The older I get, the much less I need strangers to see my toes—generally, however particularly in sandals. That is partly as a result of, as I’ve mentioned in nice element earlier than, my toes are slightly, er, tough. Nevertheless it’s additionally as a result of I deeply dislike how most sandals feel and look (flimsy, flat, and chafe-y). So, after I was requested to check Chaco’s Z/1 Traditional Sandals for 2022’s Sneaker Awards, I wasn’t precisely thrilled (I do know, it’s really a primary world drawback to get a free pair of sneakers that you simply may not like). However after simply the primary few wears, I used to be hooked—I wore them nicely after the testing interval and received the tan traces to indicate for it.

Quick ahead two years later, and I’m nonetheless sporting this precise pair on most of my summertime canine walks, park outings, and errands. I’m on no account a full sandal convert, however I’m actually a Chaco evangelist. Right here’s why this pair is the exception to my no-toes-out rule.

The match

We’ve written in regards to the Z/1 Classics quite a bit (many many occasions) due to their distinctive design. For one, they’ve a thick, sturdy sole with a contoured arch—Chaco’s signature footbed earned a seal of acceptance from the Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA), which mainly implies that a board of specialists has decided that it helps promote wholesome toes. I’ve very low arches which are vulnerable to collapsing, however they really feel properly supported within the Z/1 (they aren’t overly achy, however they don’t fall flat, both).

The Z/1’s different calling card is its tremendous safe, fairly darn refined fastening system. A single strap criss-crosses excessive of your foot, wraps round your ankle and again of your heel, and anchors contained in the midsole of the sandal. There’s one adjustment level on the skin of the ankle that tightens the whole strap while you pull it (and, by some feat of shoe sorcery, by no means comes free). My toes are very slender, and I really like that I could make the entire sandal match snugly with out having to fiddle with one million cords or laces (I do find yourself with a good bit of extra strap, however I simply tuck it into the sandal’s ankle loop). Even higher, the strap has by no means chafed or given me blisters.

The best way these sandals match utterly defies my expectations. They hug my soles, modify to swimsuit my toes’s total form, and—most significantly, IMHO—don’t slap towards my heels after I stroll.

The texture

In line with their structured design, these sandals are fairly agency (now that I’ve had them for a pair summers, I’ve seen that they want a slight break-in interval at the beginning of every season). They don’t really feel foamy or squishy, however that’s to not say they’re rock onerous, both—the Z/1’s insole has some give to assist take up the influence of my footsteps, and it’s versatile sufficient to bend with my foot whereas I stroll. It’s undeniably sturdy (and, at 11 ounces per shoe, fairly heavy) for a sandal, however I like how substantial it’s. I’m by no means attempting to really feel even remotely barefoot whereas strolling round my Brooklyn neighborhood.