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If you’re looking for a good pair of outdoor sandals for the season, Chacos are a good place to start.
Chacos are a popular brand of sandals. Each pair of shoes uses a Z-strap to hold your foot in place, helping give you maximum comfort and support regardless of the shape of your foot.
They hold up well to water and hiking, unlike many other sandals on the market. Chaco sandals are best known for being somewhat ugly. In fact, this is considered a big part of the shoe’s charm. In truth, Chaco sandals aren’t all that ugly.
All Chaco sandals have soles that are chunky, black, and large. This help tackles the majority of different terrains, from mountain hikes to rocky beaches.
Though the soles are clearly designed for rugged terrain, they aren’t super noticeable when the shoes are actually on your feet.
The straps come in many colors, ranging from neutral tones to brighter flashes, so you’re sure to find a pair that can suit your wardrobe.
The soles are durable enough not to be worn down by the same conditions that would damage more fragile sandals.
You can walk through dirt, water, sand, rocks, gravel, and another terrain.Your sandals will absorb the shock of the impact.
They’ll also protect you from slipping and falling in wet areas.
Each pair of sandals is water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them becoming damp and musty.
Differences between Chaco Classic and Chaco Cloud
| Product | Footbed | Outsoles |
|---|---|---|
| #1. Chaco Classic | LUVSEAT | Vibram outsoles (Lasts Longer) |
| #2. Chaco Cloud | LUVSEAT plus top sheet (Good for people with Sore feet) | Non-Vibram outsoles |
The main differences between the shoes lie in the type of sole and footbed each shoe has. The footbed is the portion of the shoe that your foot rests on.
It’s responsible for keeping your foot comfortable. The sole is located on the underside of the shoe, and is responsible for traction and grip.
Check Chaco Cloud prices at Backcountry.com
The Classic Chaco has a LUVSEAT footbed that’s designed to provide comfort all day. The footbed has been certified by podiatrists, so you know it’s an ideal choice for your foot.
The contoured arch helps support your entire foot from heel to toe.
The Chaco Cloud also has the LUVSEAT footbed, but it’s added another layer. The top sheet gives your supportive arches more comfort and cushioning.
This makes them ideal for people who have sore feet or foot issues like plantar fasciitis.
Classic Chaco shoes have Vibram outsoles. These are soles with great protection and grip. If you’re walking in extreme weather, these are the soles you want.
They don’t become affected by normal wear-and-tear like other outsoles.
Both types of Chaco have a non-marking design. However, the Cloud has a unique tread design that makes it better to use in wet conditions.
Check Chaco Classic prices at Backcountry.com
Other Design Aspects to Consider
There are other aspects of the design that you should consider when making a choice about the best Chacos for you.
Number of Straps
You’ll find shoes available with both a single strap or a multi-strap design. Single strapped shoes tend to be easier to use.
You can slip them on and off more easily, plus the strap stays in place with more readiness.
Multi-strap Chaco designs are a little harder to use and might take some getting used to. However, they do conform better, so you’ll get a better fit.
This makes them a good choice if you have an unusually sized or shaped foot.
The biggest problem with multi-strap shoes is that they might slip out of place when they get wet. If you’re going to be near the water, single-strap shoes might be the way to go.
Toe Loop or Not Toe Loop
Some Chacos are designed with a loop for the big toe. Others don’t have this loop. Whether this loop suits you is really just a matter of personal preference.
Some people find it to be a nuisance, and it can sometimes tighten too far and constrict your foot.
However, if you’re careful and take your time, the loop shouldn’t constrict your foot. It’s a good way to make the fit feel more secure.
Many sandals lack a feeling of security due to their open nature, and the toe loop helps to mitigate this.
You can expect the toe loop to take about a week to break in. After that, you’ll experience the associated benefits.
>>Check Chacos Classic Z2 Vs Z1
Final Thoughts – Chaco Cloud Vs Classic
Both the Classic and Cloud Chacos are a great shoe option.
Because of the unique sole and additional comfort of the Cloud, it’s best for use in wet conditions and for people with sore feet.
The Classic is a good choice for people on a budget. Classic soles also won’t wear down as fast as Cloud soles, so if you want shoes that last a long time, the Classic is your best bet.
Looking on their website, it seems that they don’t offer Vibram outsoles on new Chacos. Both Classic and Cloud now have the proprietary ChacoGrip outsole.