Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Chaco Z2 Sandals > Clifford Haynes > Field Report

Chaco
Z2 Terreno Sandal

Field Report
July 26, 2005

Personal Stats:

Backpacking Background:
I am from and live in Maine. I have been hiking, backpacking, and canoe camping for over 45 years. I average 2 to 3 days a week in the woods year round.

I can't really say that I have a backpacking style. I take what I need or want, depending upon what I plan to do on the outing. Even before my knees became a problem, I could never see being in a big rush. It is my opinion that camping is part of backpacking and should be enjoyed at least as much as the hiking. In areas where there is a lot of hiker traffic, I tend to pack heavier in order to minimize impact. I just like being out in the woods and exploring.

Product Information:

Men's Medium-Width Chaco Z2 Terreno Sandals Provided For Test:

Men's Wide-Width Chaco Z2 Terreno Sandals Purchased To Complete Test:

Z2 Sandal Features:*
*per Chaco Web site, shoe box and information sheet and personal observation

• Accepted by the "American Podiatric Medical Association"
• Multiple sole choices are available.
  Colorado: A low profile, lighter weight Vibram outer sole that sheds dirt and debris easily, recommender for wet sandy environment.
  Terreno: A deeper lugged Vibram outer sole that provides durability, cushion and traction on loose uneven surfaces, recommended for hiking and travel.
  Aqua Stealth: An "Ultra-sticky MARKING" outer sole that adheres to wet rocks and slick surfaces, recommended for avid climbers, paddlers and canyoneers.
• Worn Chaco Z2 sandals can be resoled, provided the footbed is not cracked or damaged.
• The Chaco Z2's polyester straps (webbing) and buckles can replaced if they are damaged.
• Sculpted heel risers provide rear foot stability and greater heel stability. (The sides of the Z2's footbed are raised and support the sides of the heel).
• The molded polyurethane footbeds are durable and retain their resilience after years of hard use.
• Chaco Biocentric footbeds are available in two widths providing all day comfort and preventing over-pronation.
• The Z2's polyester straps are adjusted with a single buckle closure (one on each sandal) which adjusts easily, and will not wear out or clog with sand.
• The soft polyester webbing dries faster than nylon and maintains a constant fit in all conditions.
• The Chaco Z2's polyester webbing loops around the big toe minimizing "sandal toe flip-flop".

Field Report:

Shortly after posting my Initial Report, I tried the Chaco Z2 Terreno sandals again. I wore them around the house for several hours and then out for a short walk. I had to cut my walk short due to foot pain caused by the sculpted heel risers. By the time I got home, I had blisters on both feet where the sculpted heel risers made contact with my feet. I had to switch back to wearing my Teva sandals while the blisters healed.

While I was waiting for my feet to recover, I met a fellow on one of our local trails wearing Chaco sandals. Apparently we were both ready for a break because we sat down and chatted for a while. I asked how he liked his Chacos (he did) and told him about my problem with the sculpted heel risers. He told me he had tried on both widths and had bought the men's size 12 wide. He was even kind enough to allow me to try his on to see if the fit better. Even though my feet were still very sore from wearing the medium Chacos, the size 12 wide Chaco was much more comfortable. We visited for a while longer then resumed our hikes.

Upon arriving home, I called the closest Chaco dealer, one of the dealers that had measured my feet and recommended the medium width Chaco, and ordered a pair of men's size 12 wide Chaco Z2 Terreno sandals. I didn't try to exchange the medium-width sandals as I had worn them while walking several miles, outside.

When the dealer notified me that the new wide-width Chaco sandals had arrived, I drove to the dealer's shop and picked up my new sandals. Upon arriving home with the wide-width sandals I inspected them and compared them to the medium-width sandals. The quality and workmanship appears to be consistent, with the exception of the stitching that attaches the heel webbing to the webbing embedded in the sculpted heel risers. The stitching on the wide-width sandals isn't as smooth, and there is a broken stitch (thread) on the right sandal.

The sculpted heel risers on the new wide-width Chacos fit much better. I didn't really need to get used to them and have been wearing the new wide-width Chaco Z2 Terrenos almost exclusively since the first of July. I had a problem with chafing from the heel web stitching until my feet became accustomed to the chafing. The chafing probably can be attributed to the fact that I wore the Z2s for over eighteen hours a day on July second, third and fourth while working security for our local Fourth of July Moontide Festival.  

Since getting the wide-width sandals, I have worn then for walks about town, shopping, kayaking, on several day hikes and on one overnight hike. I'm very impressed with the traction provided by the Vibram soles. I have worn them in sand, mud and on rocky trails, and have not slipped, "yet". During my backpacking outing even though my pack weighed 31 pounds, I never felt insecure about my footing, and didn't even bother to avoid walking through the mud or wading brooks. The sole and footbed of the Chaco Z2 sandals did a good job protecting my feet when walking on sharp rocks and roots on the trail. I wore the Chacos on all but the steepest (very rocky) part of the hike. I didn't dare take a chance and wear the Chacos because the wide-width Chacos feel too wide when I climb on rocky sections of trail and when wading out through brush and slash, and given my weight a fall would probably have resulted in a serious injury.

Thus far I have not had a problem with pebbles or sticks getting caught between my foot and the footbed. On the few occasions that I have picked something up, I have been able to just shake it out or bend over and pull it out. The webbing on the Z2s seems to dry quickly after getting wet. Even when I wore them kayaking the webbing was dry within about an hour. The deep tread Vibram sole does track mud into the house if I don't stomp my feet to clear the mud and dirt out of the tread.

On my hikes and during my walks about town, the webbing adjustment buckles have not slipped and I have not had to readjust them while walking. Most days, I adjust the straps in the morning and forget them until I take the sandals off at the end of the day. I have experienced some discomfort in my big toes when walking down hill for extended periods. I have also found that if I wear the Z2's while driving on trips of over a couple of hours I experience discomfort and swelling in my big toes. I have found if I loosen the straps I can drive for longer periods while wearing the Z2s.

Likes and Dislikes:

Likes:

1. The thick footbed and  Vibram sole protect my feet from sharp rocks and roots on the trail. At the end of the day my feet aren't as tired as they have been while wearing other sandals and sneakers.
2. While it may be a function of my weight, the Chaco Z2s seem to cushion my steps and supports my arches.
3. The strap system and sculpted heel risers have worked very well for me. My feet don't slide off the soles when walking on a side-hill.
4. The strap system holds the sandals securely on my feet. Even on steep ups and downs on the trail, my feet didn't slip much.

Dislikes:

1. Other than the lack of stock and lack of familiarity with the produce at the local Chaco dealers, I haven't found anything I don't like about the Chaco Z2 Terreno sandals.

Field Information:

Testing was conducted while walking about town, kayaking (sit on top), hiking, backpacking and camping in western Maine, at elevations between 300 ft (92 m) and 4000 ft (1200 m). The temperature during field-testing was between 45 F (7 C) and 98 F (37 C). Precipitation experienced during testing consisted of light to heavy rain. The terrain was varied from pavement to typical Maine hiking trails (mud, rocks, roots  and up and down).

Test Plan:

I plan to continue to wear the sandals every day for as long as the weather permits. They will be worn while doing chores around the house and camp, as well as walking around town for exercise. I will be wearing them while hiking and backpacking in areas where they prove to be adequate. I will also be using them a lot while canoeing, kayaking, and gold panning. 

Some of the points I will be reporting on: 

1.      How well do the fit a fat guy with flat feet? Will my feet become accustomed to the sculpted heel risers? Will the Biocentric footbed fit my feet?

2.      Will the sculpted heel riser provide rear foot stability and greater heel-side comfort? Will my heel slip and slide around when the sandals are wet and muddy? Will the sculpted heel riser trap sand and mud?

3.      Are the polyester straps really soft and will they stay soft? Will they stretch when wet or shrink as they dry.

4.      Does the buckle closure work well, does it hold, how durable is it?

5.      Will the Chaco original pull-through strap system load up with sand and grit hampering adjustment and accelerating wear?

6.      How durable are the Chaco Z2 sandals? Will they stand up to daily use by a 300 pound man?

Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Chaco Z2 Sandals > Clifford Haynes > Field Report