I worked an event where I would be required to wear Chacos, and would be wearing the shoes while working. I wasn't familiar with the brand so I Googled them prior to working, partially because I have some foot issues and wanted to see if I was going to be miserable in them or if they might actually work for my high arches. I found out that Chaco shoes are podiatrist recommended and have excellent arch support and are also good for Plantar Fascitis. I have high arches (as well as mild occasional symptoms of Plantar Fascitis) and am always looking for cute shoes that have good support. These ideally should have checked both boxes. I wore both the Outcross Evo 1 and the Z2 while working, but could only keep one pair.
I really wanted to like the Chaco brand, but they just aren't working for me. I don't know if they need broken in more or if they just aren't for my feet. I have very high arches and have a hard time find shoes that are comfortable for me. I mostly live in Skechers especially those with memory foam, cowboy boots, or wedge heels, and my recent favorites Skechers Reggae Outdoor Sandals. The first time I wore the Chacos, the footbed seemed okay and the arches seemed supportive, but I only wore them for a couple hours. I did notice during that time that they were rubbing my little toes and my heel, so I switched to the Z2 sandal. The sandal felt better, but the footbed has no give and puts constant pressure on my arches.
The next day I wore the Outcross again (this time with socks, since my biggest concern initially was the heel rubbing) them a full 8 hours on my feet working outside, this time wearing sock hoping to prevent the rubbing. I could still feel some rubbing from the heel, but I was also wearing short socks to maybe it was the sock maybe it was the shoe, I didn't notice the rubbing on my toes though. However I had quite bad foot pain even after being off work and not wearing shoes for about 4 hours, primarily in my arch. The shoes do still have a noticeable arch like the sandals but it's somehow less supportive, it is more on the side. I think the shoe lacks a bit of cushion in the center.
I think the reason I get irritation on my heel is caused by the seam stitching at the center of the heel. I do notice the irritation more on my left foot than my right. I also don't think these have enough ankle support either and I usually don't have issues with that. I do have a very hard time with footbeds and arch shape though, as I mentioned I have a very high arch so these might be fine for someone with a normal arch or flatter foot. I did find these fairly true to size, the opening is a bit tricky to get your foot into and I have a narrow foot.
I have also worn regular Chaco Sandals, and while I'm wearing them they seem comfy for awhile, and then hurt a bit and then feel great again. However as soon as I take my shoes off my feet are in intense pain.
On a positive note, I do love the customization of the fit of the sandal from the one continuous piece of webbing. I also learned that I can actually deal with a strap between my toes (I would always avoid any thong sandal before), but this is because of Chaco's super soft webbing. Also because of the one continuous piece of webbing if you do a get a toe loop pair and don't want the toe loop sometimes you can pull it flat into the footbed and wear it toeless, which I didn't need to do.
Over the course of the weekend, I wore both Chaco Sandals and the Outcross Evos for sevearal days alternating between the pairs and every night my feet would hurt especially the arch. I don't know if they need a longer break in period with short periods of wear or what, but I can't deal with it and will not be trying any longer.
I have heard that Chaco's can take a week or so to break in, but I'm not patient, and with my existing foot conditions and sensitivites, I can't do it.
As a side note, Chaco claims to have a sole that is slip resistant, it rained as I was walking to my car and I was on fresh blacktop. The soles would slide in both, and thank goodness I was paying attention when I crossed a metal plate, otherwise I would have fallen.
I know there are tons of people that love them, but I am not one of them.
(I received these shoes for free from working an event, all opinions are my own)