Chacos Vs. Tevas: Which Sandals Are Proper for You?

For somebody who was as soon as a self-proclaimed sandal hater, I’ve certain gotten invested within the Chacos vs. Tevas debate. Their flagship pairs, the Z/1 Traditional Sandal and the Common Unique Sandal (respectively) look fairly darn comparable at a look: They’re each sporty climbing sandals with adjustable straps and a lovably crunchy aesthetic. (You didn’t stay by way of the ‘90s and ‘00s for those who didn’t know a brilliant cool teen who wore Tevas and/or Chacos and will make a imply friendship bracelet.)

However look a bit of nearer, and also you’ll discover some key variations—ones which have spawned model devotees who wouldn’t even think about crossing over to the opposite facet. Given our love of supportive sandals, we determined it was time to check them each and see how they actually evaluate.

Full disclosure: I’ve beforehand declared myself as a Chaco particular person on this very web site, however this experiment opened my thoughts. It seems, each pairs have their deserves—and I’m glad to have every in my heat climate rotation this yr. Should you’re a fan of sandals (like I’m now, apparently), it’s value your time to think about Tevas and Chacos, slightly than one or the opposite. The Z/1 could also be my old flame, so far as open-toed footwear go, however the Common Unique has a comfy place in my coronary heart now as nicely.

For pure consolation

Our choose: Teva

One of many greatest variations between these sandals is their footbed. The place Chaco’s is agency and contoured, Teva’s is soft and accommodating. If I am going a very long time with out sporting my Chaco sandals, I normally should strap them on a number of instances once more earlier than my soles modify to the midsole.

Tevas principally include a broken-in really feel. There’s a beautiful give to their footbed that makes strolling on laborious surfaces cozy and fewer jarring. However on the similar time, my foot doesn’t really feel swallowed by cushioning.

For arch assist

Our choose: Chaco

It won’t be marshmallow-soft, however Chaco’s footbed is a real savior for my flat ft. It options the model’s Luvseat midsole, which is accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA), that means specialists think about it an excellent design for foot well being. With out the fitting assist, my arches are likely to collapse—however within the Z/1 Classics, they really feel cradled and safe.

The arch assist in Teva’s Common Unique Sandal is much less pronounced. I might really feel myself placing extra weight on my midfoot whereas sporting them. However fortunately, I didn’t take care of any critical arch ache. For what it’s value, individuals with excessive arches (who don’t want as a lot construction of their footwear) might desire how this feels over the Luvseat.

For sturdiness

Our choose: Chaco

The Chaco’s sole is thicker than the Teva’s (this fashion is available in two variations, the Midform and the Flatform, however for this text we solely in contrast the OG). That makes it really feel sturdier and extra proof against on a regular basis put on and tear. Possibly I’ve heavy ft (in response to my live-in boyfriend, that is undoubtedly the case), however I observed some thinning within the forefoot of my Common Originals after my first few weeks with them.