Review on Chaco Men's ZCloud Sandal Port: A Perfect Choice for Athletic Men's Shoes by Robert Bigelow

I've been wearing Chaco flip flops for many years. I found out they've listed my favorite: the Chaco Flip EcoTread flip flops. (That was a big mistake because they were so popular.) I decided to switch to hiking sandals like Zcloud. If you're familiar with them and the Teva Hurricane XLT, I'm basing this review on them. I was torn between Z1 Classics and Zcloud because the insole on the former is exactly the same as EcoTreads. It is less soft, more stable and more comfortable. I have flat feet, but one reviewer I saw online about Zclouds had a wide berth and liked them. I was concerned that the arch would be too soft, collapse and be too smooth. I wanted something comfortable but with strong support. To my surprise, Zclouds is both. The insole is no better than the EcoTreads, only better. I can live with that with no problem. The harness system is new to me and they put on well. They feel secure, but I would say the Teva Hurricane velcro system in the toe is much more secure. Teva is more like a shoe than a rubber board tied to the foot. Chacos are so bulky and the fit is smaller at the nose so they are more board like. Honestly, I like my Teva better. I think zclouds make my feet a little bit warmer. Also, as mentioned, Teva feels more secure. But this velcro system is love/hate. You have to make micro adjustments and it always sounds like you're playing with cellophane (which most people don't care about). With Chaco, you fit them once and forget about it. The Teva insole is softer, but it's incredibly comfortable and doesn't get hot. I guess I just don't like the velcro style as much as Chaco has lately. My Teva's tread pattern is better suited for serious off-road and river riding. The outsole is more rounded at the edges and less flat than the Zcloud. For what I use the Zcloud for — light hiking, dirt trails, and city hauling — I don't need a heavy tread pattern, so that's fine. The outsole is quite wide [plank] with good grip on most surfaces. Compared to EcoTreads, the Zcloud outsole offers more traction. If it were a tyre, it would be a Z-class winter tyre, not an off-road studded tyre! I wish it had a little more instep or shovel in the front and wasn't as wide as flat work boots. That's why I always say Brett. These are my heaviest sandals due to the large sole, but that's what you give up for comfort. In general, they are comfortable, all-terrain and inexpensive. But are they really that ugly? I've heard a lot about Chaco. I never thought. (Well, Burke, that's another story.) Sure, the EcoTread flip-flops look better in all their minimalist glory, but they're great for trail sandals. I think they look really great. I have mine in this odd shade of lead blue (periwinkle mostly). I really like her! [Note: Now that the EcoTread is no longer in production and I still love the flip flops I have made a brilliant replacement. Try Keen's Kona Flip. They are the best of them all in terms of insole and style. I love her. Ridiculously convenient!]