Chaco vs Teva: Which Classic Adventure Sandal is Best?

If you’re in the market for warm-weather shoes, you might be looking at Birkenstocks, classic white sneakers, loafers, or mules. But none compares versatility to a solid pair of hiking sandals.

Sometimes called adventure sandals, these trail-ready shoes also feature an open-toe design with adjustable straps for the upper and a chunky sole that can take on the elements. They’re lightweight, durable, breathable, and fashionable.

Two of the most classic styles of adventure sandals, the Chaco Z/1 and Teva Hurricane XLT2, are popular among hypebeasts, hippie types, and traditional hikers. 

So which model is best? Chaco or Teva? Our detailed comparison can help you understand the critical differences between the Chaco Z/1 and Teva Hurrican XLT2 to find the right pair for your needs. 

Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal

Taylor Stitch

If you’re looking for a sandal with some chunk and upgraded materials, the Chaco Z/1 Classics are a great choice. They’re heftier and more expensive than the Teva Hurricane XLT2, but the PU foam feels more substantial. If your feet have higher arches, you’ll also appreciate the support here.

Though the strap adjustment is slightly fiddly, the single, continuous webbing and wrap-around design feels more ergonomic. Plus, they’ll last longer than Velcro straps, which can wear over time. 

Speaking of longevity, the company’s ReChaco program can resole or restrap worn Z sandals to give them new life.

The Z/1 Classics also come in a wider range of color options and widths and can even be fully customized. So, if you’re looking for a pair to match your style and fit your feet more precisely, go with the Z/1 Classic.

Chaco Z/1 Straps

Chaco

The strap is a polyester jacquard webbing that feels dense yet light. Interestingly, the strap is one single, continuous piece that wraps around the foot and is laced through the shoe’s midsole.

Chaco Z/1 Footbed

Chaco

The footbed uses Chaco’s LUVSEAT technology, which is a dense polyurethane foam that is firm and has more resiliency compared to the Tevas. It’s more contoured than Teva as well, making them great for people with normal to higher arches.

Chaco Z/1 Sole

Chaco

The Z/1s use a rubber compound lug sole that feels pretty comparable to the Hurricanes in terms of grip. However, the tread, like the footbed, is more contoured and follows the natural motion of the step.

Amazon

More Supportive, Grippier, & Longer Lasting

Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal

Our top outdoor sandal pick stands out for its durability and ergonomics. Their podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT footbeds offers more robust support compared to competing sandals. When you first buy them, the strap system will require some initial attention to find the right fit. The longterm benefit is that once it’s locked in, these sandals are extremely easy to slip on and off. There’s also easier to clean and can be resoled.

Specs

Weight	1 lb. 13.8 oz. (Men's)
Strap Material	Polyester Jacquard Webbing
Outsole	ChacoGrip Rubber

Pros

• Footbed works with the natural movement of your foot
• Tread is reliable and rugged
• Supportive for normal to high arches
• ReChaco program allows you to resole your shoes and fix worn out straps

Cons

• The heavier duty sole makes for a bit heavier shoe
• A bit more expensive
• Straps can be a bit finicky

• $104.95 at Zappos
• $100 at Amazon
• $105 at REI
• $105 at Chaco

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals

Teva

These Tevas are still a great pair of hiking sandals, and they may be preferable if you want something lighter overall. That goes for weight, silhouette, and price.

The EVA foam sheds some of the sandal’s weight, and the less-pronounced footbed makes it more comfortable for those with normal or flatter arches — something worth considering if you’re taking these to task.

The price difference between Teva and Chaco is not insignificant, either. The Chacos generally cost 50 percent more than a pair of Tevas. If you’re on a budget, this is the pair for you.

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Straps

Teva

These straps use recycled plastic yarns, which are woven into a quick-drying webbing and secure using hook-and-loop closures (aka Velcro). They wrap around the ankle and span the side of the foot before attaching to another set of straps that go over the forefoot. A nice touch is the injection-molded pieces at the end of the straps, which make them easy to grip and adjust the tension.

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Footbed

Teva

The footbed is smooth and not as grippy as the Chaco’s, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And the contour of the footbed feels comfortable for someone like me who has flatter feet.

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sole

Teva

The Hurricane’s outsole uses its trademarked Durabrasion Rubber, which offers mostly horizontal tread that grips well.

Teva

Lighter & More Affordable

Teva Hurricane XLT2

A Grand Canyon river guide designed the original Teva sandal in 1984 and helped launch the adventure sandal footwear category into popularity. The Hurricane XLT2 echoes many of the qualities of the original. They are great hiking and water activity sandals that will appeal to those looking for a lighter-weight shoe that costs less but will still handle all manner of adventures. The Velcro straps may also feel more secure on some feet, although the Velcro will ultimately be a point of failure for the shoe in the long run.

Specs

Weight	1 lbs 4.4 oz
Strap Material	REPREVE® Polyester Yarn by Unifi®
Outsole	Durabrasion Rubber™ outsole

Pros

• Lighter than other adventure sandals
• More affordable than other hiking sandals
• Smoother footbed that is also good for people who don't want as much arch support

Cons

• Sole less grippy than competing models
• Velcro can get worn out over time
• Not resolable

• $75.00 at Zappos
• $75 at Amazon
• $75 at REI
• $75 at Teva

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