Customer Reviews Chaco Z/1® Classic

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Rating Summmary:

200 total reviews
Chaco Z/1® Classic

Review Breakdown:

59%5Rated 5 stars out of 5

19%4Rated 4 stars out of 5

11%3Rated 3 stars out of 5

6%2Rated 2 stars out of 5

4%1Rated 1 star out of 5

Customer Fit Survey:

83%"Felt true to size"

91%"Felt true to width"

57%"Excellent arch support"

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Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Comfort1Rated 1 star out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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!
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Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Heavy and uncomfortable despite lots of cushioning. Also, middle strap too tight as I have a high arch.
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Overall1Rated 1 star out of 5
Comfort1Rated 1 star out of 5
Style1Rated 1 star out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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'd also recommend:
Birkenstocks
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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!
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Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified Purchase
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style2Rated 2 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Perfect fit. Awesome to hike in the summer. Break-in period necessary as they are very tough.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Great fit and so much more comfortable than my older ones with a toe strap.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
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.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
My college-age daughter wears Chaco sandals every day until the snow gets deep enough that she has to switch to boots. She loves them. I could see that they have more arch support than most sandals, and decided to give them a try. But I have bunions, especially one large one on the pinkie toe side of my foot, right where sandal straps typically hit, so I wasn't sure the Chacos would work. I deliberately chose the Z/1 style, thinking it would be most likely to succeed, and happily, these sandals feel great on my feet! I have very high arches, and normally wear custom orthotics. These shoes don't give me the support my orthotics do, but they are quite decent for sandals -- like the support I get from my Birks, but these are sandals I can wear in water, sand or mud without fear of ruining them. I normally wear an 8, and found the sandal TTS. I wore it around the house for several hours with no discomfort, even on the tricky parts of my feet. I'll do that a few more times before I venture out for all day wear, but so far find them comforable and easy to adjust to my feet.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
This is my fifth pair of Chacos. Im obsessed! This is however my first pair without the toe strap. I love the design of these so I decided to try no toe strap and I am glad I did. For wearing around the house and around town they are perfectly comfortable! If I go hiking I would definitely switch to a pair with the toe strap for more security since my feet slide around just a bit less with the toe, but that is just my preference to the toe strap these last ten years. But overall one more pair I absolutely love!
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
This is my second pair of Chacos, I got my first pair over 12 years ago and they were the traditional wrap-around-the-toe ones. I ordered these, because in the end, I didn't find the toe wrap very comfortable. We are about to go on a cruise and I needed something that I could wear to the beach and get wet, but also walk a good distance in, so I ordered these. They were comfy right out of the box. I usually wear a wide and these were no different. I feel like these are a bit lighter and less clunky than my chacos from way back. BTW I also have a high instep, so being able to adjust the straps so they fit just right is awesome.
I'd also recommend:
birkenstock, Teva
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
Love these shoes! I have gotten so many compliments. I definitely like not having the toe strap. I wear a 9 in chaos, but a 9.5 in most running shoes.
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
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Poor SupportGreat Support
I wear an 8.5WW or 9WW, depending on the shoe. I got these in the 9WW and I'm happy. Especially in sandals, I don't like any part of my foot to be near the edge. The 9WW give me the protective edge I want. Besides having wide feet, I also have a bunion on one foot and can't bend the large toe on my other foot due to arthritis. The strap on the shoe sits nicely in front of the bunion. And the stiff sole is what I look for so there's no need to bend my arthritic toe. These shoes also make my feet look smaller, which is a nice plus given the size and width of my big feet. So far I'm loving these sandals. My only concern is the roughish sole that touches the bottom of my feet. For longer walks, I may need to wear socks.
I'd also recommend:
Vionic
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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Poor SupportGreat Support
A great shoe for many people, however the sole is too rigid for me. I have a very delicate spine and need a shoe with a flexible sole.
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