of heavy use. They are sturdy, durable and comfortable. they are also fairly heavy and rigid, so if you need a softer, lighter sole these are not for you. For me, these are as good as it gets. I've worn them twice backpacking for multiple weeks, including a trip to Morocco where these were the only shoes I wore (other than hiking boots) for two weeks. Highly recommended.

I have a problem feet in that I have a great need for arch support as well as a very high vamp or instep. Once I figured out how to adjust the strapping on the shoe that solved some problems... but the bigger issue was my feet felt naked there was very little covering. Also the strap on the interior of my foot/ankle was irritated by the straps. I was liked the engineering of the single strap but wish it had a little more coverage.

Came here to say I do NOT recommend sizing down, I'm a size 11 and they fit perfectly. I'm not sure if these are unisex? But for reference I have fairly high arches and a more narrow foot. The great thing about the design though is I'd image you could easily accommodate wider feet as well. After camping in the Redwoods and needing to go through some creeks on hikes (with sharp rocks!) these will definitely come in handy. Happy with my purchase! I bought the "Aloe" color, which is a really pretty neutral camo green in person, not as brown as in the photo.

My first Chacos... they are so supportive. I am a middle-aged mom and used to walk around my house barefoot until my feet started breaking down. Now I wear my Chacos all day inside. A little chafing on the underside of my toes from rubbing the acupressure footbed at first and there is a learning curve to adjusting the straps, but it's worth it. I wish they had a better design to solve the excess strap hanging by your ankle though.

Finally got my first pair of Chacos and I’m loving them!!! My true size is a 6.5, and I first ordered a 7 but they were far too big. Size 6 was a much better fit for me. My feet are a tad narrow, so once I tightened the straps enough, there’s a few inches of strap hanging down at the end! For now I’ve tucked them into the strap in the back. They are super comfortable and sporty. Can’t wait to wear them on adventures.

I have many pairs of Chacos, most at least 10 years old. This new pair is just as comfortable, but the strapping is thinner so it does shift some each time I wear them. I just have to make minor adjustments to get them to fit properly.

Love classic Chacos so much! And was excited to see the monochrome versions here. Ordered a pair in Periscope but was sad to have to return them... the color looked gray on my screen, but was actually navy. So disappointed!

Heavy and uncomfortable despite lots of cushioning. Also, middle strap too tight as I have a high arch.

I have worn this style of Chaco for 17 years almost exclusively and obviously love them, but this pair does not have a Vibram sole and the straps are narrower. The strap also is so long that it drags on the ground. Not at all the same quality of the past.

I love these shoes. I bought my first (and only other pair of Chacos) 15 years ago, and they have held up this long and are still going strong. I bought these ones because I wanted a new color to wear. The fit is the same as my original pair and they feel just as sturdy as the old ones. I imagine I will have these for a very long time.

I love these! I tried a pair of Z/2s a few years ago and just did not love the toe loop so I returned them. I was nervous that my foot would slip around in this version without the added toe grip, but I have not had any issues. I have plantar fasciitis and a heel spur so I need sandals with some heel cushion and arch support - these have been great so far (both walking around town on a rainy day and kayaking). And the double strap provides a more feminine look than some of the other river sandals. Recommended!

I have an old pair of this classic style of Chaco sandals. I loved the Vibram soles. Unfortunately, they don't come with Vibram soles anymore. The straps on the newer ones are lighter weight. They are also way too long. So, I'll have to cut them and stitch the ends. Sigh...the new ones will obviously not last as long as the original ones. Too bad. Profit instead of quality has become the obsession in so many companies. Sorry to see Chaco fall that way.

I’ve had these shoes for about 3 years now. They have great arch support and are rigid/stiff. Hurt my arches when first breaking them in, but after a week they felt fine. I have slightly wider forefoot with narrow heels so I ordered the wide and that fit much better than the normal width. If you’re a newbie to Chaco sandals, I’d recommend getting the cloud (cushioned version) sandals first.

I've worn my Chacos for years and it's time for a new pair. So I ordered several pairs to try different styles. I hate the new adjustable straps which were a huge hassle to adjust and I could never seem to get them to fit. And they weren't wide enough. Don't like the changes Chaco has made. Wish I could get my hands (feet) on an original pair of Chacos.

Chacos have CHANGED! Last Summer I tried both the Chaco ZX/1 and Cloud Z/1 and KNEW both FELT Different THAN my older "Original" Unaweep Z/1. I have been wearing Chaco sandals for over 12 years. At first - I thought it was just "my preference" for wanting the arch & feel of sole to feel THE SAME. Chaco NO LONGER uses a Vibram Sole that was used since the beginning. I developed a Bunionette EXACT:Y where the single strap rubs (fortunately I have 1 pair with double straps & with a gel pad - it is OK). I tried on the CLOUD and found them to be TOO Narrow across the section from 1 Heel Riser across to the other heel Riser. I could NOT figure out WHY the measurements had changed?? I tried my "usual" size in a WIDE (hoping it would be GOOD for my Bunionette). I tries 1 size larger HOPING to avoid the strap rubbing on Bunionette. I went BACK to my regular size BUT with the Double Strap "Classic ZX/1" - BUT STILL something was WRONG. The arch (which I LOVE) did NOT feel like my OTHER Chacos. I had been told (I believe from Chaco Support) that the Arch feels different DUE to a DIFFERENT sole. I didn't give up. I tried the ZX/1 one more time HOPING my feet would adjust to the new "Sole" inside the house. Still NOT right!! So....I put a "new" Chaco on Right Foot and my "Original" on Left Foot: and They NEVER felt the same (switched sandals on feet & still NOT right). I could NOT figure out WHY & HOW the Wolverine Company had messed up such wonderful arch support!!! I measured both SOLES: length & width. THE NEW CHACOS are 1/4 " SHORTER than the "Original Unaweep Z/1 Classic and ZX/1". They are ALSO NARROWER in the Ball of foot areas. Sorry - I need to take pictures! I hope this helps any Long Time Chaco LOVERS figure out WHY the NEW Chacos FEEL strange and the ARCH is really OFF!!! I even tried moving my foot Forward and then Backward OVER the arch to FIND the "sweet spot" on the Current model ZX/1: but it was never good.

Why did it take me so long to order these. They’re so versatile and great for all things outdoors including concerts. Official Jazz Feet shoes.

This is the only style of Chaco sandals that I buy that fit my feet perfectly. I have a low instep and the shape of the arches in these sandals are just like wearing an orthotic. This is my 4th pair over 15 years, and they haven't changed the sizing like so many brands have done. I would say that the sole seems not quite as thick as the first 3 pairs, but it is sufficient cushion, and the same great soles.

Perfect fit. Awesome to hike in the summer. Break-in period necessary as they are very tough.

I love Chaco Z/1 sandals. I have other pairs so I knew to size down from a 10/11 to a 9. I love the new colored bases. So much fun for summer. Adjusting the straps was hard the first time out but now it takes only seconds to get the right fit. They don’t look like they should stay put on your foot but they really do. No rubbing or sore spots from the straps as I have gotten with other brands.

I bought these to replace!! my -at least 20 year old first pair of Chaco sandals. They were black. These are great colors—spring, summer and fall. I’m wearing them right now with socks as indoor slippers; it’s winter.

This is my fourth pair of Chaco sandals and I love them just as much as the first. They do run a little large, I typically wear an 8.5/9 in tennis shoes and sandals, but the 7 fits me perfect in these.

Great fit and so much more comfortable than my older ones with a toe strap.

I purchased this sandal because I can no longer find the Chaco sandal that I really love. The sandal I love best is basically the same as this one except for the straps. The strap on this newer model is just one thicker strap of Gore Tex (?) while my older sandal has 2 thinner (more feminine) straps set next to each other, giving the same strength and durability but also a more fashionable look. That said, I live in my Chaco sandals... love the fit, the arch support, the look and the fact that they last for multiple seasons. OH! and probably most important is the pull-to-tighten and flip-up-to-loosen buckle closure... so much better than Velcro; in my experience, they never loosen or slip off your feet unless you want them to.

This is my third pair of this comfortable Chaco style. I have narrow feet and problems with plantar fasciitis and sore Achilles tendons, and these provide me with plenty of stability and support. Another reviewer said that the Periscope is actually navy blue, and I respectfully disagree. It's a deep blue-gray, and to my eyes looks deep gray when worn with gray and deep navy when worn with navy. A very versatile color!

I have fallen arches, mild plantar fasciitis, and fat feet (not wide, just fat LOL). I work part time in retail and spend 5-8 hours a day standing on a hard concrete floor. At the end of the day my back hurts and my hips feel out of place. I have been eyeing these shoes for years but could never justify the normal $105 on a pair of sandals I thought ugly. I finally took the plunge and purchased the lavender monochrome color way, with a rare Zappos sale. THESE ARE AMAZING!!!! They do have a break in period as your foot gets used to proper support. Unbeknownst to me, I wore these to work for 8 hours (not broken in). My feet were hurt and angry, but my body was fine, none of the usual body pain I associate with standing for too long. I have finally gotten past the break in period and am already looking for my second pair. I much prefer the aesthetic of the monochrome series over the OG black sole and multi colored straps. I will be getting the boots for desk job and sneaker for when a sandal is not appropriate. Save your coin, buy these sandals, suffer though the few days of break in, then live your best Chaco life. Your feet and body will be happy and the compliments will be nonstop. Stop reading this AND GET THESE SANDALS. Oh and I normally wear a womens size 8 and that's exactly what I bought.