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One of the biggest debates in the sports sandal industry is Chaco vs Teva and arguing over which are the best sandals.
Both are great hiking sandals and can be used for a huge variety of activities, like kayaking, rafting, hiking, backpacking, and pretty much everything in between. I own a pair of Chacos sandals and a pair of Tevas sandals, and I love them both for different things. My Chacos are perfect for hiking, wading around in rocky rivers and lakes, and paddle boarding or kayaking. I use my Tevas for walks in areas with lots of different terrains (like hikes that involve a beach or water), plus they're perfect for rainy days. We're comparing Tevas vs Chacos to try and illuminate the pros and cons of each.
If you're new to the world of adventure sandals and are trying to decide between the two footwear brands, we've come up with a few points to help you compare these sport sandals and decide which is better for your needs. Fair warning though, once you buy one pair of shoes, you'll be sorely tempted to buy several more!
Where to Buy Them
You can find Tevas and Chacos on Amazon. You can also find dupes of the popular sport shoes from retailers like Walmart and Target. We're not sure if the dupe sandal brands meet the same level of quality, but they sure are just as stylish. However, Teva and Chaco keep both style and quality in mind.
Battle of the Sandals
1. Chaco Women's Z1 Classic Sandal
The polyester jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit on these Chaco Z1 classic sandals. The adjustable straps make for easy altering and help prevent blisters, and they offer great arch support, so even a hiker can wear them for long treks (I've worn mine on tons of hikes, they have awesome durability). These can run for anywhere between $65 and $100 on Amazon.
2. Teva Women's Original Universal Sandal
The Teva Original Universal Sandals are probably the most similar to the Chaco Z1 option. The most notable difference is the softer footbed on this pair of sandals and the strap system, which is velcro straps on this pair of Teva sandals. On Amazon, these run a bit cheaper, about $50 depending on the color. These have a thinner sole than other Teva sandals, but they're great for walking or light hiking.
3. Chaco Men's Zcloud Sandal
The Chaco Z/Cloud flip flops feature a lightweight polyurethane midsole and a rubber outsole, so they're very light and reportedly comfy. Reviewers said they're easy to break-in, and the footbed is incredibly comfortable, which makes them great walking sandals. These sell for around $100 on Amazon or REI.
4. Teva Mens M Hurricane XLT2 Sport Sandal
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals are great for water sports and wet conditions, the secure velcro straps keep your feet in place, and the durable rubber outsole provides great traction. Plus, the EVA foam footbed is super comfortable, especially for outdoor sandals. These offer slightly less arch support than Chaco sandals do, but they're great for a secure hold. These sell for around $70 usually.
The bottom line: Tevas vs Chacos
Chacos offer a little more arch support and have the option to get a very secure hold on your foot with their options for the toe loop. Their high-quality sandals feature adjustable straps and durable rubber outsoles for long-lasting use in dry or wet conditions. I have a pair of Chacos, and I've owned them for three years without any issues.
Tevas tend to be a little cushier and have a softer footbed, plus reviewers say they like the adjustable toe strap on Tevas a little more than Chacos. If you find velcro easier to adjust than the straps, I recommend trying Tevas, but make sure you're getting a pair that suits your needs in terms of durability and traction on the bottom.
If you can't decide between either (or maybe want an outdoor shoe rather than a sandal), check out this option from Keen:
5. KEEN Women's Whisper Sandal
This Keen sandal features an EVA footbed and a lace system for securely tying your shoes (or rather, not tying). The covered toe on these makes them really nice for hiking, rafting, or fishing.
NEXT: THE 7 BEST MEN'S FISHING SHOEs FOR ANGLERS, KAYAKERS, AND BOATERS
