The older I get, the less I want strangers to see my feet—in general, but specifically in sandals. This is partly because, as I’ve discussed in great detail before, my feet are a little, er, rough. But it’s also because I deeply dislike how most sandals look and feel (flimsy, flat, and chafey). So when I was asked to test Chaco’s Z/1 Classic Sandals for 2022’s Sneaker Awards, I wasn’t exactly thrilled (I know, it’s truly a first-world problem to get a free pair of shoes that you might not like). But after just the first few wears, I was hooked—I wore them well after the testing period and got the tan lines to show for it.
Fast forward two years later, and I’m still wearing this exact pair on most of my summertime dog walks, park outings, and errands. I’m by no means a full sandal convert, but I’m certainly a Chaco evangelist. Here’s why this pair is the exception to my no-toes-out rule.
The fit
We’ve written about the Z/1 Classics a lot (many, many times) because of their exceptional design. For one, they have a thick, sturdy sole with a contoured arch—Chaco’s signature footbed earned a seal of acceptance from the Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which basically means that a board of experts has determined that it helps promote healthy feet. I have very low arches that are prone to collapsing, but they feel nicely supported in the Z/1 (they aren’t overly achy, but they don’t fall flat, either).
The Z/1’s other calling card is its super-secure, pretty darn sophisticated fastening system. A single strap crisscrosses over the top of your foot, wraps around your ankle and back of your heel, and anchors inside the midsole of the sandal. There’s one adjustment point on the outside of the ankle that tightens the entire strap when you pull it (and, by some feat of shoe sorcery, never comes loose). My feet are very narrow, and I love that I can make the whole sandal fit snugly without having to fiddle with a million cords or laces (I do end up with a fair bit of excess strap, but I just tuck it into the sandal’s ankle loop). Even better, the strap has never chafed or given me blisters.
The way these sandals fit completely defies my expectations. They hug my soles, adjust to suit my feet’s overall shape, and—most importantly, IMHO—don’t slap against my heels when I walk.
The feel
In keeping with their structured design, these sandals are quite firm (now that I’ve had them for a couple summers, I’ve noticed that they need a slight break-in period at the start of each season). They don’t feel foamy or squishy, but that’s not to say they’re rock-hard, either—the Z/1’s insole has some give to help absorb the impact of my footsteps, and it’s flexible enough to bend with my foot while I walk. It’s undeniably sturdy (and, at 11 ounces per shoe, pretty heavy) for a sandal, but I like how substantial it is. I’m never trying to feel even remotely barefoot while strolling around my Brooklyn neighborhood.
