Teva Vs. Chaco. Approach Shoe?

Chacos. Superior quality

wore chacos last weekend at my local crag and got bit by a rattlesnake, now i have no money because my toes werent protected. this may change your mind depending where youre at.

pics or it didnt happen

Chacos have stickier rubber (even the base model) and a much more supportive footbed. That being said, they are a good bit heavier and more difficult to fit to your feet if you don't get it right at first (the straps get really difficult to slide once they get dirty).

Cragging/well groomed trails: Chacos

As a secondary shoe/camp sandal: Tevas

Don't listen to the people who think that sandals aren't real shoes. Obviously they provide less protection. The whole point is that they breathe more and are faster to put on... as with everything, it's a trade off. If it means anything, I've done 15+ mile days in chacos with no issues other than a stubbed toe. Worth it.

I prefer chacos; they hold up better imo. Resoled my chacos with 5.10 sticky dot when the other sole ran out. Very comfy and grippy if you like sandals. They're not great for long hauls or long approaches in the mountains, but awesome for cragging or the occasional hike.

To the naysayers adding nothing to this conversation; if you need that much protection for your precious little toesy-woseys on crag approach trails, maybe consider learning how to walk properly.

Flops. Easier to slide on and off in between climbs, and you can still do 4th or easy 5th in them. I have yet to encounter terrain where I would be comfortable in sandals but flops couldn't handle.

You must be a boulderer.

I know lots of people who go backpacking in chaco's. They must be OK. The Tarahumara indians like sandals too.

I can't wear sandals so I have no opinion on which is better.

Nolan Huther wrote:Hmm, I should get a pair of these sandals for hiking and backpacking in the Adirondacks, my hiking boots and high gaiters just sound unnecessary...

Can't tell if you're being sarcastic but for what it's worth people hike that stuff in Chacos and Tevas quite often...

Chaco with the toe strap. My feet slid around in the Teva too much. I hiked out 100+ pounds of elk last fall in wyoming and they did fine. They work 3 out of the four seasons (location dependent, sometimes year round). never have to worry about them getting wet and then drying out.

reboot wrote: Then when your weak ass feet develop problems from all the "support" you can get custom orthotics.

You think Chacos are helping you develop strong feet? They might as well be Nikes. If you're really into that sort of thing... barefootted.com/uploaded_im…

NeilB wrote: You think Chacos are helping you develop strong feet? They might as well be Nikes. If you're really into that sort of thing... barefootted.com/uploaded_im…

Chacos are far from neutral. They have a high arch and are basically thick orthotics with straps.

His argument was that motion control shoes can actually cause you to get weaker in your weak areas. I've personally experienced this. Xero's rather than Chaco's would be better for this. And they have a 5000 mile warranty.

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion wrote: Chacos are far from neutral. They have a high arch and are basically thick orthotics with straps. His argument was that motion control shoes can actually cause you to get weaker in your weak areas. I've personally experienced this. Xero's rather than Chaco's would be better for this. And they have a 5000 mile warranty.

The irony of Mr. Obvious's post (that I was replying to) is Chacos have a stiffer platform than most approach (not hiking) shoes. I do like them b/c the Pro model come w/ sticky rubber & the big toe loop help secure the sandal. I'd much rather use the "hiking" variants of five fingers since they secure to your feet better than most shoes, but the rubber absolutely sucks ass.