Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandal Review: Storm Blue, Size 11
The Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandal in Storm Blue is a remarkable blend of style and functionality that caters to adventurous women seeking both comfort and performance. You asked for a design with less bulk but maintained that signature flair, and Chaco has delivered beautifully. With a minimalist approach, this sandal simplifies the classic Z’s straps, featuring only a toe loop which provides stability without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
Weighing in at an impressive 50% lighter than its predecessor, this sandal not only feels feather-light on your feet but also takes up less space in your travel gear. Ideal for hikes, casual outings, or beach days, the Bodhi Sandal is designed to keep you moving with ease.
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Features
- Classic Z sandal styling but 50% lighter weight
- One toe loop for a minimal look
- Durable and comfortable footbed for all-day wear
- Imported quality with rubber sole material
- Hook & Loop closure type for easy adjustability
- Waterproof for versatility in various conditions
Pros
- Extremely lightweight, making it ideal for long wear
- Stylish and minimalistic design
- Durable footbed promoting comfort over extended periods
- Water-resistant feature adds practicality for outdoor use
- Easy to adjust for a secure fit
Cons
- Limited cushioning compared to bulkier sandals
- Some users may prefer more strap options for added support
- Not designed for extreme hiking or rugged terrains
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Weight | Closure Type | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandal | 50% lighter than classic Z | Hook & Loop | Waterproof |
| Teva Women's Hurricane XLT2 | Moderate | Hook & Loop | Water-resistant |
| Sandals by Keen (Sienna) | Heavier | Buckle Closure | Waterproof |
Detailed Review
When you first slip into the Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandal, you'll notice how light it feels compared to traditional sandals. The streamlined design includes a single toe loop that allows for easy movement while providing just enough grip to keep you steady on your feet. The durable footbed ensures comfort whether you're walking along the beach or navigating rocky trails. This sandal is particularly effective for those who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing essential features.
In terms of performance, the waterproof nature of the Bodhi Sandal makes it a versatile choice, allowing you to transition from land to water effortlessly. Whether you’re caught in unexpected rain or taking a stroll by the shore, these sandals can handle it all. However, it's important to note that while they excel in comfort and style, they may lack the cushioning some users desire for longer hikes.
Overall, the Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandal is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a stylish yet functional sandal that is perfect for summer adventures and relaxed outings alike. It finds a fine balance between lightweight construction and sturdy support, making it a worthy addition to your footwear collection.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8/10 | Lightweight design promotes all-day wear with minimal discomfort. |
| Style | 9/10 | Minimalist look appeals to modern fashion sensibilities. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Constructed with high-quality materials that withstand regular use. |
| Functionality | 7/10 | Great for casual and water activities but not suited for rugged trails. |
User Reviews
Even though it says it is for women, it comes in men's sizes up to 14. I love them - very comfortable. I wear it with flip-flop style socks, which allows me to wear the sandals year round!
Normally I buy a size 12 in sandals but it was way too big. So I decided to size down. These fit way better.
Excellent. Lightweight, comfortable, secure fit, & durable. The one buckle on/off makes them convenient. The adjustment to my foot was quick and easy. I especially like how Chaco didn’t use super wide straps. These are the best flip-flops or sandals that I have worn in a long time. I highly recommend these!
These are the most comfortable sandals I have ever worn. I have never had a big toe loop before and I was skeptical. These are phenomenal! They make my toes look good and I have gotten several compliments on them.
As a long time fan of Chaco and it’s Z2 line, I think this new Bodhi design feels strange and disappointing. Big credit to Chacos for experimenting with new designs, but it feels this design narrows the fitting possibilities, at least for me. Here is why:With a Z or Z2, the “top bar” of the Z, which is a strap cross under the baseline of all the toes, provides a secure hold on the front side of one’s foot. With that, the position of the toe loop is less important. It can be at the base of big toe, or a bit higher along the toe. Either way, the fit on the front side is good and secure.With the Bodhi, however, there is no “top bar” of the “Z”, leaving the securing mechanism on the front side of the sandal almost entirely to the toe loop (and partially to the longer cross bar). Then, here is my experience: I tried two sizes. For a smaller one, the toe loop is more secure as it is at the base of my toe, but the overall foot bed is a bit small/short. The larger size (1-size up) has the reverse problem, where the foot bed size is good but the toe loop is now moved toward middle of the toe, feeling weird and loose.Another problem I feel is the two layers of straps inserting in between the big toe and the second toe. They are together too thick and feel really bulky and uncomfortable. In comparison, for a Z2, there is only one layer of strap.Given these two reasons, it feels that the Bodhi design may have a narrower range of matching foot geometry. But still, I appreciate Chacos for trying new things, but just can’t up vote this design.