Chaco

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Chaco

61 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 27, 2025

  Looking For Shoe Recommendations

  Chaco used to make a leather clog called toecoop that I wore for the better part of 10yrs. Danskos didn’t do it for me. Some like birks, crocs, and calzuros. Blundstone is intriguing.

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• #2Dec 26, 2025

  Of course no shoes are going to last a lifetime but I’m trying to build a pretty good collection (are made in Japan converse worth it?)

  I'd add chacos to that list they re-sole and re-string their shoes.

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• #3Dec 25, 2025

  Good sling bags for men?

  I have the Kavu and it’s roomy but Velcro on one pocket has worn out. I like my Chaco better. Husband has a Patagonia he loves.

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• #4Oct 10, 2025

  My belt got rubbed off after a short backpacking trip. What belt do you have that lasts?

  chaco webbing belt. ive had the same one for 15 years. worn daily, still looks and functions like brand new

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• #5Sep 5, 2025

  Woman’s Slippers with exceptional padding and able to do quick trips outside

  The [Chaco Ramble ](https://www.chacos.com/US/en/ramble-rugged-canvas-shoe/59916W.html?dwvar_59916W_color=JCH110116Z#cgid=women&prefn1=itemStyle&prefv1=Boots%7CSlip%20ons&prefn2=size&prefv2=8%7C8.5&start=1) puffer bootie, nothing else compares. Incredible arch support, cosy interior, warm and washable. Proper non-slip sole. And these bad boys won't go "flat" on the inside.

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• #6Sep 4, 2025

  What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren't going to sell it anymore?

  My og Chacos lasted 17 years of wearing them every day all summer long. Got replacements off of Ebay and while they’re not exactly the same, I have hope that they’ll last me a good long while 

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• #7Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Chaco sandals. The ones made in Colorado were amazing and still hold up. The new ones are just not the same value

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• #8Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Chacos. La-Z Boy recliners.

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• #9Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Chacos. You can get them rebuilt and when you do you can pick some funky color combinations.

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• #10Sep 4, 2025

  What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren't going to sell it anymore?

  I need to resole mine after a decade of owning them. I don't wear them every day but quite often in the summer months over those 10 years. There's a local cobbler that advertises vibram rubber and I need to give them a call to see if they will do chacos for less than sending them in.

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• #11Sep 4, 2025

  What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren't going to sell it anymore?

  Check eBay. I’ve been buying shoes there and got a pair of my favorite style chacos for like $30

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• #12Sep 4, 2025

  What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren't going to sell it anymore?

  I have two pair of black Z2’s that are made in the USA. You can re-sole with Vibram soles through Chaco. I bought my original pair back in the day. when I sent them off I searched eBay for a backup pair just like them - made in the USA. These pairs will ask me for the rest of my life.

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• #13Sep 4, 2025

  What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren't going to sell it anymore?

  Should have bought a shitload of chacos before the quality started to go downhill.

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• #14Aug 11, 2025

  Prolonging the life of shoe soles

  Thanks, I'll check them out :) I'm super fussy with shoes but am on my third pair of Chaco sandals and adore them, they've been okayed by the podiatrist too.  I bought some Bedrock sandals and hate walking in them, same for any Teevas I've ever owned so definitely can't tolerate just any sandals for walking all day. 

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• #15Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  My Chaco flip flops have been remarkably durable. They are at least 10 years old at this point and are going strong.

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• #16Jul 11, 2025

  Best sandals/slippers with arch support for daily use for 3+ hours of walking?

  I honestly don’t know lol but I find Birkenstocks very comfortable and supportive and Chaco boots, which have a higher arch, so 🤷‍♀️

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• #17Jul 10, 2025

  Hiking sandals that aren’t disposable?

  They made a zvolv 2 model for awhile that was still Vibram but half as thick as the classic sole. They’re the best, all the benefits of Chacos without the weight. You can still find them on Amazon occasionally and gently used.

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• #18Jul 9, 2025

  Hiking sandals that aren’t disposable?

  Chaco. I had my first pair for 10 years then had a re-Chaco resole. They the lasted 7 more years till the footbed started to split. My new pair is 3 years old and the new sole is wearing better than the old vibram ones earlier generations had. I think these are close to BIFL, because I wore them almost year round.

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• #19Jul 9, 2025

  Women’s Arch support Leather sandals

  Taos, Birkenstock, and Chaco are my go-to sandals for comfort and quality. I haven’t tried the Chaco leather sandals but have a pair of webbing sandals from the 90s that are still holding on

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• #20Jul 8, 2025

  Hiking sandals that aren’t disposable?

  Chaco

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• #21Jul 8, 2025

  Hiking sandals that aren’t disposable?

  If price isn't a problem, look into getting some custom chacos with the original vibram soles.  They last years. However, you can only custom order them that way now. They no longer come with vibram soles on the shelf. 

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• #22Jul 8, 2025

  Hiking sandals that aren’t disposable?

  There are plenty of recommendations here for extending your products though I say the above as a caution because if anyone advertises their footwear is lifelong without maintenance/repair then they are scamming you. It gets to the philosophy question of Theseus ship. If you replace every aspect of the shoe over time, is it the same shoe? Did you just buy another? I am sure if you take some of the advice here you will see extended life of some of your shoes. You will also find opportunities for low cost replacements or warranty (again chacos are great for this). But you WILL need to spend money at some point for repair and maintenance.

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• #23Jul 8, 2025

  Hiking sandals that aren’t disposable?

  My chacos are 7 years old and look brand new

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• #24Jul 8, 2025

  Hiking sandals that aren’t disposable?

  I bought some clearance Chaco thong style sandals and they are amazing. I don’t think they are the same as their strappy models but for $20 I thought it was a steal.

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• #25Jul 6, 2025

  Stuff you will continue buying for life

  Chaco Flips

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• #26Jun 11, 2025

  Advice for year round sandals

  You are correct, Chaco can replace you soles as well as straps end I think the still replace footbeds too.

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• #27Jun 8, 2025

  Looking for durable mens shoes

  Depending on what kind of sandals you're looking for I would say rainbow sandals or chacos. I own both for different reasons. My rainbows are probably 6 years old and still have life in them, I wear sandals most evenings and weekends for 3 seasons. The chacos are probably 3 years old but my wife has a pair that is 8 or 9 years old now and still have tread on them.

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• #28Jun 7, 2025

  My Tevas broke after light use, of course AFTER the 1 year warranty expired

  Chaco is legit. I had a strap fail years after I bought them and they replaced. I couldn't believe it. To add context, I had worn them a dozen times or so, so they still looked brand new.

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• #29Jun 6, 2025

  My Tevas broke after light use, of course AFTER the 1 year warranty expired

  Wore Tevas, switched to Chaco. They will repair.

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• #30Jun 5, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  Totally depends on what you are looking for. I live in tevas and birks but a lot of people think they don’t have enough support for long term wear. My mom really likes chacos which have a more supportive sole and very adjustable straps. My dad likes keen and Merrill sandals which fit more like shoes, have a shoe sole, and come in versions with a closed toe which can be good for various situations but still have the ventilation of sandals.

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• #31Jun 5, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  Idk how the quality of them are now compared to 13 years ago but I have a pair of Chacos that are that old. They have taken an absolute beating and every thing about them is just as good as the day I bought them.

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• #32Jun 5, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  I love chacos, I live in them 8+ months a year. But I absolutely destroy them. I've had them completely split apart while walking, and I have another pair about ready to do that. They are absolutely an amazing hiking sandal, and they last a couple years. I will forever buy them. But they're not truly BIFL.

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• #33Jun 5, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  I just got a pair of chacos and I LOVE them. Super sturdy & comfortable, walked 2.5 miles in them on Saturday!

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• #34Jun 4, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  Chacos last forever but they're a bit heavier. I do love mine.

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• #35Jun 4, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  I'm going to jump on the Chacos bandwagon here, because they are just so comfy, adjustable, AND you get to customize them!  I know you said you'd prefer gladiator sandals, but it's hard to find those with supportive soles. I don't have personal experience for these, but I did find these (gladiator-like) Born pair in an internet search and they seem to be comfortable and handmade, which might attest to their durability:  https://www.zappos.com/p/womens-born-iwa-brown/product/9350182/color/6?zlfid=191&ref=pd_mobile_detail-v2-1-sims_cv

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• #36Jun 4, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  I got a pair of Chacos about 8 years ago and they still look new. When and if they finally kick the bucket I’ll get another pair.

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• #37Jun 4, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  I’d recommend Chacos. They have a few different styles. I’d also like to mention Reef sandals. They’re cute, they’re comfy, and they’re waterproof. I can’t speak to their longevity though but they’re holding up very well so far!

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• #38Jun 4, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  Got my 1st pair of Chacos a couple months ago and you’ll pry them from my cold dead hands.

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• #39Jun 4, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  Chaco or Bedrock

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• #40Jun 4, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  I have worn chacos regularly for over 20 years and during that time I have only had to buy 2 pairs. If you stay on top of resoling/retreading them (not that expensive) before they get too bad, they last so long. Even with no maintenance, you’ll get 5+ years out of them unless you’re hiking on aggressive terrain or something crazy.

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• #41May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  They moved their factory to China then was bought out. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaco_(footwear)) A factory was established in the town of [Paonia, Colorado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paonia,_Colorado), USA.[^(\[3\])](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaco_(footwear)#cite_note-aspentimes-3) In following years the products gained an international reputation and market. In 2008 the Paonia factory closed and production was moved to [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China).[^(\[4\])](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaco_(footwear)#cite_note-csm-4) In 2009, the brand was acquired by [Wolverine World Wide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolverine_World_Wide),[^(\[5\])](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaco_(footwear)#cite_note-AP_story-5) the company that also owns [Saucony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saucony), [Merrell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrell_(company)), [Sweaty Betty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweaty_Betty) and a variety of other footwear brands, and the Chaco facilities moved to the Wolverine base in [Rockford, Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockford,_Michigan).

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• #42Apr 9, 2025

  Best sandals/slippers with arch support for daily use for 3+ hours of walking?

  Chaco classic sandals. Not the z cloud version, the classic z’s. I exclusively wear them in the warmer months, no other sandal even comes close for support and durability. I still have my original Chacos from 2003, they’re worn down but still kicking. I’ve bought newer ones since then, and have yet to wear thru a pair of the classics. I did wear thru a pair of Chaco flip flops - it took 7 years of summer wear, one year I traveled a lot and wore them about 300 days straight. They died a valiant death when stuck in deep mud, I immediately went out and bought a second pair. Still have them, but I now wear the classic Z’s more often.

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• #43Apr 8, 2025

  Best sandals/slippers with arch support for daily use for 3+ hours of walking?

  Forever love my chacos. If OP is getting blisters with the Birkenstocks heels, I’d recommend going for a wide width, and then the original footbed (not cloud) and no toe strap. The arch support shape is pretty prominent, so it’s not going to work for every foot shape, so definitely try it on first or order from somewhere that has easy returns.

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• #44Apr 8, 2025

  Best sandals/slippers with arch support for daily use for 3+ hours of walking?

  I exclusively wear Chacos in warm weather.

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• #45Apr 4, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  Had my Reefs for almost 20 years now... god that sucks to think about. I don't know what build quality is like now, but they have been a solid brand in my eyes. If I was looking now I would maybe look at Chaco or Birkenstock as well.

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• #46Apr 4, 2025

  I literally live in my flip-flops; what brand is genuinely odor-proof, even after being put through the paces (so to speak)?

  Mychacos. Don't get the mass produced in China stuff, order you some of the custom ones with the vibram sole. These are the only sandals that hold up to the kind of abuse you're describing IMHO.

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• #47Apr 3, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  Chacos for great support while still being flexible. They last for years.

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• #48Apr 1, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  You want sandals that stay on your feet without clenching your toes? Don't get a flip flop style. Tevas or Chacos. Both brands were started by whitewater river guides that were tired of losing their sandals.

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• #49Mar 8, 2025

  Ladies, what are the MOST comfortable boots you’ve worn for walking 10k+ steps a day?

  Chaco boots (NOT the lace up boots, the slip on waterproof ones) - the most incredible arch support, I’ve had my pair for over two years and wear them literally everywhere, hikes, office, around town, etc

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• #50Mar 7, 2025

  Ladies, what are the MOST comfortable boots you’ve worn for walking 10k+ steps a day?

  I have the lace up Chaco Fields boots and I loveeee them. They’re not snow boots per se-wouldn’t wear them in deep snow or big puddles, but they are waterproof and excellent cold weather shoes that I wear very regularly in snowy weather or rain. And they have amazing arch support!

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• #51Mar 7, 2025

  Best summer shoes (Women’s/Unisex)

  Second Chaco. I have friends who swear by Keens and Tevas, though.

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• #52Mar 6, 2025

  Slippers - cozy vs supportive and summer vs winter

  For #2 - I have a pair from Amazon - Revitalign Alder slippers. I live in them all winter long. Great arch support if that matters to you. I’ve only had them for 2 years, so can’t speak for longevity, but so far they’re holding up perfectly to daily use (with no obvious signs of wear) For #3 - my go-to is a pair of Chaco flips. Again great arch support (which, if you can’t tell, is super important to me).

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• #53Mar 6, 2025

  Slippers - cozy vs supportive and summer vs winter

  I have a pair of chaco z strap slide on sandals that I only wear inside for summer slippers. I've had em for 3-4 years and they look worn but not worn out. I don't think they make my exact model anymore but I really love them. Still looking for my winter slippers - the pair I bought this winter are already losing their structural integrity 🙃

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• #54Mar 6, 2025

  Best summer shoes (Women’s/Unisex)

  Chacos sandals. The "cloud" models specifically if you want a cushioned footbed.

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• #55Mar 4, 2025

  BIFL, but also BISecondhand. What are some things that everyone should keep an eye out for, but can commonly be found for cheap when preowned.

  Shit, I buy most big ticket stuff used, I'll do a quick list of the things that comes to mind: **Electronics:** * Laptop - refurb Dell Precision * Desktop - used HP Z2 G4 plus RX 5700XT * Terra master NAS and surplus HGST hard drives * Xbox controllers * Camera - Canon 5D MkII + Tamron 28-75mm f2 * Watch - Pebble Time **Household stuff:** * Kenmore laundry center * Frigidaire dehumidifier * Panasonic microwave * Swing-a-way can openers * Cuisinart food processors * KitchenAid mixers * pots and pans * bakeware * Clothes, mostly Eddie Bauer, Chacos, LL bean **Tools:** * Toro lawnmower (from the side of the road) * Used spare parts for lawnmower * Bosch jigsaw * DeWalt router * Milwaukee weedeater * Pole saw attachment * Sawzall * Impact wrench * JBC soldering station * HP oscilloscope * Tektronix power supplies * Kikusui DC loads * REED LCR meter * surplus RF cables and connectors Most of these didn't require any fixing beyond some light cleaning, and in most cases I would say that I got a good deal. Even paying the upper end of market value for the used market, you still get a much nicer product than what the same money would buy new, and you get to help keep more unnecessary stuff from being produced Its a bit intimidating to start buying expensive stuff online, but once you get a feel for how sellers in a particular niche tend to advertise and document things, you can get a very good idea of how the things will function.

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• #56Feb 8, 2025

  Are there comfortable house sandals in this style that I don't have to replace every six months?

  I use Chaco chillo slides in the house and they’re great

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• #57Feb 8, 2025

  Are there comfortable house sandals in this style that I don't have to replace every six months?

  Chaco makes slip ons called chillos that are cheaper than their usual sandals and more forgiving in the footbed. I wear them with socks in the winter up here in Michigan.

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• #58Feb 8, 2025

  Are there comfortable house sandals in this style that I don't have to replace every six months?

  Birkenstock Madrid or Chaco I guess

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• #59Jan 9, 2025

  My Teva Hurricanes have

  I had a pair of Chocos for about 7 years before they blew out. But it was trying to pull pull them out of mud in knee deep water a few times with a canoe on my shoulders on a portaging trip so I think they get some grace lol. They still lasted like 2 more years with a 1 inch rip.  Tevas and chaco’s are nice

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• #60Jan 1, 2025

  Unpopular Opinion: "BIFL" as an excuse for overspending

  I could agree. The sub’s purpose / topic is materialistic in nature. And no one *needs* that $1399 vacuum, so really you could come here just to justify this purchase. However, let me explore the opposite concept. When I focus on BIFL, I buy *less.*. I find that I am less interested in shopping in general. I look at the stuff on display at all of the stores and just kind of cringe. Here are a few examples of my preferences, just to show what I mean: I learned how to use a carbon steel pan. Learned how to season it, care for it, and I LOVE that thing. I honestly don’t have a need for any other frying pan - this one is all I need, I can use whatever spatula I want, and it doesn’t matter if it gets scratched or rusted or dented or whatever - it’s kind of BIFL. It cost me $30. Now, I went to Walmart the other day and there is an entire aisle of different brands (8 brands, 18 different sets, so many sizes and options and colors) of Teflon cookware sets. Each pan is also $30 but I know, from my experience, that the Teflon will wear, the pan will warp, it’ll eventually need to be pitched. Knife blocks - this is another personal preference but, I’ve learned recently that I only need like, 4 good, sharp knives. Not the block of 16 or whatever that sits on my counter. Walmart has 5 separate knife blocks, again, countless options to choose from. Face cream - this is obviously not BIFL. But I think of all of these beauty boxes and make up stores and aisles and aisles…it’s so overwhelming to me. I choose to buy one higher quality product that lasts me a very long time and I don’t even look at those aisles. It’s saving me money, brain power and counter space. Chacos - I’ve had the same shoes for 10 years. I do not buy new shoes every year. My Chacos have cost me less than $5 per year while I know people who spend hundreds every summer on two or three new pair of sandals. In the US, we really are a nation of consumers. I feel like we are really clawing our way toward that tipping point - while we will always be consumers, more and more of us are burning out. The holidays are too much. The STUFF is never-ending. The commercials and bots and just everything. I am burned out. I seem to be naturally narrowing down what I need and use to just what brings me joy, the things that I know I need and will use for, hopefully, years to come. And that means I have largely stopped collecting random possessions and leaning in to a higher quality, smaller footprint kind of mindset.

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• #61Dec 2, 2015

  [BIFL Request] Boots similar to Red wings under $200

  Check out Chaco Brios. They are in my feet right now.

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