Customer Reviews Chaco Z/1® Classic

This is my 8th pair of Chacos over 12 years. The QUALITY has definitely DECLINED since I bought my last 2 pair 3 years ago. No more Vibram soles. The foot bed has changed and does not fit the arch area as well. It is uncomfortable for both me and my daughter, who wears the same size. The webbing (straps) is also thinner, less sturdy, and more slick, which is probably why they loosen as I walk. This has never happened before. Once properly adjusted and fitted to my feet, the straps have never needed readjusting before. Ever. Even after years of wear. I got this pair on sale, which is the ONLY reason I may keep them. But I am debating on returning them and getting a pair of Birkenstocks, which are still the same excellent quality and fit that they have been since I bought my first pair nearly 40 years ago. So so disappointed in Chaco. Cutting corners does not pay in the end. They will lose dedicated wearers this way.

So glad Chacos are coming out in pretty shades! I love the monochromatic colors. I wear ~ 8.5 and usually sized down. The size 8 was super tight; the size 9 fits well. As I've been a Teva wearer until now, I was surprised to realize that only one of the straps was adjustable. That adjustable strap is also super long; it almost touches the ground when I tighten it. The lack of adjustability and extra length of the strap is why I'm giving it four instead of five stars.

Now on my second pair of these versatile sandals. May not be the prettiest shoes, but for comfort and durability, they are unmatched. Despite medical issues with my feet which limit my ability to walk long distances, I was able to walk miles and miles in my Chaco sandals on a trip through Australia without any discomfort or ill effects. Also fabulous for walking in water along the shore, protecting your feet from injury due to sharp objects. The sole provides grip under slippery conditions such as wet concrete, by pools, wet gym floors or even rugged hiking trails. Ten stars, highly recommended!

This is my second pair - my first pair lasted 20 years. This pair only lasted 4. The sole is completely worn thru and the nylon webbing is exposed so I imagine I'll have to throw these away soon. I won't be buying another pair.

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.

Not good for people with narrow feet, Especially the front of the feet...for me it hangs out, making my feet feel like they are going to slip out. Im size 6 but size 5 fit me better. I tried the smaller size but the front strap was still too lose for my feet. The arch support, hard sole, and style are all perfect. I wish the front strap was adjustable for a better fit.

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.