Whether you want to stand out or blend in, there’s a hue for everyone in the Z/Chromatic Collection. I’ll be transparent – this was my first time wearing “adventure sandals.” I’m not sure that’s what the category is officially called, but the name seems apt for rugged, durable footwear that lets my toes breathe, lets me navigate waterways, lakes, rivers and the sea without having to rotate footwear, and gets me that coveted Chaco tanline. I’m a firm believer that not only can form marry function, but that they should be paired, in any possibility. What is functional can also be beautiful, and vice versa. That’s why the Z/Chromatic Collection from Chaco initially caught my eye, a recreational sandal line with a selection of intentional colorways, from bold to muted, tonal to jewel.

Climbing to new heights. My color palette typically consists of black, black, darker black, and the occasional grey and white thrown in for a bit of “fun”. Imagine my pleasure, then, when I received my Z/Chromatic Sandals ($105) in mauve, and found myself unexpectedly, wholeheartedly in love with them.

The new Z/Chromatic from Chaco held its own on long and short hikes alike. Straight out of the box, I could tell that the Z/Chromatic wouldn’t need a break-in period, which was convenient, because I received them about three days before I headed down to the southeastern tip of Baja, to a small coastal island known as Espiritu Santo, to test them for five days straight. I wore them hiking, climbing rocks, exploring hard-to-reach beaches, riding in boats, cliff diving, even swimming. Comfort was truly the most noticeable quality of these shoes. They’re stiff yet pliable, with a thick sole that not only protects you from sharp sticks and stones, but is malleable enough to let you get a feel for the surfaces you’re exploring. They dry quickly, so you needn’t worry about wet feet chafing against your sandal straps. They’re lightweight enough to clamber about with ease, but substantial enough to convert even the most ardent boot enthusiasts.

With this kind of grip, you won’t miss your hiking shoes. Inspired by the colors of nature, the Z/Chromatic comes in 13 monochromatic tones, and is constructed with a LUVSEATTM footbed and ChacoGrip outsole. Polyester jacquard webbing wraps from the top of the foot, through the sole, providing adjustable comfort. Everyone from streetwear fashionistas to backcountry hikers will find a color that suits their tastes, as well as their activities.

The Z/Chromatic can go from trail to beach without missing a step. Within five days of wearing Chaco’s newest sandal, I was hooked. I even wore them with socks on a chillier night (something I never, ever thought I would do) and look forward to doing so again.

Step Into Spring with These 5 Women’s Hiking Boots

Read article

A List of Gear That’ll Elevate Your Next Backcountry Camping Trip

Read article

For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!

More News

					Surly Releases Preamble: New All-steel 'Pavement Bike'					



					Enjoy Gorgeous Picture With This LG CineBeam Portable Projector					



					Kick Back With The RENPHO Foot Massager During Downtime					



					Keep Your Food Fresh With This Food Storage Containers Set					



					Fix Home Problems Yourself With This Cartman 148Piece Tool Set					



					Dream Garage: The Car and Truck Auctions We'd Bid on Right Now					


			All Stories			

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

I’ll be transparent – this was my first time wearing “adventure sandals.” I’m not sure that’s what the category is officially called, but the name seems apt for rugged, durable footwear that lets my toes breathe, lets me navigate waterways, lakes, rivers and the sea without having to rotate footwear, and gets me that coveted Chaco tanline.

I’m a firm believer that not only can form marry function, but that they should be paired, in any possibility. What is functional can also be beautiful, and vice versa. That’s why the Z/Chromatic Collection from Chaco initially caught my eye, a recreational sandal line with a selection of intentional colorways, from bold to muted, tonal to jewel.

My color palette typically consists of black, black, darker black, and the occasional grey and white thrown in for a bit of “fun”. Imagine my pleasure, then, when I received my Z/Chromatic Sandals ($105) in mauve, and found myself unexpectedly, wholeheartedly in love with them.

Straight out of the box, I could tell that the Z/Chromatic wouldn’t need a break-in period, which was convenient, because I received them about three days before I headed down to the southeastern tip of Baja, to a small coastal island known as Espiritu Santo, to test them for five days straight.

I wore them hiking, climbing rocks, exploring hard-to-reach beaches, riding in boats, cliff diving, even swimming. Comfort was truly the most noticeable quality of these shoes. They’re stiff yet pliable, with a thick sole that not only protects you from sharp sticks and stones, but is malleable enough to let you get a feel for the surfaces you’re exploring. They dry quickly, so you needn’t worry about wet feet chafing against your sandal straps. They’re lightweight enough to clamber about with ease, but substantial enough to convert even the most ardent boot enthusiasts.

Inspired by the colors of nature, the Z/Chromatic comes in 13 monochromatic tones, and is constructed with a LUVSEATTM footbed and ChacoGrip outsole. Polyester jacquard webbing wraps from the top of the foot, through the sole, providing adjustable comfort. Everyone from streetwear fashionistas to backcountry hikers will find a color that suits their tastes, as well as their activities.

Within five days of wearing Chaco’s newest sandal, I was hooked. I even wore them with socks on a chillier night (something I never, ever thought I would do) and look forward to doing so again.

Step Into Spring with These 5 Women’s Hiking Boots

Read article

A List of Gear That’ll Elevate Your Next Backcountry Camping Trip

Read article

For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!

Step Into Spring with These 5 Women’s Hiking Boots

Read article

Step Into Spring with These 5 Women’s Hiking Boots

A List of Gear That’ll Elevate Your Next Backcountry Camping Trip

Read article

A List of Gear That’ll Elevate Your Next Backcountry Camping Trip

More News

					Surly Releases Preamble: New All-steel 'Pavement Bike'					



					Enjoy Gorgeous Picture With This LG CineBeam Portable Projector					



					Kick Back With The RENPHO Foot Massager During Downtime					



					Keep Your Food Fresh With This Food Storage Containers Set					



					Fix Home Problems Yourself With This Cartman 148Piece Tool Set					



					Dream Garage: The Car and Truck Auctions We'd Bid on Right Now					


			All Stories			

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

More News

					Surly Releases Preamble: New All-steel 'Pavement Bike'					



					Enjoy Gorgeous Picture With This LG CineBeam Portable Projector					



					Kick Back With The RENPHO Foot Massager During Downtime					



					Keep Your Food Fresh With This Food Storage Containers Set					



					Fix Home Problems Yourself With This Cartman 148Piece Tool Set					



					Dream Garage: The Car and Truck Auctions We'd Bid on Right Now					


			All Stories			

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

More News

					Surly Releases Preamble: New All-steel 'Pavement Bike'					



					Enjoy Gorgeous Picture With This LG CineBeam Portable Projector					



					Kick Back With The RENPHO Foot Massager During Downtime					



					Keep Your Food Fresh With This Food Storage Containers Set					



					Fix Home Problems Yourself With This Cartman 148Piece Tool Set					



					Dream Garage: The Car and Truck Auctions We'd Bid on Right Now					


			All Stories			

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City