I’ve Worn These Comfy Hiking Sandals in 52 Countries — and They’re Up to 64% Off Right Now

Two decades ago, in my late 20s — a broke writer launching a freelance-writing career — I sprung for a pair of Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandals, with the added toe loop and a podiatrist-certified footbed. Purchased at my local REI store in Madison, Wisconsin, they cost just over $100 at the time, the most I’d ever paid for a pair of shoes. Trying them on, they immediately felt snug and comfy. Plus, I liked the many color combos for the jacquard webbing (the brand’s Z straps). I chose blue and green, my favorite colors, in a plaid-like pattern — and I’ve been wearing the style ever since.

If you’re looking for a comfortable hiking sandal, you couldn’t do better, especially since they’re up to 64 percent off right now at Amazon. At first glance, you might wonder if they are too nerdy, outdoorsy-looking, or even ironically cool for you to pull off. But, hear me out: You can. Chaco Footwear, launched more than 30 years ago courtesy of a Colorado river-rafting guide (neat, right?), makes supportive, comfortable shoes perfect for your campground, day hikes, water activities, and casual weekend city outings. Even celebrities are fans of the brand (psst, Thomas Rhett debuted a partnership with Chaco Footwear in 2021), and popular athleisure brand Outdoor Voice teamed up with Chaco on a limited-edition collaboration just last year.

Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandal

I initially bought these sandals for a summer backpacking trip at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Since everything would be carried on my back, I needed a multi-purpose shoe. I could wear these in the rain, the heat, and along Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline. (When wet, these sandals dry quickly.) I backpacked seven miles per day in hiking boots then strapped these on after, and what a relief it was. They were not Ugg slippers, but they were pretty close. The design allows your feet to breathe, while still keeping them snug through proper heel and arch support, plus adjustable straps. I have narrow feet and tend to slip out of a lot of sandals — but not these.

Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandal

I’ve been to 52 countries and am pretty sure these sandals have been with me to each one. Why? They’re great for hiking, city strolls, bicycle rides, on the beach, walks in the lake or ocean, and even lounging by the pool. I even pack these for winter trips so I don’t slip on the wet floor around indoor pools, like while staying at the Club Med Quebec-Charlevoix in Quebec City, Canada. I have also worn the sandals on many Alaska trips, whether visiting family in the interior city of Fairbanks or exploring cruise ship ports. 

In a pinch, I wear these with socks to help protect against bug bites. In Hawaii, they were perfect for strolling the Waikiki Beach neighborhood in Honolulu in search of Japanese food (even with a skirt, these sandals fit in at restaurants) and also kept me from twisting my ankle walking along Hanalei Bay on Kauai. I’ve hiked dusty trails with these — including Zion National Park and Indian Canyons near Palm Springs, California — and the straps never get dirty. They are that resistant.

I’ve since replaced the sandals’ outsoles at a very reduced cost thanks to the ReChaco program that repairs outsoles and replaces webbing straps on Z sandals. (Or, it’s totally free if repaired at one of the stops on their U.S. tour this summer.) This keeps sandals out of landfills. I had ruined the outsoles after tossing my sandals in the washer and dryer at my rental condo on Ambergris Caye, Belize, following a muddy bicycle ride where foot-deep puddles rose out of potholes. The washer wasn’t an issue but the dryer’s heat source was: it easily cracked the outsoles on both sandals, as they’re made out of Vibram rubber, and separated them from the insoles. After being hard on myself for not drying them out on the balcony, I looked up the price online for a new pair and stumbled upon the repair program. Sweet!

Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandal

The second time I replaced these sandals was around 15 years after purchasing them because the webbing’s main strap began to tear in one spot. As I was about to depart for Italy in two weeks, I dropped these in the mail and crossed my fingers they would be repaired in time. They were — for $30. I would have had to buy a whole new pair of walking sandals for that trip otherwise, and of course, any new pair is risky: what if they are uncomfortable? These shoes were so comfortable they were practically an extension of my own feet. I was thrilled to wear these sandals during 90-degree Fahrenheit days in Florence, which included walking to the top of the Duomo’s tower. Within minutes, the straps can easily be resized, which is crucial when feet swell on hot days.

Next week I’ll be on my first trip to the Maldives, and you can bet I’m packing my Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandals. I see myself wearing these along the beach, to lunch at casual cafes or safely hopping off the speed boat upon arrival — and far, far beyond.

More Comfortable Sandals at Amazon:

Teva Women's Hurricane Xlt2 Sandal

Crocs Women's Literide 360 Sandal

Skechers Women's Reggae-Irie Mon Sport Sandal

Ecco Women's Yucatan Sport Sandal

Keen Women’s Astoria West Closed Toe

Skechers Women's On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal