CHACOS.COM/US Blog

Chaco Ponsul earns noteworthy ink.

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:36:00 GMT

Have you checked out Chaco’s Ponsul shoe yet? The Ponsul is the perfect shoe for water adventure, with a molded TPU toe bumper for protection, a neoprene sock to keep out debris, and Custom Adjust’em straps to provide the fit Chaconians know and love. Backpacker Magazine and Rapid Magazine have taken note and agree with resounding thumbs up!

Featured in Backpacker’s highly respected 2012 Spring Gear Guide, the Chaco Ponsul has been elected as “best for canyoneering” in the footwear category. “It’s ideal for river rats, but it’s also more versatile than its funky look suggests.” One tester remarked that it’s rubber Vibram outsole with low-profile lugs gripped slickrock with “Spiderman-like suction.”

Rapid Mag also buzzed about the Ponsul in its Spring 2012 issue, noting it “offers Chaco’s renowned arch support, Vibram outsoles and familiar strap adjustment system.”!

ON THE ROAD WITH THE BOARDS

Sun, 13 May 2012 12:25:00 GMT

The past few weeks have been spent training and getting ready for the upcoming season on the Road. With the Boardworks Demo Tour in full swing, it has been great to meet lots of new people, introduce people to the sport of Stand Up Paddling, and share my passion for the sport. I’ve been paddling both SUP’s and Kayak’s lately, but have been getting a lot of attention while paddling whitewater on our Stand Up Boards. The other thing getting the attention of paddlers and on-lookers alike, is our new footwear from Chaco.

Since I got my new pair of Tedinho’s, they have been glued to my feet in the water and have been a great tool for paddling.

Here is a video from my paddling session on the Ocoee River last weekend while wearing the Tedinho’s. Simply put, they are grippy, supportive, and protective. I will let the VIDEO speak for itself…

Hope to see new faces at our stops along the tour this year! Don’t be shy if you see us on the road!

Floss, Brush, and Shower... Proper Hygiene for Squeaky Clean Chacos

Tue, 08 May 2012 19:38:00 GMT

Feet get stinky after a day of fun. Here are our tips for taking care of your sandals and avoiding the funk!

To de-funk your sandals, follow these quick home remedies for proper Chaco hygiene.

Wash sandals frequently. Obvious, but people forget.

Wear your sandals in the shower. Why not? It's fun and saves some water!

Throw any non-leather Chaco sandals in the washing machine. And air-dry them.

Proper Flossing Leads to Overall Sandal Health
Because Chaco products are designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, all Z sandals are equipped with a continuous webbing system that flows underneath the footbed. This allows you to adjust the sandal and obtain a perfect fit, every time. To prevent unneeded wear on your sandals, floss the webbing after each wash to remove any grit from the channels.

• To floss-make a mixture of ½ water and ½ fabric softener and pour in the channels of each webbing opening. “Floss” the webbing back and forth to remove grit and allow for proper webbing activity.Flush with water to remove debris and cleaning fluids.

Chacos still smelling a little too "adventurous"?

For Chaco Webbing products:

• Scrub the footbed of your sandals with baking soda & water. Rinse and let air dry.

• Avoid bleach! Allow to air dry and do not place sandals in the dryer.

• Floss webbing! Every few washes pull the webbing back and forth to keep the channels clear of grit & sand. Pour liquid fabric softener into the slits where webbing meets the footbed in order to help slide the webbing.

For Chaco Leather Products:

• Hand wash with a damp cloth & gently blot the area that needs cleaning.

• Air dry! Allow wet sandals to air dry. Do not place leather sandals in the dryer or near any heat source (this may cause the leather to become brittle and crack).

• Leather conditioner is your friend. Use a high quality leather conditioner to help preserve your sandals (Note: this may darken their color).

Full-on Training for the Nantahala Shootout

Tue, 08 May 2012 02:13:00 GMT

The past few weeks have been full-on training. Mike and I have been living in friends’ driveways, Outfitter Shops, and Walmart parking lots that are conveniently located to awesome river features. Since our trailer has been covered with logos we are no longer incognito.

My training over the last few weeks has consisted of working on my weakest tricks and spending time repeatedly practicing. Another aspect of my training has been running sprints and down river sprints. The Nantahala river has been a great location for me to train on the 8 mile class 2+ river for my down river sprints. Most of my freestyle kayak training has been at Rock Island TN, Ocoee River, TN, and Eternity hole, NC.

April 20th was our first major competitive event of the season and a ton of competitors came to compete at the Nantahala Shootout in NC. This is the location for the 2012 World Cup Event and 2013 World’s Event. During our tour I paddled almost all the features a few times and it paid off with a second place finish in the K1 Women Pro catagory.

The Nantahala Shootout was full of fun with Freestyle Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding events and free demos. LINK

More to come with all of the excitement from this weekend.

Our Chaco Ambassador Team member Lindsey shares her secrets for Do-It-Yourself Projects for Adventuring Families

Thu, 03 May 2012 05:16:00 GMT

1. Make a Hammock

Hammocks are the perfect vessel for lounging around camp, in the backyard or even in your minivan. They can be pretty expensive to buy, but are cheap and easy to make yourself.

All you need is a piece of fabric (or a sheet) and some type of cording (or webbing). There are two methods for assembling your hammock. One involves a sewing machine, the other doesn't even take it that far.

Get your instructions HERE.

2. Build a Mobile Kitchen

It used to be that cooking items were always the most time consuming thing for me to pack, and I inevitably forgot something. One day I hit up a thrift store and bought everything I would need to assemble a mobile kitchen (i.e a kitchen I would never need to re-pack). I organized it all in a plastic tote that goes on every camping trip with us. Gone are the days of using frisbees as plates and eating spaghetti with a knife.

Get a complete list of items HERE to build your own.

3. Assemble a Fix-lt Kit

The idea behind the fix-it (i.e. survival) kit is that whether you’re hiking, backpacking, river-rafting, biking, or doing some other outdoor activity, any emergency that happens will generally fall into one of three categories:

a) Your equipment breaks.

b) You hurt yourself.

 c) Something is inconvenient and annoying and needs an inventive remedy.

In all cases, the point is to fix the problem as best you can on the spot, making something that is ‘good enough’, and will get you back to the real world for a proper fix. Make a kit that contains all you need to fix most things that break when you're outside and away. I use my kit all the time!

Find out what you'll need to assemble your own HERE.

Bring on the UPDRAFT 2

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:54:00 GMT

Searching for the perfect sandal with straight out-of-the-box cushioning – no break-in time necessary? With a lightweight look and feel, the new Chaco Updraft 2 incorporates smart design features for a fresh take on Chaco’s versatile heritage. Learn more about this fresh take on the Z-sandal. .

The Updraft 2 is super lightweight and sleek with the much-loved Chaco LUVSEAT™ for support and comfort. The Updraft is built from the ground up with a TPU frame that bridges the foot’s arch as well as ergonomic side heelposts that assist with foot alignment. The sandal is equipped with Custom Adjust’em straps, toe-loop for a secure hold and a Vibram® outsole for superior slip resistance on wet and dry surfaces. Available in men’s, women’s and wide widths, $110. Also available in the Updraft, and Updraft X2 models.

Available at Chaco dealers nationwide and at chacos.com.

Rock It Girl

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:39:00 GMT

Hi everyone, I'm proud and excited to be part of the Chaco Ambassador Team!

I'm a climber, photographer and blogger at Rockgrrl.com. I started climbing close to twenty years ago and never imagined the places, people, and opportunities it would bring me. Being asked to be a Chaco Ambassador is definitely one of the highlights!

I've been a Chaco fan since the minute I strapped on my very first pair. I purchased them because I heard they were good for your feet, I wanted a sandal that could tackle a variety of terrain and, of course, because I liked how they look. Every pair has satisfied me on all counts ever since.

I live in California so I’m a regular at Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel around the United States climbing and taking pictures and have some international adventures. When I’m not climbing I’m hiking, backpacking, biking or I’m on the water (I live near the beach so some kind of water activity is mandatory for an outdoor lover!). No matter my adventure of choice for the day, or where it takes me, Chacos always come along.

I believe my passion for adventure has come across in posts and pictures on my website, Rockgrrl.com, but I look forward to also sharing it here with you!

~ Eileen Ringwald

About EILEEN RINGWALD:

Born and raised in Southern California, Eileen spent many of her summers on family camping trips scrambling on trails and rocks and growing her love of nature. She took this love of adventure and formed Rockgrrl.com, a climbing and outdoor community. She is also the organizational force behind the annual Joshua Tree National Park rock-climbing meet up. Eileen’s photography can be seen at photography.eileenringwald.com.

Tales From Around the World, Usually Some Place Near Moving Water

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:48:00 GMT

Maybe that Saturday Night Live skit with Chris Farley living out of his van down by the river left too much of an impression on me….

My current home is a 25-year old pickup truck parked by a river with an extensive quiver of kayaks strapped on top.

I am a professional kayaker chasing my dream, big waterfalls, unexplored canyons, gorgeous landscapes, and a cold beer at the take out. These dreams have taken me to almost every state, across the globe, and to the hospital.

Standing on the top of a 60-foot waterfall and looking down at the landing zone is terrifying for most people. The difference is I have fear it's just that I truly enjoy it.

Stay tuned for stories of near misses, gorgeous landscapes, international locations, and living in a truck.

And tune in now…to this live video.

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About Chris Baer: In 2011, Chris Baer's Chaco flips took him to eight countries and nineteen states! Chis is an adventuring modern day gypsy chasing his dreams one rapid at a time. In his explorations, Chris has come to know the world and is the epitome of many a Chaconian. Watch the Chaco blog and www.whereisbaer.com as he continues to embrace and share his life of adventure.

On Psyche, Time-Bombs and Making Marks

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 23:15:00 GMT

I adjusted the top sleeve of the sweater again, pulling it ever so carefully into position like a member of the bomb squad cutting the red wire. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. If I pulled it too far, it exposed that extra inch of skin on my ankle, but if I didn’t pull it far enough it didn’t provide enough coverage on my butt cheeks. Tick. Tock. But having cold cheeks wasn’t my only problem. The problem was, the sweater was on my legs, a size too small, and I was in the trunk of a sedan. It was my first extended road trip and I didn’t own a sleeping bag. KA-BOOM!

We crashed out three miles down a rutted out dirt path in the desert outside of Red Rocks National Monument. Everyone else was outfitted in fancy fleece jackets, and expensive gear imported from the moon as far as I knew. I had a harness, a hideous pair of high top rock shoes that might as well have been roller skates, and a lot of questions. I didn’t have much, but what I did have was a big barrel of psyche. Somehow, almost two decades later I still do.

When people ask what I do for a living, I say, “I’m an artist.” I’ve found it’s much easier than explaining all the complex ways I exist in this world, seeing as that I barely understand it myself. Climbing rocks and having adventure is certainly one way of making art if the canvas is life. But I do mean it in the more pedestrian sense too. I take little tools and make marks on paper, and feel an exceptional depth of gratitude that I get to do it every day.

Those little marks on paper have lead to little marks on film, little marks on canvas, and little marks on the landscape via first ascent rock climbs around the globe.

Climbing up untouched rock is possibly one of the most satisfying marks I get to make. It’s so unimportant in the grand scheme of things. It doesn’t cure cancer, solve the earth’s problems, or even pay the bills, really. I can’t hang it on the wall at the local museum for the local well-to-do to admire. But it’s one of the most pure marks I know. It’s just you, a chunk of stone, an idea, some birds overhead, a song in your head, and a good (or exceptionally ignorant) friend at the other end of the rope.

I suppose the idea is that all the little marks add up to making one big one.

Follow my adventures here and at www.jercollins.com

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About Jeremy: “Whether your journey is from east to west, or from ground to summit, don't miss the path from heart to head. Between these two destinations we find our voice.” As an artist, climber, filmmaker and adventurer, Jeremy Collins is a Chaconian ambassador with the unique ability to find beauty around the world and translate it in his own unique way. View his films and photographs at the 5Point Film Festival and Banff Film Festival as well as special showings and online at www.jercollins.com and on Facebook.

A Life on Water, Chasing the Dream

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 03:46:00 GMT

My name is Michael Tavares and I am a professional Stand Up Paddle boarder and whitewater kayaker.

Since my first trip down the river, I have been immersed in the whitewater lifestyle and have been chasing the dream for 9 years. Over those 9 years, I have done a little bit of everything, but the common thread continues to be the love of whitewater competition and the lifestyle that goes with it.

A couple of years ago I was introduced to the sport of Stand Up Paddling and was immediately hooked. I saw amazing opportunities for river surfing as well as paddling downriver. I also loved the fact that I could paddle a board virtually anywhere at anytime, which enabled me to have way more fun training for the rest of my activities. My love for the Sport has grown over the past few years and has turned into both a huge passion as well as a full time job. I am now an athlete with Boardworks and traveling the U.S. this summer bringing the sport of whitewater and inland SUP to as many people as possible through the 2012 Boardworks Surf SHUBU tour (Show Up and Blow Up).

I am equally excited to have Chacos to compete and wear during my tour. Get ready to watch me on-water in the Tedinho's and Ponsuls- both great looking with awesome support, comfort, and grip. People have been staring at my feet when I paddle up! Hope to see you at a river festival this summer! If you see the RV and trailer, don't be shy! LINK

A Hunter of Water

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:04:00 GMT

The word nomad is a great description of myself. I enjoy the unpredictable life of traveling in a RV and constantly being on and around the water. I've been kayaking since I was thirteen years old so I am accustomed to an on-water lifestyle. Over the past few years I've directed my focus to competing in Kayaking, and am becoming a fierce competitor, with solid goals for this year. I am ranked 2nd in the USA and 5th in the world for Freestyle kayaking.

My name is Haley Mills and I am a hunter of water. Follow my boyfriend, Mike Tavares, a fellow Chaco Ambassador and awesome kayaker and SUP rider, and I as we travel across the U.S. for whitewater events that will put most to shame. LINK

And if you are in the area, come out to see us at an event. We are pumped to meet new people along the way and share a friendship as Chaconians. Until we meet again... on land or by water!- Haley Mills

YOU'RE A ROCKSTAR

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:50:00 GMT

I'm Lindsey. I love being outside. I'm an environmental educator. The outdoors seems to be infused into everything I do; which explains why the other day when I uttered the phrase "you're a rockstar" my 5-year-old immediately thought I was referring to a meteorite.

I grew up in Southern Utah. I spent my childhood outside.

When Chaco approached me about becoming an ambassador it seemed like the perfect fit (no pun intended). Chaco and I have a history. My Chacos were there when I rafted the Grand Canyon, backpacked around Costa Rica, traipsed through Yosemite's backcountry, got stuck on a beach in Baja, and sat on the top of Angels Landing under a full moon.

My Chacos were with me when I met my husband-to-be eleven years ago. They were on my feet when we got engaged, and went perfect with our wedding attire. They carried me into the hospital for the births of both of my boys, and I expect I'll wear them when I go in for the birth of our daughter in April. They were on my feet when our youngest son first showed an interest in scaling rocks, and as I ran after our eldest first learning to ride a bike.

Chacos have carried me on some of the greatest adventures of my life, and I expect they'll be there for many more to come.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lindsey blogs at outsidemom.com, a blog for parents dedicated to taking full advantage of the experiences the natural world has to offer their family. When she's not blogging she's relaxing at Lake Tahoe, biking the Sierras before dawn or corralling her boys at the wetlands behind her house.

WOMAN ON A WIRE

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:13:00 GMT

There's something about balancing your way across an abyss that takes you far away from your everyday life and into a place of extreme focus, determination, and overcoming your innate fears. I've become quite fascinated with pushing my personal limits as far as possible, both physically and mentally.

I'm Emily and I'm very excited to be a part of the Chaco Ambassador Team. I'm 25 years old, am heavily addicted to dark chocolate, love puppy dogs and am a bit of a nomad. My favorite thing in the world right now is slacklining, which is defined as "balancing on a narrow piece of webbing stretched between two anchor points".

Within this unique balance sport there are three categories: Tricklining, Longlining and Highlining. They are all pretty self explanatory but in short: "Tricklining" is performing tricks on the line (flips, rotations, static poses, etc), "Longlining" is walking anywhere from 100 feet- 1500 feel long and "Highlining" is setting up a line anywhere above 20 feet in the air. I participate in all three aspects of the sport and love themm all but my true calling is, hands down, highlining. If you've seen the movie "Man on Wire," replace the tight rope with a slackline and you'll have a pretty good idea of what I like to do.

Emily Sukiennik

Website: www.emilysukiennik.com

"Subscribe" on Facebook: www.facebook.com/emily.sukiennik

Vertgirl Sports

Website: www.vertgirlsports.com

"Like" on Facebook:

Chaconian seeks adventure in the Grand Canyon (part two)

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 05:28:00 GMT

Stephanie Hill dishes about her experiences during her most recent Chaco adventure, a three-week rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. Besides being a dedicated Chaconian, Stephanie is the wife of Chaco guru Brandan Hill (Product Development Director for Chaco), the man behind your favorite sandals and shoes.

Tell us about life on the river?

Life on the river was rhythmic and balanced. The morning was full of work- getting the camp packed up and the boats ready for the water. But as we pushed off for the day, our hard work paid off with a day full of wonder and excitement blended with the relaxation of simply floating through the magical place that is the Grand Canyon.

Did your trip change anything about you?

I got completely swallowed up at times in the beauty of the Canyon. Everyday I would wake and say to myself "THIS is the GRAND CANYON." I made sure I was really soaking it all in! With the focus on me I rediscovered my love of and comfort within the wilderness. Stars, water, rock, and sun is what makes me feel big and small, lost and connected, grounded and free. My surroundings during the trip were a centering place.

Tell us a bit about your use of Chacos on the trip?

I only brought Chacos on the trip. Of course my Z/2's (seen below) saw a lot of use! However, I fell in love with my Tedinho's! I started wearing them as the days got shorter and cooler. What I loved about all of the Chaco styles is the grip of the soles on the rocks. I was super confident hiking in my Chacos, which made for amazing side canyon discoveries.

Tell us about your Chacos experience on the river?

It was super fun seeing my friends get into their Chacos for the first time. Obviously they were excited to get a pair but watching them appreciate the comfort and functionality of the shoes was the best part. Our Chacos allowed us to travel by foot to places that we may not have been able to explore. Much appreciated by all!

Stephanie returned home from her three-week trip with renewed sense of self and a rejuvenated passion for the outdoors. Care to share your life-changing adventure experience? Send us a note at chacofootwear@gmail.com and we'll consider interviewing you for a future blog post.

*all trip photos courtesy of Christian Timmerman

Meet the Chaco Ambassador Team-Adventurers Just Like You!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:34:00 GMT

Chaco takes great pride in our loyal Chaconian following. Chaconians are the heart and soul of Chaco, breathing life into the shoes as you explore and adventure; teach, reach and perform.

Meet the Chaco Ambassador Team - Eight individuals who will carry our Chaconian messages even further. Through competitions, outdoor education and worldly travels these ambassadors will organically spread the Chaconian vibe and inspire more people to seek adventures near and far.

Follow their stories here on the Chaco blog and on our Chaconian social places- Facebook and Twitter. Together, they represent all of us - our goals; our destinations; our life of adventure! Adventure on Chaconians and stay tuned as we follow the Chaco ambassador team.

Meet them briefly here:

HALEY MILLS

Haley is a top female paddler competing in the Pro Stand Up Paddling and US Freestyle Kayaking circuit. Read more here, www.haleyemills.blogsport.com.

MIKE TAVARES

As an inland SUP paddler and professional kayaker, Mike will also be bringing the sport closer to the public through demos, clinics, and fun events. See Mike's blog at www.rivershred.blogspot.com.

EMILY SUKIENNIK

A competitive athlete, Emily challenges herself by walking across a one-inch wide piece of webbing suspended high above the ground. She's looking to surpass the women's world highline record and gain attention for her sport. Read more about Emily at www.emilysukiennik.com.

LINDSEY WILSON

Lindsey Wilson is an environmental educator, outdoor fanatic and mom. She is founder of outsidemom.com, a blog dedicated to providing inspiration and tips for making family adventuring fun, easy and accessible.

RUSTY SAGE

A former World and National Champion in the sport of kayaking, Rusty Sage has traveled the world competing and organizing whitewater and surf kayak events. Read more about Rusty at www.playak.com.

EILEEN RINGWALD

Born and raised in Southern California, Eileen's spent much of her life scrambling on trails and rocks and growing her love for hiking and climbing. She took this love of adventure and formed Rockgrrl.com, a climbing and outdoor community.

CHRIS BAER

In 2011, Chris Baer's Chaco flips took him to eight countries and nineteen states! Chris is an adventuring modern day gypsy chasing his dreams one rapid at a time. Follow his journey at www.whereisbaer.com.

JEREMY COLLINS

As an artist, climber, filmmaker and adventurer, Jeremy has the unique ability to find beauty around the world and translate it in his own unique way. View his photographs and film clips at www.jercollins.com.

Ever wished you could design your own pair of Z-Sandals? Stop dreaming and start creating them now with MyChacos.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:49:00 GMT

Ever dreamt of sitting in the design driver's seat? Our new MyChacos program gives you the opportunity to create your ideal pair of Z-sandals. To start crafting your very own pair, head to www.mychacos.com. Get your adventure started on the right foot!

Personalize and build your sandal by selecting the sole pattern, webbing design (over 100 to select from), stitching and buckle colors and logo placement, among other options. Watch the entire sandal come to life as your choices immediately appear on screen. To commemorate the "birth" of your sandals, you will receive a signed certificate as well as a photograph of your custom Chacos. MyChacos cost $125 plus shipping and typically arrive within 5-10 days.

All MyChacos products are built on the much-loved Z-platform known for its versatility, durability and long-term comfort for any adventure. The Chaco LUVSEAT™ platform cradles, supports and aligns feet and the entire body to functionally maximize performance.

Chaconian Seeks Adventure in the Grand Canyon (part one)

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:46:00 GMT

Stephanie Hill chats with Chaco about her three week rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. Besides being a dedicated Choconian Stephanie is also the wife of Chaco guru Brandan Hill (Product Development Director for Chaco), the man behind your favorite sandals and shoes.

What inspired you to take this trip?

In truth, it was just an invitation from some dear friends that inspired me. It only took about two seconds to say YES! Once all of the details (like organizing my family) were in place, my YES became a reality. The opportunity was really, perfectly timed. My youngest of three boys had just started first grade, so for the first time they were all at school all day during the week. This lent more time and space to reconnect with my Steph-self and my dreams of adventure (the non-mothering kind) were starting to bubble up. Just a great offer at a great time.

Tell us about the logistics of your trip?

Our trip was 21 days, we put-in October 15th at Lees Ferry and our take-out was November 4th at Diamond Creek. The entire trip took place during the non-motorized season of the river and the weather was perfect the entire time.

What kind of planning needed to occur and what did you bring for gear?

We had an awesome trip leader who did most of the planning, with the guidance of PRO. PRO is an amazing Grand Canyon outfitter that consults with individuals planning private trips. Through PRO we got our boats, three weeks of fresh food (fresh salad on Day 19!!!), and the entire set-up for a great time on the river.

Each person was responsible for bringing their personal gear; sleeping bags, clothes, sunscreen, CHACOS!!! I had been on a couple of short river trips before and knew the boat and water do the hard work carrying gear, but with backpacking in my blood, I still packed really light. Next time I'll pack a little more. Besides my Tedinho's, my splash top was my most favorite piece of gear!

We hope Stephanie's trip inspired something in you. Adventure on Chaconians and stay tuned for part two of Stephanie's story to come soon. In the meantime tell us where your last Chaco adventure took you or where they will take you next.

*all trip photos courtesy of Christian Timmerman

Chaco LUV Letters

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:28:00 GMT

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the LUV shared between Chaconians and their sandals! Take a look at some of our favorite LUV notes sent to our ReChaco team.

We always knew Chacos were durable, but this Chaconian shares how hers have stuck by her side through the ups and downs of dating.

Chacos make great travel companions, and Chaconian Sophie shares how her pairs have traveled with her as a river guide.

Our ReChaco team is able to repair and replace webbing and soles, keeping waste out of landfills and giving you more time with the sandals you LUV.

Check out our ReChaco video to learn more about our repair and custom sandal services, meet the team, and hear even more stories! Visit the ReChaco page to order repair services, or email MyChacos@wwwinc.com to learn more about ordering a custom pair.

So wherever you are this Valentine’s Day, remember that you’re never alone when you’ve got your Chacos. And your Chacos LUV you back!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

A Very Chaco New Year

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:10:00 GMT

Happy New Year! ‘Tis the season where we reflect on the fun we’ve had all year, and look forward to the goodness that 2012 brings.

Little Chaconians embrace adventure too and deserve the same comfort and fit of the LUVSEAT™ platform that we big Chaconians enjoy. So in Spring 2011, we launched our new line of kids’ sandals and shoes.

Our Chaco Tan contest in August was a huge success! With over 350 photos submitted, over two months, in three categories—Most Idyllic Location, Wackiest Pose and Dirtiest Feet—the panel of judges here at Chaco had their hands full choosing a winner. Another congrats to kywildcatfan16, who took home top prize and a couple pairs of new Chacos!

Being tough and wearing your Chaco sandals year-round is still a badge of honor, but for Fall 2011, we launched a line of men’s and women’s boots for those days you just don’t feel like freezing your toes off. Check out our conversation with Brandan Hill, Chaco Design Guru, from earlier this fall to hear all about the new styles.

Our ReChaco team has been working hard all year long to re-sole, re-web and re-incarnate well worn sandals—and has kept thousands of pairs out of landfills this year alone. On top of all of that, they’ve been crafting your custom Chaco creations through our MyChacos program. Interested in a pair of custom Zs? Email MyChacos@wwwinc.com for details.

We’ve got some great new Chaco goodies coming your way in 2012, too! Watch for an expanded line of shoes this spring, including a few offerings in canvas that are already in stock. Check out the Otis Canvas for men and the Pedshed Canvas for men and women. From off-road exploration to urban trekking, we’ve got all of your adventures covered this spring.

Wishing you lots of Chaco LUV and a great new year!

Letters to ReChaco

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:46:00 GMT

Chaconians have a special bond with their sandals. From world travels to daily wear, their sandals are by their side day in and day out. For many Chaconians, sending their sandals in for repair is a major event—the longest they have been apart from their beloved Chacos.

From love letters to drawings—and plenty of snacks—our ReChaco team loves to find surprises sent in with sandals for repair.

Sometimes, we even get to meet the culprits behind the Chaco destruction.

Check out our ReChaco video to learn more about our repair and custom sandal services, meet the team, and hear even more stories—including the pair that was chewed up by a penguin! Visit the ReChaco page to order repair services, or email MyChacos@wwwinc.com for information about ordering a custom pair.

Thanks for sending your photos and videos, and for spreading the Chaco LUV!

A Chaco Chat with Brandan Hill

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:43:00 GMT

A conversation with Chaco Product Director, Brandan Hill, on Chaco’s Fall and Winter product line.

Why did Chaco decide to make closed toe shoes and boots?

We wanted to give consumers the supportive and comfortable LUVSEAT™ experience throughout the year – we believe in our LUVSEAT ‘engine’ – for great foot health and alignment – and keeping our users adventuring year-round. But, it doesn’t always need to be a sandal experience. Chaconians were signaling to us that Chaco sandals WERE shoes, way before we started even making shoes. Our community was taking the sandals hiking, backpacking, wearing them with socks and into winter because the underfoot experience was more related to a shoe. We just listened and gave them that experience (laughs) with no more awkward sock/sandal combination.

What was the design inspiration for the fall styles?

The inspiration was really about responding to the classic silhouette; being very functional with Fall and Winter feeling. We designed very simply, very restrained and created patterns for everything you need in a pure weather solution. Revving up design details on the woman’s line was fun while staying true to classic forms and shapes.

The team was further inspired by our core consumer’s attraction to elemental design, design that is timeless. This footwear is going to be around for a while – we needed to make sure that the styling could mold with consumers changing sensibility.

How do the new fall styles reflect the Chaco brand DNA?

Well, let’s take the OTIS for instance; part of what makes it Chaco is the detail you DON’T see. We have real hand sewn stitching – this creates a much more flexible shoe because no materials are turning under your foot - no fabric, glue or lasting boards. This makes the ride a lot like our sandal because it doesn’t stiffen up the shoe – it makes it nice to move in and very comfortable – super easy walkability.

We also created a waterproof gasket around the polyurethane (PU) footbed because you are perforating the PU when you hand sew the upper to the bottom. We went in there and took care of all of those holes with a heat-activated film that fills them all in, sealing out the water. I just had to do it – Chaco takes care of your foot in there. We don’t yell and scream it or market the crap out of it, but it’s in there. We’ve considered your end-use and designed for that, so, functionally they are just dripping Chaco (laughs), no pun intended.

What are the Chaco LUVSEAT benefits for winter?

I’ll give you a good one – polyurethane has a natural insulative property that almost all other footwear made from foam does not. PU is used a lot in construction as insulation; there are microcells of trapped air and you can effectively heat up that air under your foot. Because nothing is coming between you and the top of the footbed, the heat from your body gets captured and reflected back at you. It’s got all the warmth you need in winter!

What are you dreaming up for future Chaco styles?

(Laughs). I’m definitely a dreamer… What I’m visualizing now is what a lightweight experience from Chaco looks and feels like. I don’t mean that we are physically heavy for our functionality, but what does the next generation of lightweight and durability look like – smartly. I’m envisioning a capable solution for a ‘faster’ Chaco experience, for users to move a little quicker and re-ringing the bell on durability without compromise. Stay tuned!

Thanks! Be sure to check out our lineup of boots and shoes for fall. Shop Now>

New closed-toe kicks for Fall!

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:48:00 GMT

As we stride into the cooler months, we’d like to introduce you to our new Fall 2011 boot and shoe collection! Built from the LUVSEAT platform with the same fit and feel of your beloved sandals, our new closed-toe kicks will keep your feet supported and body properly aligned for year-round adventure.

For a limited time, get FREE Shipping* on all our new Fall products with code: CHACOFALL2011. Shop our New Arrivals, or use this PDF to shop from your desktop—just click on your favorites and you'll be directed to our website for purchase.

And feel free to outfit your computer with our Lake Tahoe background. Consider it a warm fuzzy from our hearts to yours!

*Free shipping offer valid at Chacos.com from 9/1/11 through 11/1/11. To redeem, enter code CHACOFALL2011 at checkout. Offer valid only on standard ground shipping to the contiguous United States. Not valid on prior purchases, purchases at retail stores, international shipments, or shipments to Alaska or Hawaii. Cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount.

Measure Kids’ Feet for a Great Fit!

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:34:00 GMT

With summer winding down, Chaconians of all ages are thinking back-to-school. To help you get the right fit for your little Chaconians this fall, we developed a downloadable, printable, hang-on-the-fridge-able shoe size chart to measure their feet.

Download the size chart >

Download the PDF size chart and print it at 100% scale (you may need to select “no page scaling,” depending on your printer). To make sure it printed correctly, place a credit card in the “Tip” box in the lower left corner. If the credit card fits in the box, you’re ready to measure!

Follow the instructions on the chart to measure left and right feet. Remember, it is common for kids (and adults, too) to have two different sized feet—so be sure to measure both and go with the larger size. And don’t forget to leave a little growing room!

That’s all there is to it. Once you’ve got the right size, check out our lineup of kids’ shoes and sandals for the fall. Shop Younger Kids (sizes 10-3) or Older Kids (sizes 4-6).

Day ONE --- Telluride Bluegrass Festival . 2011

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:11:00 GMT

A flourishing box canyon nestled in the San Juan mountains and atop the San Miguel river has been taken over by colorful rhythms and dancing festivarians. Day ONE of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival has proven to be the busiest and biggest of them all, breaking all attendance records since it began thirty-eight years ago.

The Chaco booth is positioned conveniently between the New Belgium booth, offering delicious cool brew at any hour of the day and Leave No Trace, a long standing partner of Chaco. Lesson ONE of attending a high altitude summer time festival is stay hydrated, so with a fresh brew in hand and layers of sunscreen covering every ounce of exposed skin, we met day one with grace and enthusiasm. To the tunes of the bagpipes, the gates opened at 10am. Festival attendees sprinted their hearts out to obtain the best spot for the day, leaving those non-sprinters in the dust and without choice seats. Regardless, smiles abound like the mountain waterfalls that surround us, gushing and overflowing with richness.

ReChaco is the hit of this festival and close to tears, a man thanked us today for building him a custom pair of Chacos. The line to make Chaco bracelets out of left-over webbing began at 10:05 and around 6:00pm we kindly had to ask people to come back tomorrow because it was time to close the booth down. It is through these heart felt interactions that we feel most connected to our Chaconians and they, to the brand. As we tied bracelet after bracelet onto people's wrists and ankles, the common response was: "Tie that knot tight, because this bracelet is never coming off." From the bracelets $200 of donations were made today for the San Miguel River Guides.

We also sold sandals today to many who have worns Chacos before. Sales were also peppered with those who had never heard of the brand, but who had wandered into the booth attracted by the vibrant colors and visual appearance of support on our footbeds. Joined by our local retailer, Jagged Edge, we were and are able to offer a wide variety of footwear as colorful as some of our Chaconians and as comfortable as a seat under the shade after a long day of hot sun.

We are stoked about the next three days of music, good people and festival LUV ...so please come find us, if you are in the area! If you need a re-web, desire a custom webbing, a bracelet or fancy a new pair of dancing sandals ...we've got the perfect solution for your feet.

Signing off until tomorrow, with visions of Chaconians dancing in our heads!

38th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:23:00 GMT

As a main sponsor, alongside New Belgium Brewing, the 38th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival - June 16-19, 2011 - is going to be the highlight of our CHACO summer! We will be selling product with the help of Jagged Edge, a local retailer, and will have ReChaco on site for custom re-webbing, quick fixes and to bring a little more manual 'awe' into your life! So come dance with us for a weekend filled with inspiration, virtuosity, and acoustic adventures at 8,750'.

2011 FIBArk Whitewater Festival

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:13:00 GMT

We hear that the Arkansas river is more than crankin' so for those looking for a good time in a boat, come join us at the FIBArk Whitewater Festival, June 15-19 in Salida, CO! We will have Chaco staff on site to dance, sing, laugh, paddle, toss a disc, drink a brew and you fill in the blank ... with you! For more details visit the FIBArk Whitewater Festival website.

World Kayak Partnership

Mon, 30 May 2011 21:21:00 GMT

World Kayak and Chaco have formed a bond this year, allowing Chaco to sponsor 160 World Kayak events. Working alongside the Colin, Emily and the rest of the World Kayak team has got us stoked on life. The roots of the Chaco brand began while floating rapids as carefully and effortlessly as the World Kayak team does on their tour, and we think that this team is one of the raddest out there. They are incredibly talented people with the most humble approach to life!

Anyone interested in jumping in the water with some hard core boaters, check out the World Kayak website and blog: http://worldkayak.com/. World Kayak events are open to amateur kayakers all over the globe. You don’t have to be a pro to get in on the action; everyone entering a World Kayak event will get a chance to win cool prizes. Pros will be in attendance for tips and tricks, and what’s better than winning a free pair of Chacos for playing in your kayak?

Teaser!! Keep on the lookout for a Chaco & World Kayak contest... coming soon.

Daniel Dutton @ the 2011 Nolichucky/Nantahala Hometown Throwdown in Tennessee

Chaco at Mountain Jam!

Thu, 26 May 2011 14:31:00 GMT

Chaco will be at the 7th Annual Mountain Jam Music Festival in the Catskills of New York, June 2-5. Mountain Jam is a huge, four-day music festival with a great lineup of artists on four stages. Check out their web site for more information and to see a full schedule.

We’ll be pitching our Chaco tent in Awareness Village, which will feature an acoustic stage where artists (including Michael Franti!) will play special sets all weekend. Awareness village will also have children’s entertainment and interactive music areas, a beer and wine garden, performance and sculpture art and physical and spiritual healing areas.

Be sure to stop by the Chaco tent to enter to win our daily Chaco Cash Clean-up contest. The first five people to bring us 10 recyclable items (no dumpster diving!) will win a $55 gift certificate for Chaco Flips—with our 25% recycled rubber EcoTread™ outsole. Anyone who brings us their recyclables will get stellar swag and can still enter to win a gift certificate! We’ll also have information about ReChaco, our super-cool Chaco repair service that helps keep your old sandals out of landfills.

If that isn’t enough, we’ll also have lots of fun games and activities, like hula hoops, slacklines, cornhole, the 10 Step Challenge and more.

We’ll be at the festival with our sister brand, Merrell. Check out their tent while you’re there, too!

See you at Mountain Jam!

With a Little Help From Our Friends, Chaco Aid to Lend a Hand to the Southeast

Sun, 22 May 2011 13:26:00 GMT

No one can be too prepared for a natural disaster, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t all pitch in to lend some luv and support to restore lost lives, homes and smiles.

I spent many a summer paddling canoes and kayaks through the streets of my childhood landscape, rescuing cats, picking up trash and patrolling to help prevent vandalism. I say streets instead of rivers because every now and then the mighty Mississippi would flood our precious fields, towns and homes. The flood of ’93 is still visible half-way up multiple story buildings where, like a tattoo, the water left its mark. That was the summer that with calloused hands from weeks of sandbagging, the levy finally broke and instead of filling anymore sandbags, we filled our hearts with prayers, knowing that nature cannot be stopped.

Within the Chaco brand, each of us could tell a similar story, about an avalanche, a mudslide, a hurricane or a tornado …we have all been witness to such erratic and ever-present disasters. However none of our experiences can come near to the most recent experience in the Southeast, specifically Alabama. Many of our most incredible retail partners are in this area and for that reason alone, we felt the need to lend a hand and some shoes. Chaco has been in touch with 4 varying retailers in the Southeast: Mountain High Outfitters, Kinnucan’s, Eagle Eye Outfitters and Alabama Outdoors and our Facebook + Twitter Chaconians to better understand what type of help is most needed at a time like this. The response to this inquiry was clear …shoes + money. So, instead of picking organizations ourselves, we encouraged these 4 retailers to choose local organizations within their territories that we could send some financial luv + product to.

Below is a list of the organizations.

1) Junior League of Birmingham: 2011 Storm Relief
In the name of Mountain High Outfitters

2) Humane Society of West Alabama
In the name of Kinnucan’s

3) East McFarland Baptist Church, Pastor, Doug Reeves, 6007 McFarland Blvd. E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 205.345.2560
In the name of Eagle Eye Outfitters

4) Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 020410, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35402, 205.758.7588
In the name of Alabama Outdoors

On behalf of Chaco, our hearts of full of luv for you all. As my dad would often say when the shit hit the fan, “This too shall pass.”

Take good care.
Luv,
Team Chaco

Calling all Camp Counselors – we have a VIDEO CONTEST for you!!!

Fri, 13 May 2011 19:32:00 GMT

To our most favorite camp counselors, we think that you’d be rock-stars in your own videos. So how do you feel about showing us a day in the life of being a counselor at YOUR camp for the chance to win free Chacos and some money for your camp!?!?!!

It was the fact that you had to sing all of the time that kept me from being a life-long counselor, yet I know so many counselors that pride themselves on leading most of the camp sings and loving every minute of it. There is something about being a counselor that makes it a summer job that many just cannot pass up. I wonder if each camp sings the same songs? I wonder if the same pranks are pulled at each camp? I wonder if most of the counselors at camp began as a camper? Do most counselors wear Chacos?

It’s questions like these that encouraged us here at Chaco to want to create a contest for all camp counselors. A contest that invites any counselor who would like to participate, to make a short video about the day in a life of what it’s like to be a counselor at your favorite camp. What do you do every day at camp? When do you wake up and how many campers are in your cabin? What type of counselor are you? Where do you hide the candy in your cabin? If you’d like to participate, the videos can be posted to our website: www.chacos.com and once posted they will be voted on by your friends, family and our Chaconian social media community; the most votes will win the grand prize.

If your video wins, you will receive 10 free pairs of Chacos for you friends and family, plus $3,000 for your camp’s scholarship fund for 2012. You choose the focus and you choose how you’d like to put the video together …maybe through song, maybe through story-telling …regardless we want to see it!?!! The contest will run until the 3^rd of July, so get your video in early so that you can win the most votes! We can’t wait to see your brilliant videos, so show us all what you’ve got and have a wonderful summer at camp!!!

Hello + Bye from a Chaconian to her sandals.

Sat, 07 May 2011 07:10:00 GMT

After wearing the heck out of my original pair of chaco's bought in 2005, and them even making it through two puppyhood chew fests that lasted years with a basset hound and labrador, I decided to get then resoled. I could handle the buckles being mangled beyond recognition, I didn't use them anymore, had the straps sized to where I just slipped into the shoe anyhow. But the soles were thin and bubbling. I wore these shoes Feb-Nov, I don't get cold easily being born in CT, and although Louisville does have nasty winters, they did see snow often. I also wore them on the five mile vertical hike/climb at the Red River Gorge to CLoudsplitter where I got married while 8 months pregnant. (They did very well for my swollen feet)

So I sent them in, and they resoled them at no charge, under warranty to my surprise, there was a defect of some sort in the shoes. But after wearing the shoe for two weeks the new soles starting to come loose from the shoes too, and I had to send them back. They called and deemed them defective all around, and offered to replace them at no cost. I was heartbroken (sappy I know), felt like I was losing a baby blanket or something. And after discussing with the repairman that it would be crazy and pointless to try a resole again, I decided to look at new shoes. I'm super picky when it comes to these shoes, didn't like any of the styles/colors on the website, so they offered to custom make me a pair. Awesome, I don't see that option anywhere else. So I picked a strap that I liked but I figured other women wouldn't pick so that I would still have somewhat unique chacos.
This company amazes me. Not only do they have an amazing product that stands up throughout the years and trials, but they stand right by it without question. That's incredibly hard to find these days, and I'm very happy to have fallen in love with a product made by such people. Can't say thank you enough. Not just shoes.

A Life of Adventure Starts When You Are Little

Wed, 04 May 2011 10:15:00 GMT

A note from superstar mom and PR goddess for Chaco, Emily Snayd...

To me, everyday is mother’s day because I’m a fan of celebrating life and all of its goodness, on a daily basis. I like to live through the wondrous eyes of my children while at the same time inspiring them to live a life of adventure and exploration. I’ll be honest, I’ve never traveled very far, nor to many places, but I feel that life is full of adventure by simply exploring what’s in our own backyards. That’s why my kids and I live outside. Hiking, biking, walking, running, making mud pies and splashing in puddles on rainy days.

Just the other day, I woke up and went out for a run. When home, I slid into my Chaco Flips and walked into the back yard tofind my kids digging for worms. My 5 year old came running towards me, gave me a huge hug and whispered “one day can I run with you?” I smiled, looked her in the eye and responded, “Well, do we hike together?” “Yes,” she giggled. “Do we hunt for worms together?” “Yes,” she giggled. “So then why wouldn’t we run together?” My two oldest ran inside, put on their sneaks and off we went for a trot around the neighborhood, all smiling, sweating and laughing away.

Each and every day as a mom, my kids inspire me and I hope that I can inspire them as well. I often use running to stay strong, physically, mentally and emotionally. I want my kids to know that being pretty on the sidelines isn’t what its all about. Getting muddy, shining with sweat (or liquid awesome as someone just told me) and a few scratched knees are what teach us and let us shine! Cheers to all of the Chaconian moms out there and I hope that today, on Mother’s Day (and every day for that matter) you and your kiddos do something fun that let you all shine, together.

2 Legged + 4 Legged Chaco Thru-Hikers

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:11:00 GMT

We received this letter and photo from some dear Chaconians via our Chacosphere. Knowing that amount of dog lovers out there, we thought that we’d share their story with you all! Best of luck to you, Caterina, Michael and Honey Bunny! Happy trails!

Dear Chaco,

We would like to thank you for having such a great product! We are currently hiking from Florida to Maine raising money for Humane Societies in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. We are Caterina, Michael and our dog Honey Bunny, and our campaign is called Hike for Honey!

To date we have traveled 1400 miles of the Florida and Appalachian Trail and have raised nearly $1700 from the Everglades to our current location in Erwin, TN.

We are writing for the following reasons:

We have hiked over 600 miles in our Chaco’s (nearly half of our journey!) with up to 50 lbs on our back, since Chaco’s are the best sandal for the endless roads and flat lands of the Florida Trail. We are happy to hike with Chaco’s as our camp shoes as opposed to the lighter Crocs that everyone uses since they are more comfortable, better in streams and a great choice for errands all over town on zero days. We also loved visiting the Nantahala Outdoor Center and were pleasantly surprised to see that Chaco was supporting the efforts of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy through a drawing that offered the chance to win a free pair of Chaco’s for a $1 donation, and guess what? We won!!

Finally, our real reason for writing is that we thought that you would like a picture of our dog Honey at the Chaco tent at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Honey is our reason for hiking and has been with us every step of the way! She was found covered in cigarette burns on a highway in Oregon, and was taken to a shelter by a compassionate person and Caterina was lucky enough to find her. Honey has been the inspiration to hike for our cause and Chaco’s have helped us to reach our goal!

Thank You Chaco,
Caterina (Haalo), Michael (River), and Honey Bunny (Clean Up Crew).

www.HikeforHoney.org

Chaco Contest Winner – Nastassja Pace

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:19:00 GMT

With the help of WEND magazine http://www.wendmag.com/ and in support of 5 Gyres http://5gyres.org/ Chaco sponsored an art contest. This contest was meant to encourage fellow creatives to do something about the plastics in their community. We are stoked to announce that out of 115 entrants, all of which were absolutely outstanding, we have a WINNER! Congratulations to Nastassja Pace! Due to the win, we asking Staj to write up some comments on what inspired her piece and who she is …so read on for more good ju-ju!

Thoughts behind creation of this piece…

Plastics are ubiquitous. From medical advancements to cutting-edge technology, plastics play a vital role in today’s world. However, ever-increasing consumptive habits and hasty life styles have led to one of the greatest environmental catastrophes of our time: single-use plastics. Throw-away products, containers and plastic bags find their way onto the streets, stuck in bushes, filling ditches and clogging storm drains. Many of these plastics end up in our waterways and eventually our oceans entangling, poisoning and causing starvation among marine wildlife and threatening delicate ecosystems. Every time I walk on the beach or surf in the ocean I witness plastic debris accumulating and breaking down into fragmented pieces; too small and too many to clean-up, yet not small enough to actually go away. As plastic floats in our oceans, builds on our beaches and integrates into our sands, I wonder what legacy we will leave behind?

Gaining motivation from this question, I chose to paint a wave with plastic bags making up the wave crest and white wash to highlight the icon of plastic litter, while illustrating the enormity of plastic pollution and the affects it is having on our oceans.

About Staj:

Raised in the mountains of southwest Colorado with a dubious dream of becoming a beach girl, Nastassja finds balance in soggy Portland, Oregon. After graduating from Lewis & Clark College with a degree in Art, she ventured to Central America to give her earlier aspiration a try. One year later Nastassja realized her home was in the Pacific Northwest, but not before she found solace in surfing and scouring the sand for plastic remains. Bringing her plastic-eliminating passion back to the states, Nastassja developed camaraderie with the Surfrider Foundation http://www.surfrider.org/ where she now serves as Chair for the Portland Chapter and volunteers tirelessly to raise awareness, fight plastic pollution and ban single-use plastic shopping bags. On the side, Nastassja works full-time coordinating volunteers and watershed restoration projects with Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation while still finding time to make art, plant mobile gardens, rock climb, and frequently make the hour and half bike commute to work.

Ode to My Chacos

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 11:36:00 GMT

Below we've reproduced a really great post by Julie Trevelyan of the blog Wild Girl Writing. You've gotta check her out! She's the real deal, and we're proud to call her a Chaconian.

Before I moved to Utah, I was a Teva girl. Wore ‘em all the time, had several pairs. But shortly after I discovered the great, empty (well, in the southern portion) state of Utah, I also discovered Chacos. Everyone was wearing them. My coworkers. Native Utahn tourists. The rugged outdoorsy guys I liked. The kickass outdoorsy women I emulated. Hell, I think there were some dogs running around in little Chaco footies. (Kidding.)

So I finally went out and bought my first pair of Chacos back in 2002, and the future of my footwear changed forever.

I freaking live in my Chacos during the warm season. Live in them. Other than riding boots or hiking boots, I pretty much wear only Chacos on my feet from April-October, give or take a few weeks depending on the weather. I hike in them, I go to dinner in them, I work in them, I wear them to the store, the post office, the hair dresser. I’ve been known to drive tractors while wearing them:

On trails, on the sidewalk, in my backyard when I’m gardening.

I wore them in Hawaii last year. Shrug: I just love my Chacos.

Current count of Chaco pairs owned: 8.

Current count of Tevas owned: 2. (And although I still really like them, I just rarely wear them.)

Why

The first fascination belongs to some sort of coolness factor. Have you ever seen those Chaco ad posters, with the feet that have Chaco tan lines? Something about that screams friends, fun, outdoors, rugged, laid-back, in the sunshine. And most of my friends here were living that actual life. As a result, I wanted it too. (Take a bow, Chaco marketing department. Your ads live in real life, and they apparently work.)

Secondly, Chacos are functional. Sure, you can wear them in the water, they’re sturdy as all get out, and they last a long time depending on how hard you use ‘em. But I mean they’re also just functional for everyday use, as I noted above. I approve of that. Heck, I have many friends who’ve gotten married in their Chacos. (Too bad Chaco doesn’t make white pairs…yet. However, you can buy white webbing and get it attached to your footbed. Cool!)

Another reason why is that they’re easy. It’s simple to slip them on, kick them off, throw them in the back of your truck. You can attach them to the outside of your pack to use as camp shoes or river crossers. Washing them is no problem. It’s okay if they get dirty (and really, they’re meant to), so you don’t have to watch every foot placement for fear of scuffing them. (Oh, the horror.)

Final reason why: the famous Chaco foot tan. Dude. It’s ridiculously fun, silly, cool, and a clear demonstration of the kind of life one leads. For example: whenever I visit my family in southern California, I notice how few Chacos and Chaco tans I see. ‘Nuff said.

Hiking

Okay, Chacos aren’t really meant to be hiked in. They’re supposed to be river sandals. But most of the people I know hike in them, me included. Have Chacos, will trail travel.

I know people who’ve backpacked in them for miles, pack upon back. (No, I’m not recommending that, as you can seriously mess up your feet if you twist your unsupported ankles.) I often hike in my Chacos all day.

Do I sometimes need to put on sneakers instead, do I get hot spots, have I worn my skin raw, especially if multiple water crossings happen? Yes.

Have I been stabbed so many times by those damned leaping cacti (I swear to all that’s holy, the cactus around here lies in wait for the unwary Chaco-clad foot and then strikes with deliberate intention)? Oh, yes.

Do stones and pebbles launch themselves with stinging force at my bare toes when I unwittingly kick them at my own feet? Uh, yes.

But even with all that, I still hike in my Chacos.

Thanks Julie! Keep up the big adventures.

WHY BOGOT?

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:10:00 GMT

During the month of April, Chaco will partner with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant up to 60,000 trees, one for each pair of Chacos sold online and at retail, in the Pike National Forest (CO) and the Moss Island Wildlife Area (TN). The program, called "Buy One Get One Tree," celebrates the anxiously awaited beginning of flip and sandal season, Arbor Day and Earth Day. Arbor Day is very conscious to plant only native species in areas that are in need, while Chaco is very conscious to build colorful and very durable footwear that keeps us smiling under the shade of our favorite trees. Thank goodness for such a beautiful partnership!

So now how are you going to participate? While we don't recommend planting trees while wearing Chacos flips or sandals, we recognize that if you can sky-dive and run races in Chacos, what's holding you back from planting trees?! So we only offer you support and a note of caution to drive the shovel into the ground with care, while carefully avoiding your toes! If you happen to find yourself out there with the arborists and amidst fellow Chaconians, shoot us some photos to help capture your experience! You can also show your support by walking in to your favorite retailer and out with a new pair of Chacos. For each pair of Chacos sold, we will be planting a tree!

So happy spring, happy Earth Day and happy Arbor Day to you all! We tip our hats to you all as we too are exclaiming "FREE THE PIGGIES" this spring!

Plant more and prosper!
The Chaco Team

Confession of A River Guide

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The following was submitted by Nikki Cooley, a Navajo River Guide & Cultural Interpreter on the San Juan and Colorado Rivers

Having been a river guide on the Colorado and San Juan Rivers since 1999, I have gone through many pairs of sandals until I bought a pair of black Z/1® Chaco® sandals. Having a high arch on both of my feet, it was hard for me to find comfortable sandals capable of withstanding a variet y of environments on and off the river. Working as a motor and oar guide, my job (like any other river guide) involves a lot of movement; on and off the boat, back and forth across the wet and dry boat, up and down canyon walls, back and forth across camp and lots of wading through creeks, pools and swimming. I am still amazed at how well my sandals held up especially since my “office” contains a lot of gritty, hot sand, slippery granite, razor sharp limestone and coarse sandstone, and not to mention my constantly wet feet.

My Chacos are not just used for river trips and hiking but I wear them ALL the time. I grew up on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona and walked the pinion-juniper lands cape herding sheep and goats, and riding horses. In the past 10 years of guiding and splitting my time between the Rez, Flagstaff and the rivers, I have always worn my sandals. It is probably against all rules of horseback riding, but I found that riding horses with my Chaco sandals was just as comfortable especially during hot weather. I don’t recommend it to everyone, but being an experienced rider, I was happy to find out I could wear my sandals anywhere.

So whether I am on the river, riding horses, or wearing a cute dress, my Chacos are always on my feet. From wet and slippery boats to the dry and hot sandy beaches, to the cool weather of Flagstaff – you are sure to see me wearing sandals come rain, snow or sunshine.

Welcome to the Chaco Blog!

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:54:00 GMT

Hello everyone! It’s go time for our Chaco blog and we’re leaping for joy! Think of this blog as an extension of the Chaco-sphere, a place for us to tell our stories in addition to posting photos and videos. Much like the rest of our website, we created this blog with the hopes of providing Chaconians with a place to go in depth about a gnarly river trip or a scramble through scree fields with flips on. We’d love to hear from the peace corps folk who always have awe-inspiring journeys and lend above and beyond a simple helping hand to meet those in need. Or what about those folks who have a better relationship with their sandals than they do another human being …what’s that all about …tell us your story …we promise not to judge!

Our hope is that this blog becomes a journal of sorts, where we all go on a regular basis to brain-dump all of the adventures that each of us is having whether it be on a flight to New York City or on the back of an elephant in Nepal. As we wander through our different adventures, we all meet some pretty incredible folks …some we think of quite often even though it’s been 15 years and others come and go as quickly as a second on the clock ticks by. We all have stories to tell, it’s just up to you to decide if this is the right audience for you. Not all stories on this blog need to be epic tails of adventure. Some stories may be quite simple and heartfelt whereas others may bring a smile to your face and laughter to your belly.

Regardless, consider this your invitation …an invitation to you all to write, to tell your stories and to continue to share the Chaco luv through our website. Should you decide to submit your stories, please email them along with any photos to: chacoblog@wwwinc.com and we will help determine the best time to post your story.

Thanks for keeping the Chaco luv flowing free and we wish you all many adventures this spring!

ROCK ON!