Bottom Line
Chaco is well known for their beefy, trail-ready sandals, and the legendary Z/Cloud (men’s / women’s) is a great example. These sandals offer excellent support and comfort alongside class-leading durability and versatility. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just looking for a capable daily driver, the Z/Cloud is up to the task.
In testing, the Z/Cloud became a quick favorite for casual day hiking. The fit is adjustable and confidence-inspiring, with thick straps running across the forefoot. Once adjusted properly, they provide excellent security. The well-cushioned midsole and full rubber outsole offer standout support and grip, respectively.
The only major drawback to the Z/Cloud is its weight, potentially prohibiting some from taking it backpacking. We think the shoe is balanced enough to warrant stashing in a pack, but there are certainly plenty of lighter options available. You can check out a few of them in our camp shoes gear guide.
How We Tested
We used these sandals for a week’s worth of daily walks (averaging close to 2 miles) and running errands around town. We also brought them along on a car camping trip in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
Quick Specs
Chaco Z/Cloud
Best Camp Shoe Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.9/5.0
Price: $105
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 14.1 oz. / 1 lb. 5 oz.(men’s / women’s)
Closure Mechanism: Ladderlock buckle
Traction: ChacoGrip rubber
Pros
- Excellent support and cushioning
- Durable
- Highly adjustable for dialing in a good fit
- Straps keep feet secure
- Can be resoled
- True to size
Cons
- Straps can be cumbersome
- Heavy and bulky
- Footbed can feel slippery when wet
Comfort
Comfort is one of the Z/Cloud’s selling points, although there is a learning curve to Chaco’s strap system. On the bright side, the shoes required minimal break-in. We wore them casually for a week with and without socks before taking them on a longer outing. After walking more than 5 miles in them, we did not feel any discomfort or rubbing.
It took a few wears to get the straps adjusted properly, causing some annoyance and initial discomfort. However, the straps only need to be adjusted once. After that, you can simply pull up on the buckle to get the shoe on or off. Once we got the straps dialed in, the sandals fit very well with no unwanted movement, discomfort, or rubbing.
Versatility
Put simply, the Z/Cloud is incredibly versatile. This shoe can handle long-distance hikes, all types of water sports, and use at camp. It’s even attractive enough to wear around town. The substantial weight – our pair weighed in at 1 pound, 5 ounces – is a drawback for backpacking, but it won’t be a dealbreaker for everyone.
These shoes aren’t as easy to slip on as some of the mules and slides we tested. You have to tug at the buckle to get the Z/Cloud on or off, which is an added step when getting dressed, crawling in or out of a tent, etc. It’s not a huge deal in most cases, but it’s certainly noticeable if you’re donning and doffing your shoes several times a day.
Support
Support is another area where this shoe excels. The aptly named LUVSEAT midsole features thick (5 mm) polyurethane cushioning that nicely cradles the arch. The shoe also passed our squeeze, twist, and bend tests with flying colors, demonstrating excellent structure and support.
Chaco gives the Z/Cloud a five out of five on the support scale and two out of five on the cushioning scale. We found the shoes plenty supportive and comfortable while scrambling across rocks, logs, and other natural features at camp. We never felt padding was lacking, even when our feet were fatigued.
Durability
The Z/Cloud is very durable with quality materials and components that hold up well to long-term outdoor use. The polyurethane midsole doesn’t compress or break down with wear, and the synthetic material used for the webbing nicely resists tears and abrasion.
Many Chaco users – several CleverHiker staff included – have gotten years of use out of a single pair. We expect our Z/Clouds to fare similarly well. Plus, Chaco has a great in-house repair and resole program should you encounter any issues.
Should You Buy the Chaco Z/Cloud?
The Chaco Z/Cloud is an excellent choice for an all-around camp shoe. Just about anyone could benefit from this shoe in their closet – from campers to day hikers and kayakers. It’s one of the most supportive, capable, long-lasting sandals we’ve worn, making it a strong value for those willing to spend up for performance.
That said, the Z/Cloud isn’t for everyone. It’s quite heavy and bulky, which limits its appeal for backpacking, although some may be willing to look past that in the name of comfort and support. It’s also relatively pricey, but the fact that it’s so well built – and able to be repaired/resoled at the end of its life – helps justify the cost.
What Other Camp Shoes Should You Consider?
If the Z/Cloud isn’t quite what you’re looking for, head to our best camp shoes gear guide for a full look at the market. The three options below are particularly strong alternatives.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Review: Birkenstock is another reputable name in outdoor footwear. Their Arizona Essentials EVA beats the Z/Cloud in both price (by about half) and weight (by over a pound per pair). However, it’s not as secure or capable as the Chaco, and the all-foam build will deteriorate much quicker.
HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 Review: For a cushy and supportive design that feels great after big efforts, the Ora Recovery Slide 3 is one of our favorites. It’s built to cradle your arch and minimize joint stress. The slide style is limiting for actual hiking, but it sure does feel dreamy – especially after tough days out.
Bedrock Sandals Mountain Clog Review: The Mountain Clog is another shoe that’s durable, hikes well, and can also be worn at camp or around town. It’s less breathable than the Z/Cloud and doesn’t work well for water sports due to the closed-toe design, but it’s a bit warmer and more stylish.
