I got my first pair of Chacos back in 2001 and was astounded at how well they worked. Their strap design is by far the best of any sports sandal, and their footbed is really comfortable and durable. I've tried Keens and other brands, but I tend to reach for my Chacos more often. That first pair finally wore out so I recently got a new pair. This was my first pair with the unaweep sole, which is noticeably lighter than the old hiking sole, but seems to be rugged enough and is holding up well. The footbed feels pretty much the same, though it might be slightly more narrow at the heel (or perhaps my old ones were worn down). The adjustment strap seems to be a bit longer than before, so I sometimes find myself stepping on it---I wish there was an easy way to shorten that up, but one can probably sew or glue another fold in it. I love the Blue Abseil webbing design by the way! Overall, I think Chaco Z/1's are the best sports sandal out there. Many of my friends own Chacos as well, and I don't know of anyone who regrets buying them.

Chaco's Reply: Thanks for this great review! You have tried the rest, now please enjoy the best. We really appreciate all of your support.

Product Size Rating: Sized as Expected
How do you most use this product?: walking, hiking, strolling

I'm on my second pair of Z1's. I bought the first pair as a starving grad student in 2001, wore them continuously for ten years between April and November, hiked in them, kayaked in them, went on hundreds of miles of dog walks, had them resoled twice and rewebbed once (neglected to pull them out of the way of the new puppy, augh!), and they finally just gave up the ghost. No other pair of shoes or boots I own, or have ever owned, go as many places for as many years and as many miles with as much comfort and protection as these do. They're hefty, yeah, but I'm not running marathons in them, I'm hiking and walking and wearing them to work. Infinitely adjustable - wearing socks today? Check, loosen straps a little. Warmed up on the trail? Remove socks, adjust web, resume. Stinky sandal funk? Throw in washer with dog towels. Excellent arch support. Seriously, how many products do you know of where thousands of people send in pictures of their active, dirty, happy, tanned, wet, relaxed, healthy, content feet??

Chaco's Reply: Thanks for this review, and thanks for being a true Chaconian! We love to get stories and feedback like this, thanks for sharing!

Product Size Rating: Sized as Expected
How do you most use this product?: Walking, light hiking, water sports

2 of 2 people found this review to be helpful.

I've had my Z/1's for many years. I went barefoot as a child, loved it. I wore flip flops/ sandals until the time i was around 18 years old. Around my 18th birthday i was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition, and my unsupportive flip flops caused severe back pain after walking for a short distance. I tried supportive athletic shoes for a while, and they worked well...but my feet couldn't BREATHE! One of my backpacking buddies told me i should try Chacos. So i did, and i've never looked back. They offer me the support of a shoe in the FREEDOM of a sandal. They are the perfect "shoe" for me. They adjust easily and dry quickly. You can dress them up for the office or dress them down for a night out.Throw them on for a romp in the woods, or slip them on for dinner and a movie..... My only gripe is that they get very stinky after a while of wearing, BUT a quick run through the washing machine fixes that right up. do yourself a favor and buy these sandals. Your feet will thank you.

Chaco's Reply: We really appreciate your great advice. Knowledge passed from one Chaconian to another is sure to help!!!!

Product Size Rating: Sized as Expected
How do you most use this product?: I wear these every day. Always.

2 of 2 people found this review to be helpful.