Chaco Women's Z1 Ecotread Sport Sandal - An In-Depth Review

We are a family of Chaconians. I cannot say enough about the quality, durability and comfort of these sandals. This is my oldest son's third pair of chacos and the other two have been passed down to his siblings as he's outgrown them. They are worn daily, and I mean daily - not only for going out to stores but for going outside to play and to work in our vegetable and herb gardens. The adjustable straps expand as the foot grows in width and can be tightened up or loosened in just a few moments. The non slip trip has excellent grip, even on the slick wet tile around our pool and patio. If the webbing on the shoes ever breaks (which we only experienced once in a decade old pair of my husband's Z1s) you simply mail them back to Chaco and they restrap the shoe(s) for a nominal fee. They are the most comfortable shoes any of us own, and they provide excellent arch support, even after owning them for over a decade. They also are very easy to clean, just toss them in the washer or wear them while rafting on your favorite class IV whitewater river.

I often try to see if I can buy shoes in kids sizes to save money, esp more expensive shoes. I had wanted Chaco's for a very long time (RPCV here, and if you know Peace Corps, it was the durable footwear of choice) but I could not justify the big price tag. I got along fine without it, but I buckled this year because 1) I'm in the market for a long-lasting sandal (more environmental that way! I've had too many pairs of broken $10 ones to count) and 2) it is so much cheaper than the women's shoes and 3) if I'm going to be completely candid, I've always coveted them but just couldn't get over the steep cost for sandals. I bought the 5.5 at first, worried that the 5 would be too small since I am 7.5 women's. I would say I'm a true 7.5 US / 37 EU/ 4.5 UK. Had to return it and get a big kid's 5. It fits perfectly. It is much softer and flexible than adult Chacos, which is a pro (more comfort) /con (in that it may not be as durable), but overall I highly recommend it

These sandals are perfect. My kids love them.

First of all, I give Chacos 5 stars for the product. I contemplated giving a 1-star review here to attract attention to the issue I am writing about, so that it will gain visibility...but I could not since Chacos are such good sandals.My child wears a 1.5 in shoes with barely any room for growth. We even measured his feet on the little measuring contraption at the shoe store--1.5 is the best choice. This is consistent with at least three pairs of shoes we have bought in the last month (Nike, Vans, and dress shoes). So, we decided to get a 2 Chaco. WAY too big. Set up a return and thought a 1 would be just right. 1's were also WAY too big...............?! It is my opinion that Chacos for children are not true to size. I'd recommend going smaller.The trick with ANY Chacos is the heel strap. Since that is static, and cannot be adjusted, you want to wear Chacos with your foot ALL the way back against the heel strap to determine what length would be best. I think that Chacos ought to shorten their heel strap on ALL their sandals including the adult ones. I own many pairs of Chacos, and with my foot pressed all the way back on the heel strap, my heel seems to go too near the edge of the back of the sole, and leave too much room in front of my toes to the front end of the sole. In most cases, I believe that measuring your foot on Chacos will result in your wanting to get a smaller size than you would with shoes by a half to full size.For hiking on rocky terrain, a little space in the front of toes is nice to have, however, but with Chacos, it all plays into the fitment with straps, and the biggest factor in a fine fit is that static heel strap since all the others can be adjusted (it is one continuous strap that goes into three different zones for adjustment--the toes, top of foot, and strap tightener at the top.

Good fit

These run WAY big. I ended up having to return the first pair I ordered and ended up with a pair two full sizes below my son's normal size. Once we got the right size, though, these were great. They seem to be comfortable on his feet, are well-made, and super cute. The only complaint i have is that once the straps are adjusted down, the end piece hangs down really low, almost to the point that it could trip you. So far no problems on that front, but it is a minor inconvenience.

I wear a womens 8 in sandals, but the kids 6 fits me perfectly! I love the color of these sandals. Chacos are comfortable and perfect for every day use. The kids sizes also have a pull tab on the back which I actually love as it helps me get on them on my feet easier.

I wear a size 7 ladies in a dress shoe and buy a big kids 5 which fit me well, are less expensive than the women's sandals plus they come in fun colors!