Chacos is an American footwear company best known for its sandals, slides, and flip-flops, all of which are ideal for a range of outdoor activities. Chaco users are reported to use their Chaco sandals for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, swimming in the lake, and going to the beach.
Chacos were originally designed for whitewater rafting guides who needed a sandal that could support them when they were potentially knee-deep in water.
So, are Chacos waterproof? Will they hold up against consistent use in wet conditions?
Yes, Chacos are waterproof, but not completely. They’re made of a water-resistant Polyurethane footbed that dries quickly and doesn’t absorb a lot of water, making them an excellent choice for spending the day outside or getting wet. They also contain polyester drying straps, which help Chacos dry faster when they come in contact with water.
Chacos are additionally protected from wear and tear by the PU footbed, allowing them to endure longer than other sandals.
In this article, we’ll learn whether Chacos are water-resistant or not, what to do if they get wet, how to dry them properly if they get wet, and which Chacos are water-resistant.
Are Chacos Waterproof?
Chacos are waterproof, as we briefly mentioned above. However, they are only water-proof to a certain extent and are likely to be ruined if exposed to water for an extended period and also if proper care is not taken to waterproof them.
They are waterproof due to their unique material composition, which includes PU footbeds and polyester straps. The footbeds are both comfortable and water-resistant because they are designed to absorb only a small amount of water. Chacos absorb a small amount of water through their soles and straps.
Chaco sandals’ polyester straps soak up only 0.4 percent of their total weight in moisture. This means they dry quickly and do not become heavy or clogged when wet.
Are Chacos Good for the Pool?
Chacos can be worn in the pool as well as in other wet environments. If traditional wet-suit style water shoes that are tight and minimally breathable do not impress you, then go with Chacos as they make excellent water shoes.
There’s no reason why your Chacos can’t be worn in the pool as long as they’re clean. Just make sure to thoroughly wash them afterward to remove any chlorine residue, which can be harmful to the sandal’s material.
Are Chacos Good for the Beach?
Chacos are a fantastic choice for beach shoes! Each pair is extremely lightweight and breathable. They are simple to clasp and, once on your feet, will not slip off or come undone whether you step into a particularly deep sand dune or wade into the water.
Furthermore, unlike other sandals, they won’t feel heavy on your feet once they’ve been wet. The nicest aspect about wearing Chacos to the beach is that their soles do not become slippery when they come into touch with water, making them far safer than standard, slick sandals or flip flops.
Read more on Are Frye Boots Waterproof?
What To Do When Chacos Get Wet?
If your Chacos get wet, the best thing you can do is let them dry completely. This can be accomplished by air drying without the use of heat.
If they are dirty, you should thoroughly wash them and possibly even “floss” the straps of your sandals to ensure that they retain their shape and stretch.
Read more on Are Crocs Closed Toe Shoes?
How To Clean and Dry Wet Chacos?
Drying and cleaning wet Chacos is something you’ll most likely have to do at some point during your reign of wearing these sandals (after all, they’re outdoor sandals!).
How To Dry Chacos
- Start by taking your sandals off your feet.
- Place them flat on a dry surface away from major heat sources. DO NOT dry your chacos in the dryer, even on low or medium temperature settings.
- Allow them to thoroughly dry before re-wearing or getting them wet. This can be accomplished by tying them in a rope so that air can circulate freely and completely dry the chacos. You can also dry the chacos in the sun, but don’t leave them there for too long.
- Exposing your Chacos to the sun will help to reduce the odor and speed up the drying process.
If you’re in a hurry and need your Chacos to dry quickly, turn on a fan and direct it directly at them. The airflow will speed up the evaporation of the water in your Chacos.
Alternatively, you may leave your Chacos outside to dry for a few hours in the sun. But keep an eye on them while you’re doing it! You don’t want to leave them in the sun for too long, as this can cause them to overheat.
How to Clean Chaco Sport Sandals In the Washing Machine
- Put a load of laundry in the washer with your athletic sandals. There’s no need to do a load just for your sandals or with only one or two items to fit them; a typical-sized load will do.
- Use a gentle cycle setting and then add some mild detergent or a bit of baking soda. When washing your sandals, use cold water to avoid undoing the adhesive that holds the shoes together.
- After the cycle is completed, remove them from the washing machine and dry them using the above method. Avoid using a hair-dryer or any other equipment that creates a lot of heat to dry them, since this may cause the sandals to lose their longevity.
How to Clean Chaco Sport Sandals By Hand
- Use a hard-bristled brush, a paint brush, or whatever else you have on hand to remove as much loose dirt and debris as possible on the sandals’ surface.
- Create a mixture of equal parts of baking soda and water and use a clean toothbrush to rub the mixture onto the fabric.
- Allow your Chacos to dry after rinsing the paste away with clean, running water from the faucet or bathtub.
Additionally, avoid using chemicals such as chlorine or other cleaners, as they might harm the straps, and then air dry them as directed above after they are clean. It’s also a good idea to avoid using vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
The sandal straps may need to be flossed at some point throughout the cleaning procedure. Don’t worry, you can do it whenever you want.
How to Floss Chaco Sandals
- Soak the straps in water.
- Using a squirt bottle, squirt a generous amount of fabric softener into the slots where the straps connect to the sandal on each side.
- Simulate flossing by pulling the straps back and forth through the groove. This will aid in the removal of any sand, dirt, or debris caught in the strap channels.
- After the process is finished, rinse the flossed Chacos.
An accumulation of dirt and debris in the channels can generate an unpleasant odor and cause your sandal straps to stick and not conform to your foot as well.
How Long Do Chacos Last If They Get Wet?
Whether or not your Chacos get wet has little to do with how long they last. Chacos are generally well-made and can last up to ten years with regular use.
Of course, if you take care of your Chacos, they will last much longer. Washing and flossing should be done on an as-needed basis as part of your Chaco care routine.
However, it is important to note that they are very likely to develop a foul smell during this time, regardless of how many times you wash them.
Which Chacos Are Waterproof?
Chaco offers a wide range of sandals for men, women, and children. They have everything from boots to slides, with sports sandals being some of their most popular types of footwear.
Although not all Chaco sandals are water-resistant, the majority of the athletic sandals are. When it comes to Chaco water-proof sport sandals, you have a variety of options to pick from, including the Z/1, Z/Cloud 2, Z/Volv, Banded Z, and Odyssey models, among many others.
Final Thoughts
Chaco, as one of the most well-known sport sandal brands in the world, knows how to create functional, all-terrain footwear that is both fashionable and long-lasting. Their athletic sandals, which come in a range of sizes and colors, are known for being both water-resistant and highly comfy.
They can be worn in wet, watery conditions such as on the beach, and then washed with relative ease in the washing machine or by hand. If you take good care of your Chacos can last up to ten years if they are properly cared for.
Related Articles:
