Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Chaco Z2 Sandals > Owner Review by Jo Ann Moffi

Chaco Z/2 Terreno Sandals
Owner Review
September 14, 2006

Name: Jo Ann Moffi
Age: 33
Gender: Female
Height: 5' 6" (168 cm)
Weight: 175 lb (79 kg)
Shoe Size: US 8 women's
Email address: jomoffi AT gmail DOT com
City, State, Country: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
Date: September 9th, 2006

Backpacking Background:

I was introduced to backpacking about 15 years ago when I met my husband. We have been backpacking, canoe camping, car camping, hiking, and participating in all sorts of outdoor activities ever since. We live in a border town (US & Canada), so we spend lots of time in both countries for our outdoor excursions. My most recent foray has been into Adventure Racing. When making a decision on gear, I like to go lightweight and practical. I don't like to carry around extraneous bits and pieces.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Chaco, Inc.
Manufacture Date: 2005
URL: http://www.chacousa.com/
Style: Z/2 Terreno
MSRP: $90.00
Size: US 7W (Available in Women's whole sizes US 5-11 and US 5W-11W)
Color: Firefly (Also available in Aegean, Black, Ladybug, Replay, RubyMint)
Listed Weight: Women's Size 8 0.6 kg (1 lb, 5 oz)
Outsole: Terreno (TC-1 Vibram non-marking rubber)
Webbing: N/A
Warranty: Against defects for the life of the product, does not cover normal wear and tear.

According to the manufacturer, the Chaco Z/2 Terreno Sandal is recommended for all outdoor activities demanding an increased level of performance including: hiking, rafting, trail running, and water sports. Chaco, Inc. touts the Terreno sole as great for traveling and long days on the pavement, providing support 'whether carrying 40lb. pack or a bottle of cabernet'. The soles have deep lugs that provide additional traction on loose surfaces. The toe loop wraps around the big toe, increasing forefoot stability, which Chaco claims provides more comfort that traditional thong sandals. There is one non-slip buckle that the manufacturer states will not wear out or clog with sand. All Chaco footwear has received the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Society, specifically for the trademarked BioCentric comfort with a biomechanically correct contour that 'ensures a supported, comfortable stride in any activity'. Chaco Inc. provides the Z patterned tan lines at no additional charge.

Field Information

Location or locations where the shoes were worn:
In and around Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Batchewana Bay, Ontario, and Barrie, Ontario.

Description of Location(s):
From around town on concrete and cement, to sandy beaches, maintained bush trails, rocky beaches, in the water on sand and rocks (including slimy rocks).

Weather Conditions:
Warm spring days, rainy summer days, hot summer weather. Temperatures ranged from 14 C (57 F) to 36 C (97 F).

Product Review

I bought these sandals because of the rave reviews some of my friends had for the quality of Chaco footwear. I had high hopes for them, Tevas were no longer providing me the support that my falling arches need. The Terreno outsole has a higher arch that provides increased support. They provide plenty of cushioning and are quite comfortable when standing around for long periods of time.

The strap system of the Chaco Z/2 Terreno Sandal is one continuous strap that passes through the footbed as it crosses over the foot. The literature on the box of the sandals provided directions on how to adjust the straps for the comfort of the wearer. To ensure comfort, it is recommended to have one finger's worth of space between the big toe and the strap, and two finger's worth of space between the strap and the top of the foot near the arch. This is accomplished by pulling up on the strap where it crosses the big toe and where it crosses the top of the arch. The strap can be slid through the footbed in two locations to bring more strap to the toe or to the top of the foot as required. This is all theoretically the way it works.

However in reality, as I walk the straps slide through the footbed and tighten across my foot and more so across my big toe, resulting in my big toes feeling like they are being choked. It becomes impossible to ignore after a few minutes and I have to stop to relieve my toes from the stranglehold the sandals have on them. There have been times when my toes have taken on a purplish tinge because I have ignored the straps tightening for too long. The buckle of the sandals does not move when tightened, it remains in the location it was put in. The strap sliding through the footbed is the culprit in making these shoes uncomfortable.

That being said, the soles perform superbly on both sand and rocks, including wet, slippery rocks. I wouldn't run with wet sandals or across submerged rocks, but they do have grip when walking through water. They also are quite stable on dirt and bush trails. Sand, small rocks and other debris fall out easily when they get caught between my feet and the footbed.

I have not tested these sandals for trail running, that was not my intent with their purchase. I wanted sandals I could wear comfortably around town, in the water, and on hikes. Unfortunately, the only time these sandals are comfortable for an extended period of time is when I am standing still. Any significant amount of walking and my big toes get strangled. I have also swum with the sandals on and they do not tighten when swimming.

Most desirable features:
- The supportive Terreno Outsole
- The slip proof buckle
- Attractive Z patterned tan lines

Least desirable features:
- Toe choke from the self tightening straps
- Constantly having to re-adjust the straps

Summary
Despite the supportive soles, and gripping properties on wet rocks, the other characteristics of these sandals make them totally unsatisfactory from my point of view.

Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Chaco Z2 Sandals > Owner Review by Jo Ann Moffi