Owner Review by Aaron Hoette

Chaco Z/1 Sandals

Product Information

Product Name	Performance Sandals Z/1
Manufacturer	Chaco, Incorporated.
Manufacturer URL	http://www.chacousa.com/
Year of Manufacture	circa 2000
Weight	28 oz. (790 g) as supplied by manufacturer.
	Present weight as measured with a Terreno sole is 900 g (31.7 oz)
Sole Material	TC-1 Vibram™ rubber
Sole Type	Colorado
Sole/footbed width	Wide
Size	Men's 9 (EU 42 approximate)
Strap width	25 mm (1")
Webbing Colour	Neptune

Product Description

Manufacturer Stated features accompanied by my explanation.

Activity specific outsole choices are resoleable to create longterm relationships.

Three sole choices are available.
The Vibram™ Colorado works well for the walker, offering a minimal tread for normal walking.
It is intended to be an all around sole, for use in both wet and dry surfaces.
The Vibram™ Terreno is intended for long walks on trails and pavement, it is thicker and has
a lugged tread.
The FiveAquaStealth is intended primarily for grip on wet surfaces.
Colorado and the Terreno soles are both non-marking.

Single non-slip buckle will not wear out or clog with sand.

This is a simple buckle fitted to one end of the strap, the other end passes through it.

Biocentric(tm) arch support is the basis for Chaco's reputation for comfort.

The molded footbed is shaped to common medium to high arch foot. It gives arch support but also
places the foot in the footbed.

Anatomically placed foot strap holds the foot securely and comfortably.

This strap crosses the foot at specific points and does not interfere with the toes on the Z/1 model.

Original Chaco pull through strap design provides a custom fit.

The strap loop is threaded between the footbed and sole. The strap moves in this space allowing
the tension to be modified, securing the foot evenly to the footbed.

Width sizing for men and women.

This is the width of the footbed and sole specific to gender.

My first and only pair of Z/1 sandals came with blue "Neptune" straps and the Colorado Vibram™ sole. The Vibram™ Colorado sole is said by Chaco to be a compromise between wet surface grip and durability, a low profile Vibram™ tread approximately 5 mm (0.2") thick. The footbed is a rubber material that is formed anatomically specific to gender. The outsole is attached to the footbed via an adhesive. The one-piece strap moves freely between the footbed and outsole, with a fixed rear strap for the heel. The sandal can be washed with normal laundry detergent in warm water in a washing machine or by hand.

My 5 year old
Chaco Z/1 sandals.

Field Experience

Cape to Cape Track. These sandals were used to walk the entire length of the track, 135 km (84 miles). The sandals performed flawlessly through this walk. Occasionally debris entering the sandal footbed was a problem. The low weight was enjoyable and the ease of use made them suitable for all situations encountered. I did not experience any pain or fatigue due to the sandals.

Karajini National Park. I used these sandals whilst walking and floating down many gorges. The smooth rocks where water flows were slippery in these sandals, probably due to a film of algae. However with care the sandals could be used. They performed well both in and out of the water, drying very quickly and did not become sodden.

I always take these sandals with me when I bushwalk, using them mostly around camp. They also get used if for some reason my boots cause me trouble, like sore spots, or when crossing water that is too deep for boots.

I use these sandals whenever I need footwear for everyday application, because they are very comfortable. I have never had a pair of sandals so comfortable. The sole has lasted for four years. I find conditions such as water on a sealed surface to be extremely slippery, as the tread has worn. They are very easy to put on and take off, and tightening the buckle has not been necessary around the house. I often use socks while inside with these sandals, as they don't have a toe loop.

I first washed them in a bucket with laundry detergent, pulling the straps backwards and forwards to clear the dirt in the strap section between the footbed and outsole, this seems to get all grit and dirt out. Later I used the washing machine without any problems.

Product Summary

These sandals are made of few parts and have an elegant design. The materials are very well suited to the task. The outsole and webbing can be replaced giving the owner the ability to reuse parts, reducing both financial and environmental costs. To replace the worn sole and straps, I returned the sandals to the manufacturer. The sole has lasted 5 years or regular use. Though the straps have frayed a little at the points where they enter the sandal, they have not failed and do not seem to be near failure.

The comfort and material suitability of the anatomically designed footbed are superb. I have had the buckle cause a small sore by rubbing against my foot, I suspect I had the strap too tight here, and was not wearing any socks on a walk of approximately 5 kilometers ( 3.1 miles ).

These sandals were the most expensive model available. They were only available with the Vibram™ Colorado sole, and a wide width. They are no longer available in stores where I live.

The sandals have since been resoled with the Vibram™ Terreno sole, more appropriate for long walks on trail and pavement.

Pros

Quality of design.
Anatomical footbed.
Quality match of materials.
Choice of sole.
Reusable parts.

Cons

Initial cost.





Biographical Information

Name	Aaron Joseph Hoette
Gender	Male
Age	28
Height	172 cm (5'7")
Weight	58.0 kg (127.9 lb)
Email Address	aaron(dot)hoette(at)gmail(dot)com
City, State, Country	Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Date	26 February 2005





Backpacking Experience/Background 


My home location is Perth, Western Australia.  I have bushwalked for approximately five years, 
on trips of varying lengths.  Areas include The South West and Pilbara regions of Western 
Australia and the Blue Mountains of New South Wales.  My walks have always been one to two weeks 
long, which allows me to travel about 100 kilometers ( 60 miles ) per week easily, so far, 
always on marked trails.  My pack weight is usually under 13 kg (28 lb), and I generally try to 
get away with as little gear as possible but remain comfortable.

Read more reviews of Chaco gear
Read more gear reviews by Aaron Hoette

Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Chaco Z1 Sandals > Owner Review by Aaron Hoette

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