Calling all Chaco wearers

[disneybliss2]

I'm looking for a sandal that offers a lot of support for the miles of walking we do at WDW. I was wondering what those of you who have worn Chacos, especially at Disney, think of them. Comfy? Supportive? How do they compare to Croc sandals if you've worn both (trying to get an idea of a point of reference)?

I typically start the day at WDW by wearing a pair of tennis shoes. After my feet get really hot or need the comfort of another shoe, I switch to a pair of Croc sandals that I've carried around in my backpack. Then I plop my tennis shoes in my backpack (lug!). I would like to avoid dragging around an extra pair of shoes in a backpack to switch on/off. I want a pair of shoes that gives lots of support and are very comfortable. We go in the summer, so I prefer a sandal for the heat and for those infamous afternoon Florida rain showers.

Thanks for the help!

 

[judaloo]

I can wear my Chaco's all day and into the night. They are supportive and I don't get the back and knee pain I get with other sandals. Honestly, I have plantar fascitis and have to be really careful. I had to have cortisone shots in my feet, have them wrapped etc. Not something I want to repeat, so I'm serious about wearing supportive shoes! I would be sure to buy them ahead of time;however, because they have a continuous strap that can be a little tricky to adjust properly when you first wear them. Once you have it right for you, you should be fine.. My feet stay nice and cool in them. I like the Z2 with the double strap. The single strap styles can look a little masculine. Good luck!

 

[Becky925]

I find mine very supportive and comfortable. I have flat feet so support is the most important thing to me,I have never worn a more supportive sandal. My only word of caution is to break them in completely before taking them to Disney. I thought I had them broken in, even wore them on the treadmill for my daily walk and I still ended up with blisters. I found it was the pattern in the arch doing it. Once I got past that though they are wonderful and much better, in my mind, than Crocs.

 

[SharonS]

I used to wear Chaco's, but find the newer versions not as well made. Also, by the end of a day, my arch used to hurt. After having foot surgery, I found Merrell's, and I love them! I purchased Merrell Fressia's and wore them to Disney....walked from 9 am until midnight every day...never a blister or mark on my foot.

Everyone's feet are different, and you will just need to try the shoes for yourself. I would recommend purchasing from Zappos....they have free returns if they don't work out. Definitely try them before going to Disney

 

[Melodious]

I've worn chacos all day at Disney and I find them to be really supportive so my lower back doesn't hurt as much at the end of the day. The only thing as others have said is to break them in ahead of time. For me it's not the strap, it's the texture on the bottom of my foot. I just have to get used to it, take a few long walks the weeks before.

 

[judaloo]

I should add I just got a new pair of Chacos and am going to Disney on Sunday . The strap (as I mentioned) can rub at first until properly adjusted. I can't recommend enough the Band-Aid Friction block. It looks like a tiny deodorant stick and is sold by all the corn cushions etc. Rub it on in the morning wherever somehting is rubbing or you think might...it works beautifully!

 

[disneybliss2]

I should add I just got a new pair of Chacos and am going to Disney on Sunday . The strap (as I mentioned) can rub at first until properly adjusted. I can't recommend enough the Band-Aid Friction block. It looks like a tiny deodorant stick and is sold by all the corn cushions etc. Rub it on in the morning wherever somehting is rubbing or you think might...it works beautifully!

Thanks for the tip about the friction block. I'll try to find some. I'm going to check out some Chacos tomorrow. I keep hearing such great things about them.

Thanks for the help! Have fun on your trip!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I had a pair of Chaco sandals and I felt like I had two pieces of tire tread strapped to my feet. Did not like! I really wanted to love them, but I ended up giving them away.

For WDW I wear the original Crocs (beach?) and we usually do commando touring, and my back and legs don't hurt - ever. And I've never had blisters either, wearing Crocs. They may be ugly but I'm not in a beauty pageant, I'm on vacation.

We also use Body Glide, which is similar to the friction rub a PP mentioned. Great stuff!

One last thing - I literally "train" for WDW by walking for exercise, longer and longer distances, on concrete/pavement, before each trip. It makes a HUGE difference in my stamina.

 

[disneybliss2]

After multiple friends recommended Chacos to me, I bit the bullet and bought a pair yesterday. I even looked into a pair of Tevas, but the salesman at both of the stores I went to (big outdoor equipment/hiking/sport type store) said that Chacos are the best for support.

Yikes! Either my feet aren't meant for Chacos, or they really do require some breaking in. After three miles of walking, I was wondering what the hype was about. They feel heavy on my feet, feel like I'm walking over a big smooth rock that pushes on my arch, and the top strap rubbed the skin off both of my feet--ouch!

My question is...do I need to toughen up and then I'll fall in love with them? Do I need to have the strap adjusted, or is it a matter of my feet toughing up to the rub of the strap, or a combination of both? Thanks everyone!