Chaco Size Chart (+ How to Fit and Adjust Your Chacos)

Today, we have the Chaco size chart for men, women, and kids.

Not only that, but we’re going to…

• Discuss whether Chacos run big or small
• Talk about how Chocos should fit
• Demonstrate how to adjust Chacos for a snug comfortable fit

Then, we’re going to answer some of the most common questions about Chaco sandals like:

• How do Chaco Z/1 Classics, ZX2 Classic, & Z Cloud X2 fit?
• Do Chacos run big or small?
• How do I know if my Chacos fit?
• Are Chacos better with or without the toe strap?
• Do Chacos have a break-in period?
• What is the most comfortable Chaco?
• Are Chacos good for narrow feet?
• Are Chacos Z Cloud good for hiking?
• Do Chacos and Tevas fit the same?
• Are Chaco sandals good for walking?
• (…)

And then we’re going to finish things off with who’s behind Chaco and some of the important key features that make Chaco stand out. 

Excited enough?

Let’s dive right into it…

Related: 

• Balenciaga Shoe Size Chart
• Gucci Shoe Size Chart
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• Alexander McQueen Size Chart
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Chaco Size Chart

Chaco Men’s Size Chart

Related: 

• Adidas Yeezy 350 & 350 v2 Size Chart

Chaco Women’s Size Chart

Related:

• Adidas Ultra Boost Size Chart

Chaco Kids’ Size Chart

Related:

• Birkenstock Kids Size Chart
• Converse Size Chart

Do Chacos Run Big or Small?

The reason why a lot of people size down is because Chacos don’t come in half sizes.  So, if you’re between sizes, we recommend you go down to the nearest whole size. Thanks to the adjustable straps, you’ll get your right size. But generally speaking, Chacos run true to size.

But I’ve found that a lot of people feel their Chacos run big or small only because they haven’t mastered their fitting process.

Go to your local store, learn how to fit your Chacos first, and then decide on the size that suits your foot type. Again, if you wear a half size, it’s advisable to go down to the next whole size for your Chacos.

Or better yet, here’s a video by Chacos on how to get the best fit for your feet…

Related:

• Do Yeezys Run Small, Big or True To Size?
• Chaco vs Keen vs Teva Ultimate Comparison.

2023 Chaco Sizing Update!

In this section, Sean is going to talk about the Chaco Bodhi which is their lightest sandal yet.

I’m a big fan of Chacos and I really love the Bodhi. In terms of sizing, I’m usually US 11.5. They recommended I go with the 12, but I went with 11. At first, the fit was too small, but what I’ve learned with Chacos is they break in over time.

After maybe 2 to 2.5 weeks of almost daily use, the heel has broken in very nicely, and my favorite part is actually the awesome arch support.

I went for a half-mile hike down to a creek and then I went up some loose rocks and stuff and it did totally fine with that thanks to the awesome outsole with 3mm lugs. The outsole provided me with more than adequate grip and it’s always nice to have hiking sandals that don’t slip.

The Bodhi is super lightweight because there’s less straps than the classic tried-and-true Z for example.

Related:

•  Haflinger Shoe Size & Conversion Charts

Chaco Fit Guide – Arches!

How Should Chacos Fit?

Chaco sandals should hug your foot and arch comfortably and not add bulk. They’re supposed to fit with no extra space above the toe or behind the heel. So if you’re between sizes, you may have to try both and just see how they feel.

For people with high arches, we recommend you size up for Chaco sandals to fit perfectly with no pain. Chaco’s prominent arch makes them a great option for high-arched people.

Overall, not everybody, but most people go down in size in Chacos, especially because Chaco sandals come in whole sizes and not half sizes.

So, please find your nearest dealer and get fitted for your Chacos. The arch is so prominent in Chaco sandals and it literally lifts your foot up.

So, a Chaco that fits great is a Chaco that fits great in the arch. Remember that.

The right size will make it so that the arch of the sandal lines up exactly with the arch of your foot, not too far forward or too far back.

With the wrong size, you could feel the arch of the sandal hitting pretty far back and it would be pretty uncomfortable. This may even cause some issues like foot cramps and foot fatigue. 

Related:

• Ecco Shoe Sizing Chart

How To Adjust Chacos

In this section, I’m going to walk you through the fitting process of Chaco sandals for those of you that are new to the Chaco family.

We’re going to walk through how to loosen and tighten Chaco sandals to create the best and most comfortable fit. 

We’re going to talk about:

• Z1 (solid strap no toe)
• Zx1 (double-strap no toe)
• Z2 (solid strap toe)
• Zx2 (split double-strap)

Adjusting Chaco Sandals Without a Toe Loop

We loosen on the outside of the sandal and we tighten on the medial portion of the sandal. I also like to think about the pinky toe being the side of the sandal that we loosen and the big toe being the side of the sandal that we tighten.

We’re going to work our way up from the back of the sandal up and around and then back to the other side.

Step 1

Open the buckle. You’re going to move your way up the sandal. Pull the second piece of webbing that opens a little bit more, and then you’ll go to the pinky toe and pull that piece of webbing to create a nice opening.

Ultimately, we’re trying to create a nice open space to get a foot into it.

Step 2

Now, you need to tighten the sandal for a nice secure fit. We work our way around, we get to the big toe where you are going to pull that piece of webbing down. That piece of webbing actually connects to the webbing over the instep which should make a nice secure fit.

Then, you’re going to work your way back to the piece of webbing that connects to the buckle and you’re going to pull that piece which then covers the upper portion of the foot.

Step 3

Lastly, you’re going to close the buckle, which creates a really nice secure fit. 

One thing I like to recommend is that you always allow enough room to get your finger underneath the piece of webbing. That’s going to prove that you have a nice secure fit to the platform, but it’s still enough room for movement and comfort. 

Next up is fitting a Z2 sandal with the toe loop.

Related:

I strongly recommend reading the related article on the benefits of Chacos for plantar fasciitis; it could be a game-changer for your foot.

Adjusting Chaco Z/2 Sandals (with toe loop)

A lot of what we’re going to do here is going to look pretty familiar to what we did with the Z1 just with a few little changes. 

Again, you’re going to visualize the outside of the foot being the side of the sandal that we are going to loosen and the inside of the shoe is going to be the side that we’re going to tighten.

Step 1

We’re going to start by loosening. You’re going to pull up that buckle first and you’re going to make your way up and around the sandal. You’re going to pull that next piece of webbing.

This is where there’s a little bit of change. You’re going to skip the middle piece and go up to the big toe. Pull that big toe gently and then jump back to the last piece of webbing we haven’t touched yet.

Now we have a really nice big opening to get that foot into. 

Step 2

Now, you’re going to tighten. Work your way around back to the inside of the foot and sandal.

They have a nice little saying when they talk about the Z2 which is knuckle, toe, buckle. First, you’re going to tighten where that knucklebone is on your foot, which, again, tightens the piece of webbing over the instep.

Next, you’re going to move up to the toe, which is ultimately tightening the piece of webbing that goes around that big toe.

And then you’re going to come back to the buckle. Pull that piece of webbing for that last piece of webbing to secure and tighten down the buckle.

Not too tight

One thing with the toe loop is you want to make sure that you don’t overtighten that toe loop. That’s something you can always adjust as you wear it, but you just want to make sure there’s still a little bit of movement down in that area.

I want to point out that both of these fitting techniques will work for the Classic and the Cloud sandals. And if you find yourself with a sandal with double or triple straps, you just want to treat them as if they have one single strap when fitting them.

The other cool thing about Chacos is once you get them set to the way you want it, you never really have to adjust it again, all you have to do is slip your foot back into it and it’s already set to your foot.

The video below is going to walk you through how to properly fit and adjust your Chacos with two straps…

How to Fix the Heel Strap on the Chaco Lowdown

Important Features of Chaco Sandals

Chaco originated in 1989 by Mark Paigen, a Colorado rafting guide.

His vision was to create the ultimate footwear for outdoor adventures in and out of the water. He gave the sandals a symbol, the Gecko, because of their ability to adapt to any type of environment.

Now, their Classic Z sandal has been around for 30 years. That’s impressive and says a lot about their dedication to this market.

Some key points to remember about Chaco sandals include:

→ Their sandals are built with a sticky Vibram rubber outsole that provides grip and traction on any type of terrain.

→ Chaco’s contoured arch support provides incredible all-day comfort and it’ll also prevent muscle fatigue.

→ Chaco’s Luvseat footbed has been approved by the APMA.

→ Chaco has two different types of footbeds. The first type is the Classic footbed that’s going to provide a more firmer fit and the second type is the Cloud footbed for a softer feel underneath the foot.

Both footbeds are made of PU (polyurethane) which is super durable. But whether you choose a Classic or a Cloud footbed, you’re still getting the proven-and-trusted Luvseat comfort.

→ What makes Chaco stand out from a lot of other brands in the market is their adjustable pull-through straps that wrap around the foot and secure for a customized fit. (Fitting process right below)

The webbing flows through multiple channels between the midsole and the outsole of the sandal, thus allowing a versatile fit for anybody’s foot.

→ Lastly, Chacos have two main webbing options. You have the option to purchase a sandal with a toe loop or a no-toe loop sandal.

I always recommend for new Chaco customers to try on both styles to see what works best for you.

Now that you know the basics about Chaco sandals, let’s walk through how to fit a Chaco.

Chaco Size Chart FAQs

Do Chacos come in half sizes?

Chacos sandals only come in whole sizes and don’t come in half sizes. If you’re between sizes, we recommend you go a half size down and see how your arch fits the arch of the sandals. If they align perfectly, you’ve got yourself a winner.

Should Chacos be tight or loose?

No shoe is supposed to fit either too tight or too loose. We recommend that your Chacos are snug enough and that you always allow enough room to get your finger underneath the piece of webbing.

For the sandal with the toe loop, you want to make sure that you don’t overtighten that toe loop. That’s something you can always adjust as you wear it, but you just want to make sure there’s still a little bit of movement down in that area as well.

How do I know if my Chacos fit?

Here’s a video that better explains this…

Are Chacos good for your feet?

Yes, Chacos are really good for your feet. Their contoured Luvseat footbed, deep heel cup, and great arch support help:

• Align your feet into their natural position.
• Provide enough arch support to alleviate discomfort caused by Plantar Fasciitis.
• Prevent Foot fatigue when walking for longer periods.

In fact, the Chaco Hurricane XLT 2 is one of these great sandals for plantar fasciitis.

Do Chacos mold to your feet?

Some people put their Chacos in the oven on a low temperature for a few minutes to try to loosen up the Luvseat footbed even more so that it could mold to your foot better.  

Why do Chacos hurt my arches?

Chaco Luvseat is a really comfortable footbed and it’s not supposed to hurt your feet in any way. The problem is Chaco sandals have a prominent arch. So, Chaco sandals might hurt your feet if:

• You get the wrong size and the sandal’s arch hits the wrong area.
• You have fallen arches and Chaco’s high arch pushes them upwards aggressively.

Are Chaco good for high arches?

Yes, Chacos are really great for people with high arches. If you’ve suffered and decided sandals are not for you, Chacos are your ticket back into them. With their high arch feature, you won’t have to worry about foot pain anymore.

Related:

• 18 Best Sandals for High Arches (Flip-flops as well)

Do Chacos have a break-in period? Do Chacos hurt at first?

Like most footwear, Chaco sandals do require a break-in period. But unlike most footwear, you’re going to be able to break them in quickly.

Chacos are going to be uncomfortable the first few days you wear them until they fully break in and conform to your foot’s contours.

If blisters start to form on the bottom of your feet, it just means you’re going to have to be more patient as this often indicates your sandals need more days to fully break-in.

To prevent blisters, try to alternate your Chacos with some really comfortable running shoes to give your feet some kind of recovery time before your Chacos become really comfortable.

Related:

• How To Break in Running Shoes

Are Chacos better with or without the toe strap?

Both styles are good depending on how you prefer to wear your sandals. Some people will never allow something in between their toes even if it’s the most comfortable toe loop on the planet.

Some people say the toe-loop style is more stable for hiking, but we think both styles are comfortable and stable for hiking.

What is the difference between Chaco Cloud and Classic?

The Cloud style has a very soft footbed while the Classic style has a little bit harder material. The Classics are not as squishy as the Cloud, but they are still just as comfortable and still just as functional.

What is the most comfortable Chaco you can get?

We think the most comfortable Chacos you can get are the Cloud series. The Chaco Z/Clouds are some of their all-time best sellers.

They feature a Cloud footbed which has a top layer of ultra-soft PU. The Cloud footbed is supposed to be even more cloud-like and more comfortable than Chacos with the Classic Luvseat footbed.

Are Chacos good for narrow feet?

Yes. Chacos are good for narrow feet. Chacos’ genius heel-to-toe adjustability strap system makes their shoes some of the only shoes people with narrow feet can wear comfortably. You just have to master how to tighten them properly and they’ll fit your narrow feet really well.

Related:

• Best Running Shoes for Narrow Feet

Are Chaco Z Cloud good for hiking?

Absolutely. Chaco Z Clouds are great for hiking thanks to their excellent outsoles that offer great traction over a variety of surfaces. Get ready for some of your best hikes in these sandals.

Related: 

• Best Hiking Boots For Ankle Support
  
• 16 Best Hiking Boots for Flat Feet

How do I know if I need a wide Chaco?

Go and measure your foot’s width. Normally, people with wide feet should get the wide version to prevent discomfort and blisters.

Are Chacos good for walking?

Absolutely. People wear Chaco sandals for hiking on uneven rugged terrain and still find them to be really comfortable.

Of course, walking around town in these is going to be a really great experience thanks to the sandals’ great adjustability, Luvseat footbed, arch support, and deep heel cup.  

What does the W on the back of Chacos mean?

According to their website, Chaco W means Women’s and M means Men’s.

Can Chacos get wet?

Yes. You can get your Chacos wet and not worry about them. Chaco sandals are built for wet adventures that include lots of river crossing. The good news is even out of the river and into the mountains, Chacogrip outsole technology will make sure you get the traction needed for safer mountain adventures.

Do Chacos float?

Yes, Chacos do float and you won’t have to worry if you lose them in running water as you’ll be able to easily retrieve them and get back to your adventure right away without waiting for them to dry. 

Can I wash my Chacos in the washing machine?

Yes. Chaco themselves recommend that you clean your sandals and occasionally throw them for a gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent.

What is ReChaco?

ReChaco is Chaco’s program to repair their sandals. So, instead of buying a brand-new Chaco, just send them back and get them repaired. This means there’s going to be one less shoe in the landfills, which means less impact on planet earth.

Can you return Chacos?

You can return your Chaco sandals within 30 days from the shipping date provided the sandals are unworn and you ship them back in their original packaging.

Please note that a return shipping charge of $5.00 will be deducted from your refund.

Do Chacos and Tevas fit the same?

Size-wise, Chacos and Tevas are very similar. Both run on the larger side and both only come in whole sizes.

Price

I have a suggestion for people with smaller sizes. If you are a size 6w, you can actually save some bucks by getting a size 3 kids.

Kids’ sandals feature the same Cloud technology, and run a little bit wider but have a less prominent arch.

So, there you have it. We talked about the Chaco size chart, gave you some of the most important Chaco features, talked about fit and how to adjust the Chaco strap system, and answered some of the most important questions related to Chaco sandals.

I hope we’ve been helpful and see you in the next one 🙂