For somebody who was as soon as a self-proclaimed sandal hater, I’ve certain gotten invested within the Chacos versus Tevas debate. Their flagship pairs, the Z/1 Traditional Sandal and the Common Unique Sandal (respectively), look fairly darn related at a look: They’re each sporty mountaineering sandals with adjustable straps and a lovable crunchy aesthetic. (You didn’t dwell via the ’90s and ’00s when you didn’t know a supercool teen who wore Tevas and/or Chacos and will make a imply friendship bracelet.)
However look a bit 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 aspect. Given our love of supportive sandals, we determined it was time to check them each and see how they actually examine.
Full disclosure: I’ve beforehand declared myself as a Chaco individual 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. In case you’re a fan of sandals (like I’m now, apparently), it’s value your time to think about Tevas and Chacos, fairly 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 comfortable 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 comfortable and accommodating. If I am going a very long time with out carrying my Chaco sandals, I often should strap them on a number of instances once more earlier than my soles regulate to the midsole.
Tevas mainly 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 identical time, my foot doesn’t really feel swallowed by cushioning.
For arch assist
Our choose: Chaco
It may not 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, which means consultants think about it a superb design for foot well being. With out the appropriate assist, my arches are inclined 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 carrying them. However fortunately I didn’t cope with any severe arch ache. For what it’s value, folks with excessive arches (who don’t want as a lot construction of their footwear) might want how this feels over the Luvseat.
For sturdiness
Our choose: Chaco
The Chaco’s sole is thicker than the Teva’s (this model 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 line with my live-in boyfriend, that is undoubtedly the case), however I seen some thinning within the forefoot of my Common Originals after my first few weeks with them.