Women’s Chaco Z/1 Classic Hiking Sandal Review

Bottom Line

A top choice for hikers and paddlers, the Chaco Z/1 Classics firmly rank among our best hiking sandals. Featuring a thick, durable midsole, these favored sandals shield your feet from rugged trail conditions while providing toe mobility and breathability. Our tester appreciates the one-loop strap adjustment system, offering a tailored and snug fit for all foot shapes. 

Initially, the Z/1 Classics may appear pricey, yet we find them incredibly durable, making them a worthwhile investment. Should they break or become unusable after considerable use, Chaco will repair them for a small fee via their ReChaco program.

How We Tested

We waltzed around Southern California for weeks with the Chaco Z/1 Classics on our feet. We took them on numerous hikes in the Los Padres National Forest and wore them all over San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, California. These shoes faced everything from steep sandstone slopes to waterfront boardwalks.

Comfort

Ironically, our lead sandal tester had a pair of Chaco Z/1 Classics about six years ago and really hated them: she seriously despised them. She wore them on an 8-mile hike with several water crossings and a lot of river rock-hopping one summer, and ended up with so many blisters that she vowed never to wear a pair of Chacos again. Well, here she is, more than half a decade later, testing the Chaco Z/1 Classics for this review. Life, you know? 

Anyway, we’re gleeful to report that her second experience with these sandals was not nearly as bad. In fact, she can’t say she hates these sandals anymore. (Losing a key part of her personality here, she says, but we digress.) Our tester still finds some aspects of the Z/1 Classics uncomfortable—for instance, the arch support is a bit too aggressive for her; she feels like her feet are being forced upward—but for the most part, she can manage a day of outdoor activities in these shoes. After several moderate hikes and many days at camp, our tester’s feet haven’t developed any hot spots or blisters, and we call that a win. 

The straps don’t dig into her medium-width feet, and the slightly contoured heel cup provides a helpful yet unobtrusive level of support. The arch support, as previously noted, isn’t ideal for our tester’s foot anatomy but is a plus for hikers seeking more supportive sandals. The midsole is quite dense, nearly bordering on too hard, but that’s a beneficial feature if you’re in search of a sandal that offers substantial energy return (it helps you feel bouncier on your feet).

Stability

These are stable! They’re quite rigid compared to many other hiking sandals we’ve tried, which may be a downside for some people but a benefit for others. Specifically, those who desire freedom for their toes while still needing a secure fit around the heel and ankle will appreciate the Chaco Z/1 Classics. The contour around the heel significantly enhances foot security within the sandal. 

Those who want a more flexible sandal may not jive with the polyurethane midsole on these. Its rigidity provides stability but limits natural foot flexion and extension. The midsole feels almost like that of a hiking boot, preventing you from feeling rocks or other features beneath your feet. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth considering if you enjoy feeling more connected to the ground or plan to wear your sandals in situations that require a lot of foot flexibility.

Traction

With a 3-millimeter lug depth, the Z/1 Classics are suitable for mild to moderate terrain. After taking them on several short (two- to three-mile) hikes and wearing them in various outdoor environments, including national forest primitive campsites, forest roads, and urban settings, we can vouch for these as an all-around type of sandal. 

Our tester says she personally wouldn’t take them on strenuous hikes with very slippery surfaces, such as scree fields or slickrock (her butt did meet the ground when attempting to hike down a primarily sandstone trail, and she ended up doing more scree skiing than hiking), but they are more than capable of safely traversing Class I and Class II trails. They’re also nice for wearing around town on warm days.

Durability

During testing, we haven’t observed any early signs of wear and tear. So far, the polyester webbing straps remain perfectly intact, as does the textured pattern on the footbed. Chaco Z/1 Classics feature Vibram insoles, known for their longevity, so we don’t anticipate any issues with that, either. 

As always, plastic components (the buckle, in this case) are a concern, but Chaco offers a lifetime repair program and will fix them for $10 per buckle. You can also have your outsole re-soled and your straps repaired, unstuck, or lengthened/shortened for much less than the cost of buying a new pair. Major hoorah to Chaco for this!

Weight & Packability

The Chaco Z/1 Classics are on the heavier side of the sandal spectrum, weighing approximately 1.5 pounds per pair. This weight results from the chunky, dense polyurethane midsole, which gives them a stack height of over an inch at the thickest point. 

Though they are heavy enough to deter many backpackers from choosing them as camp shoes, we believe they work well for day hikes that involve minor water crossings, or for shorter backpacking trips where weight is less of a concern.

Although they are chunky, we prefer to pack these inside the backpack instead of attaching them to the outside. Due to their bulkiness, they tend to sway around when hooked to the exterior, which can quickly become bothersome.

Ease of Use

The heel strap on the Z/1 Classics is fixed, but the ankle, midfoot, and forefoot straps all adjust. These three straps function as a single strap; they do not adjust independently. This means it can take some time to find the right fit, but once you do, you’re set for the lifespan of the sandals (unless the straps stretch out from wear). After the initial adjustment, you’ll only need to loosen and tighten the ankle strap at the buckle, which is very easy to do.

Should You Buy the Women’s Chaco Z/1 Classic?

The Chaco Z/1 Classics are a fantastic all-around choice. While we don’t recommend them for particularly strenuous or steep hikes, we believe they are suitable for easy to moderate hikes, and possibly some challenging ones, depending on the terrain features.

They also make great everyday sandals, making them a good fit for anyone looking for an “everything” sandal. Although they might seem pricey at first, you’ll truly get your money’s worth out of the Z/1 Classics due to their versatility. 

What Other Women’s Hiking Sandals Should You Consider?

The following are some of our favorite hiking sandals and are worthy alternatives to the Z/1 Classics.

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Review: We love the chunky midsole on the Hurricane XLT2s, along with the three independently adjustable straps. These make a great choice for anyone seeking extra stability, thanks to the wide, contoured footbed and extended heel counter. 

Teva Original Universal Review: While not as sturdy as the Hurricane XLT2s, the Teva Original Universals are a personal favorite of our lead sandal tester. Similar to the Z/1 Classics, these sandals are perfect for all-day, everyday wear and can handle moderate trails and water activities.

Ecco Yucatan Review: We recommend the Yucatans for hikers with narrow feet who seek support and stability. The three Velcro straps ensure a secure fit, while the sidebar adds stability to the outside of the foot. Additionally, we appreciate how the straps feel super soft against our skin.