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

Chaco
Z2 Sandal

Initial Report
May 16, 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:

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 foot bed 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 foot beds 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".

Initial Report:

The Chaco Z2 sandals arrived on 5/12/2005. The UPS guy made the fastest delivery I have ever seen. He literally tossed the box onto the porch, ran to his truck and speed away before I could get to the front porch. I suspect the reason was the condition of the package. The box appears to have been crushed. The outer box was completely opened and one side the Chaco shoe box was torn open. I inspected the Chaco Z2 sandals, they were undamaged but dirty (black dust).

The one side of the Chaco shoe box exterior has a printed chart showing available sizes and international equivalents. The inside flap of the cover is printed with instructions for fitting and adjusting both the Chaco Z1 and Z2 sandals. Packaged with the sandals was a folded instruction sheet with fitting, adjustment and care and cleaning instructions. In my opinion the provided instructions are well written and easy to understand.

First Impressions:

As I removed the Chaco's from the box I immediately noticed two things. The polyester webbing is much softer than I expected, the webbing feels like it will be very comfortable. At the same time I noticed the weight. I my first thought was "These aren't going to float, I hope that buckle doesn't slip because I would hate to loose a $95 pair of sandals the first time I wear them in deep water."

I carefully inspected the Z2s and could find no apparent flaws or manufacturing defects. The webbing attachment seams are smooth and there are no broken or frayed threads. The sole appears to be securely attached to the footbed and I could find no delamination (the lamination of sole to footbed has no gaps around the circumference of the sandal).

Webbing Configuration:

The polyester webbing is approximately 0.7" (17.7 mm) wide. The heel webbing (behind the heel) is fixed (not adjustable) and sewn into two vertical 1" (25.4 mm) straps attached to the footbed on each side of the ankle (heel attachment webbing). The adjustable webbing (securing the front of the foot)  is sewn to the heel attachment webbing on the inside of the ankle. The strap then passes over the foot and enters the footbed just forward on the back of the ball of the foot, and crosses under the foot (through the footbed). The strap exits the footbed at about the base of the big toe, crosses over the top of the big toe and enters the foot bed between the big toe and first toe. It crosses under the big toe (through the footbed), exits the footbed next to the outside of the big toe, crosses the top of the foot and enters the outside of footbed behind the ball of the foot. The strap passes under the foot again (through the footbed), exits the footbed at about the middle of the arch and is sewn to the buckle. A short strap is sewn to the heel attachment webbing at the outside of the ankle and passes across the top of the foot in front of the ankle and into the buckle. The end of this strap is folded and stitched to keep the end of the strap from slipping through the buckle.

Trying on the Chaco Z2s:

When this test was posted, I looked up the local Chaco dealers on the webbing site and visited all of the dealers within about 100 miles (161 km) in an attempt to determine what size I would need and buy a pair of Z2 Terreno sandals. Unfortunately none of the local dealers stocked men's Chaco sandals or could tell me whether I would need a medium or wide sandal. All of the dealers suggested that I should start by ordering a medium width (from them) to try, which they would send back in exchange for a wide if necessary. Since I couldn't find any Chaco sandals to buy, I decided I would follow their advice and apply to test the medium size 12 Chaco Z2 Terreno sandals.

I have been concerned that I might have problem with the fit because I have flat feet. I normally wear a medium width shoe. I tried the sandals on and was happily surprised that they seemed to be a perfect fit. When I stood and my flat feet spread the width of the medium sandal appeared to be perfect. I have worn them around the house to check the fit and they felt good. The sculpted heel risers felt a little tight, but my wife has a pair of Z2s (we purchased when I was looking for a pair) and said it took her a while to get used to them.

First Long walk:

After trying the Chacos in the house for a couple of days I decided I would try taking a walk in the Chaco Z2 sandals. As my feet are soft from a long winter in boots and I was concerned I would develop blisters, I decided to hop on the Moped and head down to the local High School track and walk in a circle with the other fat folks. After about 3 miles (4.8 km), the sculpted heel risers were annoying me and creating hot spots on the inside of my heels, so I ended my walk. I am concerned that the sculpted heel risers are causing hot spots within an hour to an hour and a half of walking. Hopefully as my feet toughen up and I'll get used to the sculpted heel risers.

Test Plan:

My goal is to wear the sandals every day. They will be worn while doing chores around the house and camp, as well as walking around town for excercise. 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?

7.      Are the Chaco Z2s comfortable, do the straps chafe or cause blisters? Will the big toe strap chafe the top of my big toes? How will me feet feel after a day of chores, kayaking or hiking?

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