Comfortable, durable and lightweight. That’s what both Chaco and Keen fans are looking for in their sports sandals. But, if you’re new to the sports sandal world, how do you know which brand is best?
Overview
Well, there isn’t one answer for everyone. That’s because like any other shoe it depends on your preference. But, people tend to love Chacos because they have durable soles while also being lightweight and extremely “sandal-like”.
Meanwhile, people who like KEEN better like the shoes because they are a little heavier and are known for their toe protection, which is a great feature when being used on rough terrains.
While both KEEN and Chaco have a ton of different shoe options, for the purpose of comparison, I will be using the most common shoe from each brand. I will be comparing the Chaco Z1 Classic Sandal and the KEEN Newport H2 Sandal.
Chaco
Chaco is a trusted brand of sandal and is known for its durability, comfort, and simplicity. For the sake of comparison, I am going to be talking about the most popular sandal, the Z1 Classic Athletic Sandal. They are made with one strap that has no toe hold, which is great for me since I’m not a fan of toe straps. These versatile shoes work great for any type of outdoor adventure. They do take a while to break in so make sure you have time to wear them quite a bit before any backpacking or hiking journey. But, once they’re broken in they are extremely comfortable.
Both a pro and a con is the fact that these are pretty basic sandals meaning they don’t offer the same protection around the toes as the KEEN sandals do but they’re also great for people looking for just that: a basic sandal. Now, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing because the Chaco Athletic Sandals are more lightweight than KEEN Newport H2 Sandals that we will be discussing below. Finally, these sandals are priced a little bit on the higher side but they will last quite a while if you know how to take care of them. Personally, I like these sandals because I can wear them around cities, when I’m traveling, on backpacking trips, or to the beach.
Pros
- Durable sole that is built to last
- Comfortable, adjustable strap
- A lightweight, basic sandal
Cons
- Doesn’t protect your toes
- Take a while to break-in
Check out the sandals here:
Chaco Men’s Z1 Classic Athletic Sandal
Chaco Women’s Z1 Classic Athletic Sandal
KEEN
In my opinion, KEEN is a completely different style of sandal and admittedly I was thrown off by the idea of closed-toes sandals in the first place. But, if you’re someone looking for an airy shoe with toe coverings, I’d recommend going the KEEN route. These KEEN sandals are less expensive than Chacos sandals and go on sale more often. The sole of these sandals is made out of a vegan, rubber material.
Customers have pointed out that these sandals have great traction on both wet and dry terrain. Also, these KEEN sandals don’t require very much break-in time which is a big positive for last-minute planners. Although these sandals are heavier than Chaco, they work well in dry fast. Unfortunately, the straps aren’t as adjustable as Chaco, this is important because they might not fit your feet as well. These sandals also come in a variety of different colors.
Pros
- Protects the front of your feet
- The bottom of the sole is great for slippery terrain
- Cheaper option
Cons
- Heavier than regular sports sandals
- Doesn’t need to be broken in for as long as Chaco sandals
Check out the sandals here:
KEEN Women’s Newport H2 Sandal
KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal
Conclusion
Overall, KEEN is a more heavy-duty option and Chaco is best if you’re looking for something lightweight and versatile. If you’re going to be in wet or rainy weather and need protection for your toes, go with KEEN. But, if you’re looking to keep your sandals for a number of different activities, Chacos are the most well-rounded option.