| Chaco | Outdoor Sandals

Chaco sandals are built for outdoor adventure. Just as reliable on a rugged mountain trail as they are in the concrete jungle, Chaco shoes, affectionately called "Chacos" by their loyal wearers, have for more than three decades inspired a lifestyle that blends exploration, comfort and care for the planet.

What Is The Story Behind Chaco Sandals?

Chaco began in 1989 with white-water rafting guide Mark Paigen who wanted to create the ultimate adventure sandal - a formula that was both functional and foot-friendly. He aspired to engineer footwear that allowed his feet to sun dry naturally, avoiding the wrinkled skin that came with long days on the river, while delivering arch support and stability.

Starting with custom-made sandals, he eventually collaborated with a pedorthist to refine the design, ensuring a healthy balance of support, alignment and comfort.

Originally called Gecko, the brand later adopted the name Chaco, inspired by the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. By 2009, Chaco had joined the family of a larger company, Wolverine World Wide, that also encompasses other trail footwear icons like Merrell and Saucony, helping the brand expand globally while staying true to its river-inspired roots. 

Today, Chaco has maintained its focus on creating versatile, durable and comfortable sandals designed for life in and around water, trail and other natural environments, while evolving their product line to include hiking boots, clogs and other outdoor shoes. 

At its heart, Chaco has always been about adventure-ready footwear - built tough, built comfortable and built to take you anywhere.

Why Are Chacos So Popular?

Chaco have earned a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts and casual wearers. Their iconic Z/Sandal is instantly recognisable, featuring a single pull-through, wrap-around strap that’s adjustable for a secure, customised fit. The Chaco Z/Sandal is available in various iterations including the Chaco Z/1, Chaco ZX/2 and Chaco Z Cloud - each transitioning effortlessly from trail adventures to coffee catch ups, offering the right balance of cushioning, durability and support in a stylish silhouette.

What makes Chacos one of the best hiking sandals is their ability to perform in multiple conditions and environments. Optimised for wet traction with a ChacoGrip outsole and grippy lugs, they’re tough enough to handle water and rugged trails, yet comfortable for everyday wear. The contoured footbed ensures your feet stay cradled comfortably whether you’re tackling a multi-day hike or simply running errands. This unique blend of performance and comfort makes Chaco shoes a go-to if you want one pair of sandals that can do it all. 

Whether you’re a weekend camper, mountain explorer, seeking vegan sandals for travel or city walking shoes, you’ll discover freedom and connection to the outdoors in your Chacos. Available in a wide range of colours - from black sandals to vibrant patterns - Chaco outdoor sandals let you express your personality while knowing your footwear is built to last. 

Do Podiatrists Recommend Chacos?

Yes. Unlike ordinary sandals, Chacos are backed by podiatrist-approved designs, developed with your foot health in mind. Their signature LUVSEAT footbed provides contoured arch support that promotes natural body alignment and reduces fatigue. Chaco sandals with arch support stand in contrast to the flat, unsupportive thongs or flip flops that are commonly worn in summer, helping keep your feet feeling refreshed all-year round. 

From long hikes to action-packed weekends, Chaco sandals are built to keep you comfortable. The foot-cradling support reduces strain, making walking, hiking or travelling easier on your body without sacrificing the stability you need. 

Chacos aren’t just shoes - they’re hiking gear that supports your foot health and inspires you to explore, making them a recommended choice if you value adventure or everyday comfort. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or spending a full day on your feet, Chaco hiking shoes deliver cushioning, stability and confidence in every stride.

Are Chacos Eco-Friendly? 

Chaco lives by a “planet over profit” philosophy - being advocates of repair over replacement to extend the life of every hiking sandal. By encouraging the rejuvenation of well-worn pairs, Chaco keeps more footwear out of landfills. They’ve also introduced eco-friendly sandals crafted with recycled REPREVE fibres in their durable webbing - giving discarded plastic bottles a second life as your best sandals for the trail. 

Chaco is equally passionate about river conservation, donating to organisations like American Rivers which aims to protect thousands of kilometres of rivers across the United States. This commitment to both performance and sustainability has made Chacos the footwear of choice of many outdoor enthusiasts. If you value outdoor gear that does good for you and the planet, Chacos could be your next favourite trail partnership.

Shop Chaco men’s sandals and Chaco women’s sandals to support and cushion your next adventure.