Chaco Z/2 Unaweep

Summary

If you don't mind a thick and somewhat weighty sole, then strap on the most comfortable sandal you've ever worn. I wish I had bought these years before I actually did. Durable like a rhinoceros and guaranteed to give you a sexy tan line... I don't know why you're still sitting and reading this review, you're wasting time.

About 4 years ago I took off for a 5-night trip through some of the most gorgeous and breathtaking wilderness God has ever created. Yep, you guessed it, Glacier National Park. It was a seemingly stupid choice to take the Chacos I had bought just that month with me on this trip. However, I couldn't have been more impressed.

Through the years I have worn my Chacos more and more on a daily routine and less and less when I'm pursuing my outdoor hobbies. In either occasion they perform great. Once you figure out the strap pattern and get the sandals to snug properly to your feet, you'll never want to take them off (at least I don't).

The form fitting sole is perfect for supporting you and whatever you may be packing or carrying in a ergonomic way. The team that created these must have done their homework. Additionally, I have taken these sandals through harsh conditions and beat them up, and they still are in tip top shape.

The one concern I do have is the bulkiness and weight of the Chaco, however the newer versions have shed a significant amount of weight. And although you can wear these in the water, I have found that if you tromp though a creek and continue on your hike that the wet straps will rub uncomfortably (but then again you should expect something like this to happen).

Overall, an excellent sandal.

Summary

This sandal will last you a good 10 years, and even then you can get it replaced for free. A great, must have product if you are one to wear sandals/ walk around in the summer OR winter. I strongly recommend this sandal for anyone looking for a new pair of shoes, useful for any kind of outdoor hobbies.

This sandal has a great fit, and will eventually transform to your foot for top of the line comfort.

It will take you anywhere and everywhere, through any kind of climate.

When it gets dirty? Wash it off or throw it in the washer. A great must have product for anyone.

Summary

I have had these Chacos for 5 years now, wear them every summer, and they still look and feel new.

I have had these Chacos for 5 years now, wear them every summer, and they still look and feel new. They have good arch support which I need (but take a few days to break in), can be worn tightly or loosely, have good traction (except on slippery slime), and are easy and quick to get on and off.

They are way better than my ex Tevas, Keens and Merrells.

After some above reviews, I cant't wait to try them on my June Colorado River Whitewater Rafting Trip...5 Stars!

Summary

Chaco is unsurpassed in the sandal world, but beware the toe strap.

I bought the Z/2's based on a recommendation from a friend, they were my first experience with Chaco. I immediately loved them! They felt comfy, they performed well, and I could wear them for hours without my feet getting tired, achy, or having any sort of pain. After about a year though I could not shake the toe strangulation!

I met a person who told me to try the size down (since I wear an 8.5 usually and I had bought a 9) since I had so much extra webbing. I sold my 9's to a friend with slightly bigger feet (creating another fan instantly) and bought myself the 8's. Again it was a whole new world experience! Same fit for the most part, but less webbing hanging out at the end of my tightening strap and a bit tighter fit which I enjoyed.

Still though I could not shed the toe strangulation!!! I would get it set perfectly and it would slowly tighten over a few day period to the point where it would strangle me again. I did not want to sacrifice the big toe strap though because of the added stability it gave when I went off-road or around the lake, but it was really starting to kill me. I tried holding it in place with some clear nail polish (as read on a Chaco blog) to no avail, I also tried just having it super huge and only tightening it sslightly when I went off-road, but again no avail.

Finally I gave up on the Z/2 and went to the Z/1 and it has been a dramatic change. I don't feel any loss as far as sturdiness off-road and the fit is still just as great. Now I have met people that cinch their toe strap all the way down while around town and then open it up when off-road, but I found I got a blister doing that. So beware the toe strangle! But don't let that persuade you away from Chacos.

Overall, they are the most durable and versatile sandal I have ever owned. Since buying the Z/2 originally, switching to the Z/1 I have also branched out to some of the shoes and boots with the same great comfort and fit. There is nothing quite like a Chaco. They also just let you move and wiggle your toes! Which to my surprise is not a common occurrence in some sandals, some go right over your toes instead of where your toes meet your feet like Chacos and it constricts them.

I will probably die with a pair of Chacos on my feet! And with any luck, it will probably be this original pair haha. 

Just back from a "hikers special" rafting trip to Grand Canyon and these sandals were perfect! I hiked 22 difficult trails that varied from dry to wet- exposure to actual rope climbing and they were spot on.

The arch gave superior support and the soles great traction in a very difficult area. Also nice to wear in rafts and around camp. This is truly a great product and far exceeds expectations. Durable- fit well- straps worked well- and my favorite is that they seldom need adjustment.

Very nicely designed and thought out. Kudos on a great product!

If you are on the fence between these and the Keens, forget the Keens and go with the Chacos. I have had the Z2s for about a month and haven't taken them off.

I have owned several pairs of this shoe. I really like the fit and durability.

My complaint is the webbing tends to fray as sand gets into the sole where the webbing enters the rubber. I have many user days with these sandals, and if I clean the area after each use it prolongs the life. Alas, I tend to get lazy and then the sandal lasts about two summers.

Still, a very good sandal.

Chaco makes great sandals. I picked these guys up a year ago after buying their Chaco Flip the year before, and I've been fairly happy with them.

They're machine washable, strap adjustable (cool, one continuous looping strap), and they sport a Vibram sole on them. Furthermore, the arch support in them in fantastic...ish. While the arch is unmatched in size and feel, it doesn't fit me, as an individual, perfectly, causing a slightly awkward fit, but no pain or discomfort. (Buyers please take note that as a seller of shoes, not all shoes fit everyone perfectly. Deal with it.)

The sandals themselves have held up beautifully, suffering all kinds of outdoor abuse in 3 different countries. They stay close to your feet and protect your toes surprisingly well by limiting movement outside the sandal's base.

The reason I give these sandals only 4/5 stars may be biased and unfair, so this lost star might not apply to you. I sell this sandal in an outdoors store, and I am always propped up on my feet in a weird way. These sandals, while great for standing/walking/hiking, aren't really meant for this, and they hurt if I position myself like that for too long, so I take a half star off.

The other half star comes from fit. I've got very wide toes and since the normal version didn't fit, I got the wides. This caused a few things, including strap movement where my feet are not wide, and thus constricting/loosening here and there, but it was nothing that could not be fixed by adjustment once every 20-30 minutes of tromping around.

I have been searching for the perfect water shoe for a long time. I'm still looking but like these Chacos as much as any other shoe I have worn.

The plus side, they are virtually indestructable. After three years, the sole hasn't peeled or separated, and the webbing is in great shape. The webbing is also very adjustable and snugs with virtually no hardware. The strap over the big toe takes some getting used to but provides tremendous stability in wet conditions.

They don't use neoprene or other padding that could tear away or degrade. The open design of the strapping sheds water and debris better than any other water sandal I have worn. And, despite using them in the rankest of stagnant water, they don't pick up any odors. In terms of overall comfort, I love the strapping system (but see below re: the big toe strap).

some design and style choices that may not compare well with other water shoes:

-the footbed is well-contoured but on the stiff side, particularly the high edges near the arch. for me, a person with flat feet, these high arches can cause blisters on a very long or overly rugged walk. they are available in "wide," which i may check out if these ever wear out.

-the vibram "unaweep" sole is fine for regular walking; Chaco sells the sandal with a sticky rubber for hard core river rats. i would go with the sticky rubber next time around.

-unlike Keens and a few other brands, your toes are exposed.

-the big toe strap that makes these so secure can tighten over time. this is adjustable but can be uncomfortable. the Chaco Z/1 avoids this by omitting the big toe strap.

This, along with the Keen Newport H2, has become my mainstay water shoe.

Admit it. If you don't already have a pair of sport sandals, you wish you did. You find yourself walking through some outfitter and there they are...these curious looking sandals. They aren't anything like the sandals all the Abercrombie kids are wearing, and they don't really look like anything special. Then you look at the employees in the store and realize that they ALL are wearing these things.

And rightfully so. Sport sandals are a perfect fit for those who are into water adventure sports, or those who require ultra-breathable footwear on their day hikes. However, some stand out far above the rest. This is the case with the Chaco Z/2 Unaweep sandal.

To start things off, I have to start with the Vibram sole. The same brand you have probably trusted to provide the sole for your hiking boots have created an equally impressive version for sandals. The pull through strap system really makes this sandal a piece of your foot, which comes in handy when crossing creeks or hiking in rocky areas. The combination of the Vibram sole and the pull through straps make this sandal one you will never walk out the door without.

To top things off, the sole can be replaced and the nice folks at Chaco are environmentally friendly in their production of these great adventure sport necessities. Go out, strap on a pair, and head for the hills. Your trekking will never be the same.

These sandals are amazing. Chances are if it's warm outside I am wearing them. They are versatile enough that you can do almost anything in them with extreme comfort. Also they are great for rafting and going in and out of water while protecting your feet. Some of the best sandals money can buy.

I love my Chacos. They are very comfortable and there is not much you can't do while wearing them. I have tan lines from wearing mine so much. Another one of those great investments. You can actually get them resoled and restrapped so one pair can last a very long time.

These have been the standard for a water sandal for years. I noticed a lot of people are trying to copy them, Merrell, Keen, etc. Just stick with the originals.