Chaco vs. Teva — we tested the 2 most popular hiking sandals to see how they compare
We compared the Teva Hurricane XLT 2 and the Chaco Z/1 Classic sandals on features like their strap system, footbed, arch design, and color selection.
admin
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Connie Chen/Business Insider
If you're looking for the best walking sandals for your summer adventures, you'll likely end up with two final contenders: Teva and Chaco.
These popular brands were both born out of necessity during the 1980s. Two river guides, one in Arizona and the other in Colorado, needed comfortable walking shoes that would stay put and prevent their toes from wrinkling into prunes every day.
They shared these basic needs, but from there, the river splits. The sandal designs they ultimately came up with look and feel quite different. We've reviewed Teva sandals and Chaco sandals separately, delving into their history, design, and impact on the fashion and outdoor industries.
Now, here's a direct comparison that will let you easily decide which hiking sandals are right for you.
We compared the Teva Hurricane XLT 2 Sandals and the Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals, two of each brand's most popular models.
Here's how they stacked up when we compared features like their strap system, footbed, arch design, and color selection. Though they serve similar but slightly different needs, both brands make some of the best walking sandals for women.
Connie Chen/Business Insider
An easy way to tell Tevas and Chacos apart is their strap designs. Tevas (featured above on the left) have straps that line the sides of your feet, while Chaco straps wrap across the tops of your feet.
Teva straps support the tops, sides, and ankles of your feet and have Velcro to allow for fit adjustments. They're made from water-friendly, quick-drying webbing that's made from polyester, nylon, and recycled PET.
Chaco straps include a buckle, criss-cross each other, and are actually one long, continuous strap. This gives your feet the feeling of being wrapped. You adjust the fit at each part of the foot by pulling that area of the strap. They're made from water-friendly, quick-drying polyester jacquard webbing.
Connie Chen/Business Insider
The footbed is what your feet are in contact with all day as you wear these sandals. Here's how the footbeds differ:
Tevas feel soft, smooth, and cushioned.
Chacos have a slightly textured footbed that feels drier.
Connie Chen/Business Insider
Depending on the shape of your feet and the level of support you want, you'll like one brand more than the other.
Tevas have a lower arch and make you feel like you're walking closer to the ground. I have fairly flat feet and found Tevas to be more comfortable than Chacos. The midsole is made from lightweight and flexible EVA foam, which feels cushioned and bouncy.
Chacos have a high arch and a thicker midsole at the heel than Tevas. If your feet have high arches, they'll be more comfortable in Chacos. The midsole is made from PU foam, which is a little heavier than EVA foam but has a longer-lasting bounce.
Connie Chen/Business Insider
While the outsoles have different designs, both Tevas and Chacos provide strong traction, allowing you to walk across all types of terrain — smooth tile, rocky trails, slippery rocks, and more.
Teva
Both shoes are excellent lightweight footwear options that won't weigh you down as you trek miles and miles on your travels or hikes. The weight difference is almost negligible, but there is a small disparity.
Tevas are lighter. One pair weighs 1 pound, 4 ounces.
Chacos are heavier. One pair weighs 1 pound, 5.2 ounces.
Chaco, Teva
Sport sandals, like all shoes, can be a reflection of your personal style. You'll be able to choose from a variety of colors and patterns from each brand.
Tevas come in many neutral and bright colors, as well as prints. Some styles are part of limited-edition collections, but if you aren't able to find the one you want on Teva's website, you might have better luck checking another online retailer such as REI.
Chacos also come in many neutral and bright colors, as well as prints. The brand also features limited-edition collections. To ensure your pair never gets mixed up with another person's, you can create a custom pair. This process lets you customize everything from the main strap to the logo badge. You can even upload your own image as a print or add embroidery.
Connie Chen/Business Insider
After trying both sandals from Teva and Chaco, we learned that they're both very comfortable and supportive. But you should use the following points to determine which pair you should buy:
Choose Tevas if you have flat or less arched feet, you don't mind Velcro straps, and you want a softer footbed. We also tested the Tevas Zymic and found it to be our favorite comfortable walking sandal, so the brand has proven itself twice as a solid option. Tevas cost less than Chacos at about $75, but you may be able to find them at lower prices during other retailers' sale events.
Choose Chacos if you have high arches, like the look of the single-wrapped strap, and want a more "dry" feel. There are also more color and pattern options thanks to the customization feature. Chacos are the more expensive option at $105, but can be found for much less on Amazon or Zappos.
