Verdict from 10 experts and 100+ user reviews
8 reasons to buy
- A bunch of product testers gave the Chaco Z/1 Classic a perfect rating in the stability metric. They liked its solid platform.
- Its excellent durability impressed numerous wearers.
- A considerable percentage of brand loyalists hailed the Z/1 Classic as an immensely comfortable hiking footgear.
- Many owners got a great fit in their Z/1 Classic sandals.
- This Chaco gear received a ton of praise from a few reviewers thanks to its amazingly reliable arch support.
- A professional shoe blogger applauded the sandal’s versatility.
- Several individuals called this strappy footwear a wise and reasonable investment.
- Some experts raved about the grippy outsole of this multi-sport sandal from Chaco.
3 reasons not to buy
- Footwear critics shunned the hulking weight of these Chaco Z/1 Classic sandals.
- Its break-in period could be shorter, according to a handful of users.
- A couple of testers found the Z/1 Classic’s straps too complicated to configure.
Bottom line
Chaco footwear developers seem to have made another smash hit in the Z/1 Classic. They have managed to craft a great-fitting gear with adamantine durability, outstanding stability and awe-inspiring level of comfort. However, the strappy hiker has its fair share of issues, quite possibly the most disappointing of which is its alleged weightiness. To sum up, the Chaco Z/1 Classic—despite a few flaws—delivers a satisfactory performance.
Tip: see the best hiking sandals.
Good to know
The Z/1 Classic, an 8-component Chaco sandal, is adequately equipped for trail adventures requiring a combination of support and comfort. It is built with fit personalization in mind, thanks to its adjustable straps and heel risers.
Wearers can navigate mildly rocky paths and root-filled trails with the sandal’s Luvseat midsole. What helps hikers stay sure-footed on slippery surfaces, on the other hand, is the footgear’s proprietary ChacoGrip outsole.
Chaco’s Z/1 Classic is a generally true-to-size multi-sport sandal for men and women. It is offered in regular and wide widths in standard sizes. Its adjustable straps and heel risers give users a secure and customized lockdown.
A Chaco-exclusive outsole called ChacoGrip is what grants hikers enough grip over tricky terrain. It is built with horizontal treads at the heel and forefoot for improved maneuverability on ascents and descents.
The outsole is packed with lugs to help secure the hiker’s footing on loose soil. The lug depth of the men’s and women’s versions measure 3.5 mm and 3 mm, respectively.
The Z/1 Classic’s ability to steady the wearer’s balance on precarious trails comes from its Luvseat midsole. It has a considerably thick construction, particularly at the heel, for ample cushioning and shock absorption. It comes with an integrated, podiatrist-certified insole for extra comfort underfoot. Both the main midsole layer and the non-removable footbed are made of polyurethane (PU).
This Chaco sandal wraps the wearer’s foot in its strappy upper made of polyester jacquard webbing. It is a single-piece strap that moves as a unit within the midsole for adjustability. Its injection molded ladder lock buckle is made of a material the likeness of which compares to hard plastic. The adjustable heel risers, on the other hand, are made of webbing.
- A pair of Chaco Z/1 Classic sandals may be machine-washed in cold water with some mild detergent on a gentle cycle. The footwear must be air-dried. The use of a heat source or a dryer is discouraged.
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