I've had my Chacos for over 6 years. The sole is falling off, but I still love to hike in them. Once the weather dries up a tad here in the Pacific Northwest sometime about May, I start wearing them and don't take them off until November when it begins raining each day.

The beauty of hiking in them is that once you get to the beach, no need to switch shoes. Just walk right into the water and enjoy the beach.