Buying guide for best women’s Chaco sandals
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Sandals don’t always have the best rep for providing support, but Chaco is a brand with a track record of producing comfortable, supportive footwear for spring and summer that holds up surprisingly well to outdoor adventures. Choosing the best women’s Chaco sandals can be tricky, though, since the line includes so many options.
Chaco offers a variety of sandals, but it’s best known for its adjustable Z-strap footwear. These sandals have straps that wrap around your feet and through the sole in a Z shape. This design allows you to adjust the fit of your sandals without any extra hardware needed.
Chaco sandals are also designed with comfort in mind, providing top-notch arch support for walking, hiking and traveling. Plus, they feature durable materials like polyester and rubber, so they can take plenty of wear and tear. Most pairs have some degree of water resistance, too, making them ideal for rafting, paddleboarding and other water activities.
At BestReviews, we’ve researched the entire line of women’s Chaco sandals and found the Chaco Women's Z/Cloud 2 Sandals to be the best. Featuring a toe loop for a more secure fit and an added layer of super-soft cushioning in the sole, these sandals offer the perfect combo of comfort and support for even the most active wearers.
Editors' picks for 2025
Chaco Women's Z/Cloud 2 Sandals
Editors' Favorite
Materials: Polyester, PU and rubber | Sizes: 5-14 | Waterproof: Yes
The Chaco Women's Z/Cloud 2 Sandals provide a perfect combination of comfort, support, durability and style, making them ideal for everything from camping and hiking to lunch with friends. They have the unique Z strap that many Chaco sandals are known for, which makes it super easy to adjust for the right fit without uncomfortable straps digging into your skin. Unlike some of Chaco’s other Z-strap sandals, though, the Z/Cloud 2 also has a toe loop, so they offer an even more secure fit than pairs without the loop.
This secure fit means they’re ideal for activities like hiking because they’ll stay on your feet without shifting. Their 3-millimeter lug rubber outsole also provides excellent traction, making you less likely to slip on uneven terrain. But these sandals are also high on comfort, with a super-soft, dual-density PU cushioned midsole that provides top-notch arch support, especially for those with plantar fasciitis. The midsole is coated with an antimicrobial treatment to reduce odor, too.
Despite being such a comfortable, rugged shoe, the Z/Cloud 2 Sandals also earn style points. The straps that form their upper are made of polyester jacquard and available in a wide range of colors. You can choose simple options like black or opt for fun patterns with multicolor designs that can brighten up any outfit.
Chaco Women's Chillos Slide Sandals
Great Value
Materials: Polyester and EVA | Sizes: 5-12 | Waterproof: Yes
The lightweight Chaco Women's Chillos Slide Sandals are the perfect casual summer slip-on shoe for around the pool, trips to the beach or running errands. Like other Chaco sandals, they are designed with comfort and healthy alignment for your feet. They feature a podiatrist-approved, contoured footbed that provides targeted arch support, so you can stand on your feet all day without discomfort.
The Chillos Slide Sandals have ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsoles and outsoles, which make then incredibly light and easy to walk in. Their lightweight design also allows them to float in water, so you can won’t have to worry if they fall into the pool or off a boat while sailing. The EVA material is also super soft underfoot, making them even more comfortable.
Despite their slip-on design, these sandals also feature the unique Chaco Z strap. The straps are made of polyester jacquard and feature an injection-molded ladder lock buckle that makes them easy to adjust for the best fit. They come in more than 15 colors, including some fun patterns like a rainbow tie-dyed design.
Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandals
Best Minimal Style Sandal
Materials: Polyester, PU and rubber | Sizes: 5-15 | Waterproof: Yes
For those with a less-is-more style philosophy, the Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandals may be the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. They feature the classic design of Chaco’s Z sandals but in a simpler, lighter design. Thanks to their lightweight, low-profile outsole, they weigh just more than 7 ounces, so it’s easy to fit them in nearly any suitcase.
The Bodhi Sandals still offer a comfortable, secure fit, though. They have a toe loop that keeps them on your feet and helps you maintain your balance, even with the minimal strap design. The strap is still adjustable, too, so you can ensure you get the fit just right. Their contoured footbed also provides solid support, keeping your feet comfortable all day.
Despite the lightweight design, these sandals also provide effective traction. They have a 3-millimeter lug outsole, which gives them an excellent grip on slippery surfaces. The recycled jacquard polyester upper is water-resistant, too, so you can wear them around the water without worrying about damage.
Chaco Women's Z/1 Classic Sandals
Best for Wearing with Socks
Materials: Polyester, PU and rubber | Sizes: 5-12 | Waterproof: Yes
There’s a reason why the Chaco Women's Z/1 Classic Sandals have been some of Chaco’s most popular footwear for the last 30 years. They are designed with comfort in mind, so they feature a podiatrist-approved footbed with superior arch support. As a result, they’re comfortable enough to wear all day, even when hiking and walking for extended periods.
As their name implies, the Z/1 Classic Sandals feature the adjustable Z-strap design Chaco is famous for. The straps wrap around your foot and through the midsole to provide a customized fit. They’re easy to adjust, too, so you can quickly tighten or loosen the straps if your feet swell in the heat or you sometimes like to wear socks with your sandals.
We also love how well these sandals can handle all types of terrain. They have a durable rubber outsole with a 3-millimeter lug tread that lets the sandals grip the surface you’re walking on. They are particularly effective for walking on slick surfaces and can keep you from slipping. Plus, the Z/1 Classic Sandals are waterproof, allowing you to wear them in and around the water without issue.
Chaco Women's Chillos Flip-Flops
Best Flip-Flops
Materials: Polyester, ethylene-vinyl acetate and rubber | Sizes: 5-10 | Waterproof: Yes
These casual Chaco Women's Chillos Flip-Flops are ideal for all your favorite relaxed summer activities. They have a super lightweight design because they’re made of EVA, making them easy to pack for warm-weather trips. They’re incredibly soft, too, and float in water, so you don’t have to worry if you accidentally knock them into the pool.
But despite how soft and lightweight they are, the Chillos Flip-Flops still offer excellent support. They have a podiatrist-approved contoured footbed that provides top-notch arch support. The corrective footbed promotes healthy foot alignment, so the flip-flops remain comfortable even after long days at the beach, pool or running errands.
These sandals have a durable polyester upper that holds up well to all your favorite summer activities. You can choose from several colors, including a fun tie-dyed design and a basic black. Their outsole is also made of high-abrasion EVA, so they can withstand heavy use without breaking down. You’ll also have effective traction because they feature a waved tread design that gives them a solid grip on most surfaces.
How we analyzed
At BestReviews, we’ve researched and evaluated hundreds of women’s sandals, flip-flops, slides and other shoes, including Chaco sandals. We considered customer reviews from various online retailers to help us identify the best women’s Chaco sandals by analyzing which styles best fit users’ needs.
In particular, we considered factors like which sandals offered the best fit, were most comfortable and provided the best support. We also looked at whether they were made of durable materials and provided the best traction on various surfaces. Ultimately, we considered over a dozen Chaco sandals and chose our favorites based on fit, comfort, support and durability.
Key features to consider
Size and fit
Size
The size range for Chaco sandals varies based on the style, but most are available in women’s sizes 5 through 12. Some varieties feature larger size options, so you can find some Chaco sandals in sizes up to 14.
Additionally, some sandals are only available in medium width, but a handful are also available in a wide width to accommodate wider feet. The brand doesn’t currently offer any styles in a narrow width, though, so these sandals may not be the best choice if you have narrow feet.
Chaco women’s sandals are only available in whole sizes, and it’s important to note that the brand bases its sizing on the distance between the heel and the ball of your foot rather than the standard heel-to-toe distance that other brands use. Chaco sandals run pretty true to size, but if you find yourself between sizes, it’s generally recommended that you size up.
Adjustability
The signature design element of many Chaco sandals is their Z strap, which wraps around the foot and through the midsole. This design allows you to adjust the straps and ensure a custom fit. Adjusting the straps for the first time can be a bit tricky, but Chaco has clear, easy-to-follow instructions on its website to walk you through the process.
Our top picks: Size and fit
- Chaco Women's Z/Cloud 2 Sandal: Users love these sandals’ adjustable straps, which are easy to adjust once you get the hang of it. However, the straps can sometimes come loose on their own and require tightening for a secure fit.
- Chaco Women's Chillos Slide Sandal: These slides run true to size and offer a comfortable fit. However, some users find that the straps don’t get quite tight enough to prevent the shoes from shifting while walking.
- Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandal: Because they only have a single strap, these sandals earn rave reviews for how easy they are to adjust. They run true to size, too, and offer a perfect fit.
- Chaco Women's Z/1 Classic Sandal: Users looking for excellent arch support love the fit of these sandals. The adjustable straps also provide a more secure fit, even if your feet are prone to swelling in warm weather.
- Chaco Women's Chillos Flip Flop: These sandals don’t have adjustable straps, and some users find them slightly stiff initially. However, the straps stretch when broken in and then provide a secure but comfortable fit.
Materials and support
Straps
Nearly all of the straps on Chaco sandals are made of polyester jacquard. This fabric features detailed woven patterns that give it a textured look and feel. Highly durable, it holds up well to wear and tear, making it ideal for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. The polyester straps are also water-resistant, so you can wear your sandals at the pool, beach, lake or river without worrying about them getting damaged.
Buckles
Most Chaco sandals have injection-molded buckles. They are made of plastic, so they’re lightweight and water-resistant. They’re also easy to open and close, making it a cinch to adjust the straps on your sandals and take them on and off.
Footbed/soles
The footbeds on Chaco sandals are usually made of polyurethane (PU) or EVA.
A PU footbed is the best choice if durability is the most important feature for your sandals. PU is an extremely sturdy material that doesn’t compress easily, so it easily withstands wear and tear from daily use. It is also water-resistant and dries quickly. Chaco sandals with a PU footbed are best for hiking, camping, traveling and other outdoor adventures.
An EVA footbed makes the sandals extremely lightweight, so they’re comfortable to wear and easy to pack in any suitcase. EVA is also softer than PU, making it more comfortable underfoot for many people. Sandals with EVA footbeds also float in the water, so they’re ideal for use at the pool, at the beach or on a boat.
The majority of Chaco sandals have a rubber outsole with deep treads. Rubber is a durable material that provides excellent traction, especially on slick or slippery surfaces. Some Chaco styles have an EVA outsole, which typically isn’t as durable as rubber but helps keep the overall weight of the sandal down.
Our top picks: Materials and support
- Chaco Women's Z/Cloud 2 Sandals: Users love this sandal’s PU midsole, which is cushioned and provides podiatrist-approved arch support. It’s highly recommended for foot issues, such as plantar fasciitis.
- Chaco Women's Chillos Slide Sandals: These slides have an extremely soft but still supportive EVA footbed. Users also appreciate how durable the polyester straps are.
- Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandals: These sandals have a lightweight, low-profile midsole, which offers a comfortable fit for most people. However, individuals with flat feet may find that they don’t provide enough arch support.
- Chaco Women's Z/1 Classic Sandals: Users find that these sandals’ hard PU midsole provides excellent arch support. They also hold up very well in muddy, wet conditions.
- Chaco Women's Chillos Flip-Flops: These flip-flops earn high praise from users with high arches because they offer excellent support. Their high-quality materials also make them more durable than other flip-flops.
Style and appearance
Design
Chaco sandals are available in a variety of styles. The most common is the classic sandal design with the adjustable Z strap. Some have a toe loop, consisting of a webbed strap that winds around the big toe for added security. However, you can also find some sandals without a toe loop, so they fit more freely and can easily be worn with socks.
Chaco also offers basic slides, which are easy to slip on and off. They are a great casual shoe option, and some styles even have an adjustable strap that allows you to tighten or loosen the fit as necessary. You can also opt for basic Chaco flip-flops. They have polyester straps like other Chaco sandals, but the strap only goes between the big and second toes. They typically don’t offer as secure a fit as other styles and can lack arch support, too.
Colors and prints
Most women’s Chaco sandals are available in various colors, making it easy to find an option that pairs well with your wardrobe. Basic black is a popular choice, but many styles have multicolor straps because they feature a polyester jacquard material with a woven pattern that incorporates several shades. Some Chaco sandals even have straps with a fun tie-dyed pattern.
Our top picks: Style and appearance
- Chaco Women's Z/Cloud 2 Sandal: Despite their rugged construction and supportive fit, users love the look of these traditional sandals because they pair well with nearly any summer outfit.
- Chaco Women's Chillos Slide Sandal: These slides are a style hit with many users, though they point out that these sandals have a more casual look than some other Chaco styles.
- Chaco Women's Bodhi Sandal: These sandals have many fans because of their simple, minimalist design. They also come in a variety of colors, including several multicolor patterns.
- Chaco Women's Z/1 Classic Sandal: These sandals come in several neutral colors, making them easy to wear every day. Users also like that they’re nice enough to wear with a dress for dinner.
- Chaco Women's Chillos Flip-Flops: These flip-flops have a casual style that’s ideal for summer relaxing, and users are big fans of their tie-dyed color options.
FAQ
How much do women’s Chaco sandals cost?
Chaco sandals usually cost between $20 and $130, depending on the style and where you purchase them. The brand’s flip-flops are typically the most affordable, ranging from $20 to $55. The slides are usually midrange options, so they cost between $50 and $100. The brand’s classic sandals are the most expensive, ranging from $70 to $130.
How many years do Chaco sandals last?
It depends on the style and materials used for the sandals. The brand’s most expensive styles are usually the Z-strap traditional sandals, featuring durable PU construction. These sandals can last up to 10 years if not worn daily. The brand’s lightweight styles with EVA construction don’t have quite as long a lifespan, generally lasting up to five years.
Do podiatrists recommend Chaco sandals?
All Chaco sandals have a footbed featuring the brand’s patented contoured arch support. As a result, the American Podiatric Medical Association accepts every style as a supportive option that promotes healthy alignment and support for your feet.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has written about home, kitchen and lifestyle products for BestReviews since 2017. She has penned over 100 articles on everything from robot vacuums to handbags. She lives in sandals and flip-flops from May through August, and her current favorite for everyday wear is a pair of slides from Vionic with excellent arch support.
