They aren't the lightest sandals ever, but they won't be much heavier when wet, which is a benefit. This also implies that they will be more comfortable for swimming because they will not drag you down. Overall, because Chacos are designed for water sports, these will not disappoint.
Chaco sandals are designed to be sturdy for hiking and other strenuous outdoor activities, as well as to provide excellent grip in water. Some detractors claim that Chacos cause blisters. While this is true for some first-time Chaco users, the sensation of a Chaco on your foot after they've been broken in is well worth the first effort. And since Chacos are made with thick, durable leather, they should last forever if taken care of properly.
If you're new to Chacos, we recommend breaking in your pair overnight then wearing them all day every day for a few weeks before taking them off for storage. This will allow the leather to soften a bit so it's easier to walk in later on. Also, make sure never to wear Chacos beyond what its manufacturer recommends. That way, you don't risk damaging their quality.
When you take off a Chaco for the night, put newspaper or cardboard under the heel to avoid dirt from entering through the sole. Then, when you get home, wash the shoe thoroughly with hot water and soap to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated during use. Dry completely before storing.
Blisters are caused by too much pressure being placed on an area of the body. As you walk, your feet move through space which allows blood to flow where it's needed most.
Keep in mind that the Z/Cloud sandals offer greater cushioning in the footbed than the models in terms of comfort. So, if you want the most comfy Chacos, choose the Z/Cloud sandals. They will provide better support and be more comfortable over time.
The biggest distinctions are in the strap design and padding. Chaco Cloud sandals come with a MEGA strap option, which is a single very thick strap. Furthermore, all Cloud sandals contain an extra 5mm of Cloud PU cushioning, making them astonishingly comfortable and wearable right out of the box. Traditional sandals have a split design, which means they will have two straps that go across your foot, connecting the two sides. They usually have some kind of material on the bottom of the shoe to add weight to the end of the shoe and make it more stable.
In terms of style, traditional sandals tend to be plain, while chacos have various designs printed onto the shoe. Some people like to wear their chacos with different clothes, but most people wear them with shorts or pants.
Traditional shoes can be converted into chacos by using string or wire to remove the insole of the shoe. This allows you to put more foam in the shoe to make it more comfortable to walk in. You would then need to buy new straps to match the new outsole of the shoe.
The main advantage of converting traditional shoes into chacos is that you can get rid of any worn out or damaged parts of the shoe without having to buy a new one.
Wear your new Chaco sandals for a few hours a day for one to two weeks to break them in. You're probably thinking, "I don't have that kind of time!" Wearing them all day for three to seven days will speed up the procedure. Just be sure to take them off when you go to bed so you don't get any blisters.
If you want to really make your Chacos feel like home, wear them every day for several weeks. That way, they'll become more comfortable and fit better.
Breaking in your Chacos is very important because it ensures a good fit and keeps down problems with blisters. Wear them everywhere - at work, at school, on vacation - even if it's just for a couple of hours. That's how long it takes to break them in.
You should break in your Chacos by wearing them every day for a few hours. If you want to speed up the process, then you can wear them for three to seven days.
If you want to make your Chacos feel more comfy right away, then wear them every day for several weeks. That way, they'll fit better and be more comfortable to walk in.
Choose the Z1 if you want to utilize your Chacos more for water sports. Choose the Z2 if you intend to use your Chacos for trekking and scrambling. If you only need a pair for everyday use, any will suffice. I own two pairs of Chacos and wear them almost equally. One pair is used for hiking and climbing in the mountains, while the other is used for paddling down rivers.
The Z1 is made from a combination of rubber and plastic, while the Z2 is completely made of plastic. The Z2 is also about one-third lighter than its rubber counterpart. In terms of durability, the Z1 can only withstand 100 meters of walking or running before needing to be replaced. However, the Z2 should last for hundreds of kilometers if taken care of properly.
Overall, both models are excellent choices. It all depends on what you plan to do with your Chacos and how much you want to spend.