I've always had a love/hate relationship with Chacos. Being from Colorado, it's almost in my blood to love them, but they have traditionally been stiff and have caused insane blisters... I've had a few pairs and probably would still have my first ones had I not been frustrated with their overall comfort and tried other sandals. For some reason I kept coming back to Chaco... Their durability is unmatched and as a company, they strive to be much more eco-conscious than most other footwear companies, which means a lot in today's disposable world. I actually came across the Z/Cloud 2 by accident. I had the Chaco Z/Volv model and the footbed began to rip near the toe strap opening (which is highly unusual for Chacos). I called up my local Gearhead Outfitters and asked if they deal with warranties; they were kind enough to swap them out for a new pair. When I took my old ones in, they brought out the Z/Cloud 2 and told me to give them a shot! I was hesitant because I knew it offered more traditional support than what I was used to, and that usually meant discomfort, blisters and 50 year break in period but I slipped them on and knew from that very moment that Chaco had taken an excellent sandal (albeit frustrating at first) and made it even better... The Z/Cloud 2 is the same fit as the Classic Z/2 but with a dual density PU footbed. Chaco calls it their "pillowtop" footbed. It offers awesome support but remains incredibly soft underfoot. This means no hotspots, or blisters! YAY! It also means longer lasting sandals that don't end up in a landfill after years of use. The Z/Cloud 2 offers up a newer ChacoGrip Rubber outsole that boasts excellent wet traction and better wear. I can attest to all of the specs given on these sandals and was so confident in their fit and comfort that I took them on a couple mile hike after only having them for a handful of days. The straps are comfy, the footbed is comfy, and the outsole grips the ground like big teeth. The trail we hiked was one that dropped quickly in elevation, followed a shore line and then climbed back up the other side of the bluff. It was by no means "technical terrain" but I probably wouldn't have done it in any other sandal... I would rate it as a moderate loop with loose and rocky trail conditions. Honestly, I never doubted the sandals and found myself really enjoying hiking in them. Way to go Chaco! Head over to Chaco.com or to your local Gearhead Outfitters and pick up a pair for $110. It may seem a little steep but I promise you'll love each step in your new Chaco Z/Clouds! Chaco did NOT provide a sample for this review. The sandals were purchased using my own funds and this is in no way affiliated with Chaco. We just like reviewing awesome stuff.
1 Comment
Jake
8/2/2017 10:40:05 pm
I appreciate your review.... answered several questions I've had about the Clouds.
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