With summer rolling around, everyone, including me, is planning their perfect summer adventure or hiking trip. And one of the best hiking sandals you can find in the market is Chacos. They are durable, comfortable, and solid.
However, they do run a bit expensive, so I wondered what some options for Chacos alternatives are.
Well, there are a few Chacos alternatives available. As more and more people are starting to go around visiting nature, several brands such as Tevas, Keen, and Merrel. They are durable adventure sandals that provide solid grip and breathability to ensure you are the comfiest on the longest of hikes.
If you want to know more about the affordable Chacos alternatives, continue reading the article.
Are ChacosThe Best ?- A Quick Review
In a very short time, Chacos has become a fan favorite adventure sandal globally. Created in 1989, Chacos was made as a solution to a very specific problem that most outdoor sandals had.
It was that they were made of leather and were not suitable for terrains that contained water. The leather would remain soaked in water for longer, causing fever and other harm to your feet.
As a solution, the founder of Chacos had an idea to make sandals with synthetic material that would quickly dry in the sun. In the past three years, the solution has taken the market by being one of the most famous adventure sandals in the world.
However, it is not like the brand does not have its downs. The first issue with the sandal is that the outsoles get debris stuck on them. It has become an issue for a lot of users. It can be rather annoying when debris gets constantly stuck on your shoe while walking.
Another issue with the design of the sandal is the strap. They tend to be too long event after tightening the sandal. It has caused many customers to slip, and they found it uncomfortable.
5 Best ChacosAlternatives- A Quick Comparison
When we think of Chacos alternatives, brands such as Tevas and Keen come to our mind. They are also similar adventure sandals that provide equal or more features to Chacos. Here is a quick comparison between the alternatives.
| NO. | Sandal | Comfort | Cost | Durability | Disadvantages |
| 1. | Teva Men’s Original Universal Sandal | High | Affordable | Low | Comparatively less durable outsole |
| 2. | KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals | Moderate | Expensive | High | Poor heel stitching |
| 3. | Merrell Men’s Hydro Moc Water Shoe | Moderate | Affordable | High | It can be painful to wear straight out of the box |
| 4. | KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Open Toe Sport Sandal | High | Expensive | Moderate | Short toe bed |
| 5. | TEVA Men’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals | High | Affordable | High | Less protection |
Now, let us jump into a more detailed review.
1) Teva Men’s Original Universal Sandal
Tevas is one of the best alternatives to Chacos. This adventure sandal is globally known for its comfort, durability, and grip. It is an all-in-one package.
This shoe is known for its affordability and solid outsole that provides impressive grip in almost all terrain.
A pair of Teva Men’s Original comes in various colors and designs. The price of these shoes also depends on the design and colors.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 15 x 6 inches; 1 Pound.
- Item model number: 1004006
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: August 25, 202.
- Manufacturer: Teva
Key Features:
This sandal’s note-worthy feature is its quick dry webbing made using recycled plastic and polyester material. It makes the shoe a perfect companion on watery terrains. The reason is the material is designed to dry instantly in the sun.
In addition, the sandal provides amazing support to your feet and is rigid enough to endure the harshest conditions.
The sandal also has an easy hook and loop closure system. It makes it really easy to put it on and off. The strap has multiple adjustable dials, which will help you get your perfect fit.
Moreover, the molded EVA midsole has heel cupping for comfort and arch cookie to give the best arch support. These features make it perfect for day-long use.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Rubber sole
- Vegan-friendly footwear
- Available in various colors.
- Affordable
- Recycled material used
- Brilliant arch support.
Cons
- Too light.
- Not as durable.
2) KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals
This is another alternative to Chacos with the additional benefit of being closed-toe. Being affordable shoes, they can be your perfect feet- friends.
The Keen Men’s Newport sandal is one of the better choices for hiking in terrains with rivers or bushes. This is due to the closed toe providing protection from twigs, branches, and small stones in the river.
Alongside that, it provides a solid grip on most terrains and has a rubber toe cap for further protection and additional grip when climbing steep areas.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 15 x 6 inches; 2 Pounds.
- Item model number: 1001907
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: July 1, 2021.
- Manufacturer: Keen
Key Features:
One of the features worth mentioning about this sandal is the water-resistant upper. It has a polyester webbing that is washable and has a quick dry lining. It makes a boot suitable for being underwater for a long time.
Furthermore, it is PHC free and has water repellent features to make it shed water quickly.
In addition, the sandal also features multi-directional lugs that include razor siping. It helps with providing a high grip on slippery terrains. In addition to that, the outsoles are non-marking, meaning they don’t leave footprints.
Moreover, it also has a lace-lock-bungee capture system which helps provide a secure and firm fit. The compression-molded EVA midsole gives enhanced comfort and cushioning.
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Machine washable
- Anti-odor technology
- Solid arch support.
Cons
- Comparatively fragile outsole
- Loose heel stitching.
3) Merrell Men’s Hydro Moc Water Shoe
The Merrel Men’s Hydro Moc water shoe is the only 100% waterproof adventure sandal on the list. This sandal sets itself apart with its unique design and affordability.
Not only does it function amazingly as an adventure sandal, but it also has a similar design to a croc, satisfying most crocs lovers.
It became a quick fan favorite in the last few years for its quick drying features and protective design, making it perfect for activities such as hiking or kayaking.
So, if you’re a lover of adventure, consider adding these shoes to your collection.
Product Detail
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 15 x 6 inches; 2 Pounds.
- Item model number: J48595
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: March 5, 2019.
- Manufacturer: Merrell
Key Features
Made with 100% textile, the sandal is extremely comfortable. The oversized heel makes your walks enjoyable and provides a better spring with every step you take. It also provides amazing arch support to ensure the complete safety of your feet.
Moreover, the sandal is breathable and perfect for long hikes.
Furthermore, the rubber sole gives a good grip when walking on most terrains. And the single injected EVA midsole provides superior cushioning to your feet.
In addition, the sandal also has a heel strap similar to crocs, providing a secure and solid fit.
Pros
- Rubber sole
- Waterproof
- Good arch support
- Available in a variety of colors
- Comfortable
- Durable.
Cons
- Requires to break in. It can be painful to wear straight out of the box.
4) KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Open Toe Sport Sandal
Here is another Keen sports sandal worth being a Chacos alternative. The differentiator for this sandal is that it is an open toe. The Targhee 3 is one of the top hiking sandals available.
It provides excellent out-of-the-box comfort with premium leather for long-term use. The leather is light and soft on the feet, making it extremely comforting to wear for a long period.
The open design provides amazing breathability, keeping your feet fresh and sweat-free on hot summer days. The shoe may seem a bit pricy to you, but trust me, they are worth the cost.
Product Details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No.
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 15 x 6 inches; 1.7 Pounds.
- Item model number: 1022423
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: August 18, 2019.
- Manufacturer: Keen
Key Features:
This outdoor sandal’s most eye-catching key feature is its all-terrain rubber outsole. It is one of the superior outsoles available in the market. It provides high traction and grip made possible by its multi-directional lug pattern.
Furthermore, the sandal has zonal flex grooves that help keep your feet in natural movement and increase ground contact. On top of all that, the outsole is also non-marking.
In addition, the materials used are water resistant, making it a perfect choice for all sorts of terrain. It also has recycled PET plastic tubular webbing and an active quick dry feature to ensure your feet do not remain wet and soggy for too long.
When talking about comfort, the Targhee 3 has a dual density EVA footbed for long-lasting excellent comfort and proper arch support. It also features stability shanks that deliver lightweight support on uneven terrains.
Moreover, the sandal also has a heel capture system that gives a locked-in feel. Thus making your feet secure and supported.
Pros
- Solid grip and traction
- Comfortable
- 100% leather
- Quick dry
- Secure fit
- Breathable.
Cons
- Longer break in period
- Short toe bed.
5) TEVA Men’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals
The last adventure sandal on our list is the Teva Men’s Hurricane sandal. This sandal is one of the best Teva sandals available performance-wise. It has good cushioning perfect for hilly terrains.
Furthermore, it also has a nylon shank which gives additional stability to your feet to ensure no accidents or slips.
Product Detail
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No.
- Product Dimensions: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches; 11 Ounces.
- Item model number: 1019234
- Department: Men’s
- Date First Available: July 22, 2017.
- Manufacturer: Teva
Key Feature:
This shoe also has an amazing quick dry lining that ensures your feet are always dry. Its extremely durable material features injection molded straps for quick and easy grip, stability, and adjustability.
The sandal has an easy hook and loop system to make it easy to put on and off. The straps are extremely adjustable to ensure you get the perfect fit.
The robust EVA footbed gives superior comfort for a long period. Moreover, it also has small patches of soft fabric along the heel of the sandal to ensure the back of your ankle has enough cushioning.
The ethylene vinyl acetate sole provides a good grip on most terrains.
The sandal is extremely lightweight, and the nylon shank gives extremely good stability to your feet. The rugged Durabrasion outsole can withstand the toughest conditions, making it perfect for long-term adventures.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Comfortable
- Available in a variety of colors
- Perfect fit
- Good grip and traction.
Cons
- Not as protective
- The straps are a bit harsh.
Things To Consider Before Buying An Adventure Sandal
Adventure is pleasant and exciting when your shoe is your friend. However, buying a perfect adventure sandal is also an adventure – it’s pretty challenging.
So here are some guidelines that will help you choose the perfect adventure sandal.
- Grip And Traction
The most important thing to consider before buying an adventure sandal is its excellent grip and traction. You will be walking on uneven or slippery terrains while hiking. Without the proper grip, you will be prone to injuring your feet.
Therefore, ensure the quality of grip and traction before purchasing the shoes.
- Comfort
Make sure the sandal you chose has comfortable material. As hiking, camping, or other forms of outdoor activity means you will be out for a long period, if your sandal does not have comfortable material, the experience won’t be pleasant.
- Support and Protection
It is also wise to consider buying a sandal with proper protection and support for your feet. It won’t be fun if you injure yourself while walking. So, do consider getting a sandal with an adequate amount of protection and arch support.
FAQ’s:
- What are shoes similar to Chacos?
Over time, several brands have come into the market similar to Chacos, both design and feature-wise. Some of them are Tevas, Keen, Merril, etc.
- Are Tevas and Chacosthe same?
No, they are not. Both brands make sandals for the same niche and have a similar design, but quite a few things set them apart. Such as, the straps on Tevas line the side of your feet, whereas the straps on Chacoscome across.
- Are Chacosgood walking shoes?
They indeed are. Almost every sandal Chacoshas offer provides brilliant comfort and grip. Their rigid outsole and extra cushioned midsole make them great for walking shoes.
Take Away
Without a doubt, Chacos are among the top pick for good adventure sandals, but they run very expensively.
That is exactly why we did thorough research and found Tevas, Keen, and Merell among the few sandals that can be called good Chacos alternatives. These shoes provide top-notch comfort and durability while ensuring your feet have the necessary support, stability, and grip.
