There are a lot of iconic footwear brands available on the market, but nothing beats the popularity of Teva and Chaco sandals. The footwear dates back to the 1980s, but modernity has seen manufacturers use the new technology to improve style and design. You will, therefore, note a significant difference between the older sandals and the new, improved versions.
Generally, sandals are excellent for traveling, hiking, or even engaging in some sporting activities. What differentiates sandals and other footwear is that the former is lightweight, easy to pack, versatile, simple to clean, and straightforward to wear.
Teva and Chaco sandals might be challenging to differentiate since their features are almost similar. Perhaps you have come across the two types of sandals and are still confused about which sandals offer the best service.
Well, no need to worry since we intend to share with you the in-depth analysis of the two brands. Later, we will also share the most sought after Teva and Chaco sandals. But before that!
Why Sandals?
We prefer sandals to other kinds of footwear due to their advantages. These include:
- Sandals are lightweight and extremely comfortable
- They keep the feet cool and dry during the summer
- No more blisters during your lengthy walk
- They are fashionable and look great with almost everything
- Never worry about the wet shoes and socks
- Never too hard to pack even if the space is limited
- Less costly when compared to boots
Brief History of Teva and Chaco
What inspired the creation of Teva and Chaco brands? Let’s see the history behind the two.
Teva History
In the year 1984, Mark Thatcher, a Colorado River rafting guide, made the first sandals by attaching Velcro straps to basic sandals. The intention was to create lightweight, secure, and simple to use sandals. These were the first sport sandals ever made with simplicity. Teva, a Hebrew word meaning nature, from then, became the leading brand in the world. It is currently under Decker Outdoor Corporation.
Chaco’s History
A whitewater guide, Mark Paigen, used the Teva sandal for a while but wasn’t satisfied with a few things. First, he wanted a shoe that was easy to adjust for a better fit. Moreover, a sandal that would hold less water and dry quickly was a priority.
To create a more advanced sandal, he used z-straps instead, which were easy to adjust, leaving a well-fitting shoe. Chaco started in 1989 and has expanded worldwide. It’s perhaps the second leading brand among hardened terrain travelers.
Which sandals should you choose?
Follow through as we uncover the nitty-gritty details between the two leading brands. The review will highlight differences in use, design, quality, and durability. Furthermore, we’ll review the sole and grip, warranties, and replacements and price, among other things.
Teva vs. Chaco – Head to Head Comparison:
Usability
In most cases, when buying your favorite sandals, the question about what, where, and when you consider using them is crucial. If you are traveling, hanging around the beach, or even taking a stroll in your town, then Teva sandals come in handy.
The Velcro straps make the Teva sandals lighter and more comfortable. You can, therefore, wear and remove them quickly and even have them on for more extended periods. If you have been looking for sandals that won’t leave you with blisters and injuries, then the Teva sandals are an excellent choice.
On the other hand, Chaco Sandals are designed for water sports and harsher terrains. They feature a tremendous anti-slip footbed grip and a toe holder, to prevent the big toe from moving.
Chaco sandals are great for hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing and so much more.
Teva and Chaco sandals differ when it comes to usability. You will, therefore, have to settle for a pair depending on how you plan to use them.
The Feel and Fit
The preference when picking a product depends on the overall look, feel, and fit. Teva and Chaco sandals have a variation in the way they fit and feel, which contributes to the way you plan to use them.
Your preferred fit and feel are a priority when it comes to selecting the perfect sandal. For instance, are you set for a super-fitting and tight sandal so that you can move from terrain to terrain, or are you planning for a casual walk along the beach or to your nearest town?
The Chaco sandals have a complex strap system. They use a buckle and strap system that adjusts for a perfect fit. The straps are also replaceable, which allows you to use the sandals for quite a while.
The velcro straps on Teva are easy to use because wearing and removing the handle is much faster. However, the straps tend to loosen after continuous use, and some users complained of them being oversized after months of use.
The two brands vary in the footbed softness. Teva has an extraordinarily soft and comfortable footbed, and that’s why you can have it on your feet the entire day. On the contrary, the Chacos feel more rigid since they were designed for complex terrains. The footbed difference makes Chaco more suited for rough terrains, while Teva is ideal for soft grounds.
The Design
Differentiating the two brands could be challenging for new users. However, mastering the design will eventually simplify your selection. There is a noticeable difference between the Teva and Chaco sandals.
Teva features a more casual look. They are stylish and sleek with a lower profile design. The casual design makes these sandals ideal for use at home, on the trail, or even out to dinner. You don’t have to worry about becoming uncomfortable in the shoes after extended periods.
On the contrary, Chacos are clunkier and more massive with colorful zigzag straps. Besides, they feature a rugged appearance, which makes them quite conspicuous.
Quality & Durability
Both Teva and Chaco have incredible durability. The manufacturer’s focus on quality is the reason as to why they rule the market.
The Velcro straps on Teva sandals wear out after some months or years of use. You will experience more wear and tear if you continuously expose your sandals to wet conditions or if you employ the wash and wear mode. Additionally, Teva’s thinner footbed and soles wear out fast on continued use.
Chaco sandals are more durable, majorly because of the robust design and rigid footbed. Additionally, Chaco has a replaceable sole, which means you will take some time before buying a new pair of sandals. Above that, the straps are replaceable, allowing you to have your preferred colors and themes. The thick footbed and sole offer the advantage of all-terrain use primarily for hikers and swimmers.
When considering the durability of the materials used to make these sandals, Chacos comes up ahead of Teva sandals by a significant margin.
Sole
The sole design means a lot when it comes to the kind of grip you require. Advanced technology has seen changes in the sole design and quality. The manufacturers are now designing suitable soles to meet the purchaser’s needs. Both Teva and Chaco have the best quality soles, and that’s why they continue to dominate the modern market.
However, there are slight differences when it comes to the sole design and grip. Teva has a thinner sole while the Chaco has a slightly thicker sole.
The thicker sole on Chaco with the grip makes it naturally longer. Both soles, however, have what it takes to perform the required roles.
Weight and Packaging
Do you consider the weight of your sandals important? Well, this is crucial when it comes to the intended use of the shoes. Generally, lighter footwear supports longer distances. If you are running late for the airport flight, strolling in your city, or even having a casual walk, then the lighter footwear is an advantage. On average, a Teva sandal weighs 14.6oz while the Chaco weighs 21.02 oz, which is a massive difference.
How about storage for portability? Mostly, Teva tends to take little space courtesy of the thin sole and lower profile. This means that storage will also be a stress-free task when compared to the massive nature of Chacos, which takes more space. Therefore, when it comes to packaging, most travelers prefer Teva to Chaco because of space.
Cost Warranties and Replacements
Buying a sandal will depend on your general use and also the budget. Once you have the budget, it’s easy to get the sandal that falls in your budget range. Mostly, Teva is cheaper when it comes to buying. This is because of the construction and also the durability. On the other hand, Chaco is costly since it is a sturdy shoe designed for hard terrains.
The warranties are also vital since they help you develop trust in the product. The Chaco has a lifetime warranty and will come through when you want the replacements for any of the parts, as indicated in the warranty instructions. Besides, the Teva has a one-year limited warranty. Based on this, it’s clear that Chaco has better warranty terms than Teva.
The Pros and Cons of Teva and Chaco Sandals
Teva Sandals
Pros
- Lightweight construction for easy use
- Stylish and matches your fashion
- Has adjustable Velcro straps
- More cushioned with a comfortable footbed
- Affordable when compared to Chaco
- Easy to put on and remove
- Very popular
Cons
- Features only one year limited warranty
- Not suitable for demanding outdoor tasks
- Velcro wears faster, and it is not replaceable.
Chaco Sandals
Pros
- Durable construction
- Versatile for outdoor fun
- Keeps the toe intact
- Has a lifetime warranty
- Has replaceable sole and other parts
- Straps are fully adjustable for perfect fitting
Cons
- Not easy to wear
- Very heavy
- Limited use
- Highly-priced than Teva
