Understanding the Chaco sizing standards will help you with picking the right size for your next sandals from this brand. But first, let’s learn more about the Chaco size chart as a general guide.
It shouldn’t be that hard to find the ideal fit in Chaco. If you’ve arrived at this page, I’m guessing you’re wondering: Do Chaco come in large or small sizes? Is Chaco available in half sizes? What size Chaco do I require? How big should my Chacos be?
We would recommend going a full size bigger at first because the arch fit is always considered the most crucial component in Chaco sandal is sizing. You will have no difficulty strolling or having to stand if your foot arch somehow doesn’t fall in line with the bottom of your Chaco sandals. Sizing up may cause heel slipping within the Chaco. However, this is conveniently avoided because Chaco has expandable straps that could be stiffened to modify the fit. You could also make the straps shorter by talking with the customer support team at Chaco.
Chaco, as lots of you might be aware of, is a flexible shoe that could be worn for a variety of activities such as walking, climbing, cycling, and trekking. The only difficulty is determining the right size within each of the various styles. However, finding out what size would then fit your feet could require a few trial and error.
This blog post will explain how your Chaco fits in the initial spot. We would talk about the various types of Chacos footwear and the detailed Chaco size chart and then answer your burning question: Does Chaco fit true to size?
Key Takeaway
That concludes the Chaco size chart and sizing guide. We hope you have a firm opinion on “Do Chacos run large, small, or true to size?” In fact, Chacos are made to fit a wide range of foot sizes and shapes. This makes it possible for anybody, from the smallest to the biggest feet that a sandal could accommodate, to actually appreciate the comfort and versatility of a Chaco shoe.
Half sizes are not available in Chacos sandals. As such, if your foot size is between the entire figures, we would suggest going a full size larger first because most clients have attempted it and found the arch fit to be relatively comfortable.
When trying on Chacos of various sizes, concentrate purely on the greatest arch fit since Chacos straps are fully adjustable and could also be shortened by reaching their support staff.
In any case, whatever Chacos size you choose, please provide feedback in the comment thread down below. This way, other readers can take advantage of your personal experience.
Meanings of Chaco Size Tags
As some of you might know, Chaco sizes are labeled on the rear end of every shoe’s heel. In particular, a dot indicates the normal width, while a dash indicates the wide width.
Women’s and Men’s are represented by the letters W and M in the size number.
In fact, Chaco was originally available in narrow and normal widths. They didn’t alter the size run once they went too wide and regular; they just altered the tags. Although if you don’t usually wear wide shoes, you might be wide in almost all Chaco types of footwear.
Chaco’s Size Chart
Chaco’s Men’s Clothing and Shoe Size Chart
| US Size | EU Size | UK Size | Japan Size (in cm) |
| 7 | 40 | 6 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 40.5 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 41 | 7 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 41.5 | 7.5 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 42 | 8 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 42.5 | 8.5 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 43 | 9 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 43.5 | 9.5 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 44 | 10 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 44.5 | 10.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 45 | 11 | 30 |
| 12.5 | 45.5 | 11.5 | 30.5 |
| 13 | 46 | 12 | 31 |
| 14 | 47 | 13 | 32 |
| 15 | 48 | 14 | 33 |
Chaco Women’s Shoe Size Chart
| US Size | EU Size | UK Size | Japan Size (in cm) |
| 5 | 36 | 3 | 22 |
| 5.5 | 36.5 | 3.5 | 22.5 |
| 6 | 37 | 4 | 23 |
| 6.5 | 37.5 | 4.5 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 38 | 5 | 24 |
| 7.5 | 38.5 | 5.5 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 39 | 6 | 25 |
| 8.5 | 39.5 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 40 | 7 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 40.5 | 7.5 | 26.5 |
| 10 | 41 | 8 | 27 |
| 10.5 | 41.5 | 8.5 | 27.5 |
| 11 | 42 | 9 | 28 |
| 12 | 43 | 10 | 29 |
Chaco Women’s Clothing Size Chart
| Size XS (2-4) | |||
| Chest/Bust size in inches and centimeters | Inseam size in inches and centimeters | Hip size in inches and centimeters | Waist size in inches and centimeters |
| 30-32 inches or 76-81 cm | 29 inches or 74 cm | 34-36 inches or 87-92 cm | 22-24 inches or 56-61 cm |
| Size S (6-8) | |||
| Chest/Bust size in inches and centimeters | Inseam size in inches and centimeters | Hip size in inches and centimeters | Waist size in inches and centimeters |
| 32-34 inches or 81-86 cm | 29.5 inches or 75 cm | 36-38 inches or 92-96 cm | 24-26 inches or 61-66 cm |
| Size M (8-10) | |||
| Chest/Bust size in inches and centimeters | Inseam size in inches and centimeters | Hip size in inches and centimeters | Waist size in inches and centimeters |
| 36-37 inches or 91-94 cm | 30 inches or 76 cm | 39-40 inches or 97-102 cm | 27-29 inches or 67-71 cm |
| Size L (12-14) | |||
| Chest/Bust size in inches and centimeters | Inseam size in inches and centimeters | Hip size in inches and centimeters | Waist size in inches and centimeters |
| 38-40 inches or 96-102 cm | 30.5 inches or 78 cm | 41-43 inches or 103-110 cm | 29-31 inches or 72-79 cm |
| Size XL (16) | |||
| Chest/Bust size in inches and centimeters | Inseam size in inches and centimeters | Hip size in inches and centimeters | Waist size in inches and centimeters |
| 41-43 inches or 104-109 cm | 31 inches or 79 cm | 44-46 inches or 111-117 cm | 32-34 inches or 80-87 cm |
Chaco Children’ Footwear Size Chart
| US Size | EU Size | UK Size | Japan Size (in cm) |
| 10 | 28 | 9 | 16 |
| 10.5 | 28.5 | 9.5 | 16.5 |
| 11 | 29 | 10 | 17 |
| 11.5 | 29.5 | 10.5 | 17.5 |
| 12 | 30 | 11 | 18 |
| 12.5 | 30.5 | 11.5 | 18.5 |
| 13 | 31 | 12 | 19 |
| 13.5 | 31.5 | 12.5 | 19.5 |
| 1 | 32 | 13 | 20 |
| 1.5 | 32.5 | 13.5 | 20.5 |
| 2 | 33 | 1 | 21 |
| 2.5 | 33.5 | 1.5 | 21.5 |
| 3 | 34 | 2 | 22 |
| 3.5 | 34.5 | 2.5 | 22.5 |
| 4 | 35 | 3 | 23 |
| 4.5 | 35.5 | 3.5 | 23.5 |
| 5 | 36 | 4 | 24 |
| 5.5 | 36.5 | 4.5 | 24.5 |
| 6 | 37 | 5 | 25 |
How Does Chaco Fit?
As some of you might be aware of, Chaco is a branded line of informal sandals. The brand created their first footwear in 1989 and since then has developed to become one of the globe’s most well-known footwear brand names.
To develop the comfiest pair of sandals, Chaco uses the gentlest polyester webbings encased all over a cork-bed midfoot. The brand also produces simple, fashionable styles for recreational activities using the greatest materials to allow you to breathe easily while having a blast with your mates.
As such, do you have a concept of how Chaco should be worn? They could perhaps fit just right as long as your feet and toes don’t get nabbed at the front and you feel a good supportive and stable pattern all over your foot whereas participating in various outdoor activities.
Once you put your feet on your Chaco footwear, they should fit snugly all over your big toe and heel areas. The straps, in addition, should snugly but not too tightly hold your foot against the footwear. Your other toes should not fail around within the footwear.
Another crucial factor when determining the proper fit of Chaco footwear is that the arch must strike the correct part of your foot. As a result, it will offer optimum comfort as well as support, in addition to protection against bouncing the arch while strolling.
Moreover, if you are wearing Chaco footwear for the very first time or haven’t worn them in a long time, you should wear them all around the house or anywhere they will not get affected. They can be tight at first, so breaking them in is extremely important. If you successfully complete the break-in period (which ought to take just several days), you should really be able to wear them out in a crowd with ease.
Chaco Footwear Style Guide – What’s the Distinction Between Z/1 and Z/2 Design?
What helps make Chacos sandals distinctive in terms of fit is that they feature a loop through straps system that will keep your foot snug and secure, yet not too tight, over the insole regardless of what you are doing, whether it is trekking on the path or paddle boarding. No matter what activity is, Chaco sandals will always keep your feet comfortable and stay in the right place.
Chaco sandals have a z-shape ongoing pull-through belt with a buckle rather than a Velcro closure. This style is known as “Z/1” because of a single long, broad belt that wraps all around the foot. In fact, this was the very first Chacos sandal style, published in 1991.
You could really modify the long strap that encloses around your foot to customize the fit without using any additional findings. The ease of getting your foot out and in is made possible by the use of a single customizable buckle strap. Furthermore, because there is enough room between the strap and your foot as well, the Z/1 style is better suited to individuals who have high insteps or arches.
There is yet another Chaco style known as “Z/2.” The major distinction between the Chaco Z1 style and Z2 style is that the Z/2 sandal is designed with an added strap wrapping around the big toe of the foot, whereas the Z/1 has only one wide strap.
The Chaco Z/2 style, on the flip side, has narrower straps. For individuals who enjoy swimming or playing in streams, the Z/2 style provides a little more consistency. Because your feet are generally down below, the slimmer sole enables you to feel far closer to the water.
Because double straps are wrapped tightly all over the foot and give a snug fit, the Chaco Z/2 style has proven to be more appropriate for individuals with flat feet.
Which Size of Chacos Should I Get: Medium, Regular, or Wide?
Generally speaking, the size and shape of your foot determine whether you wear Chaco footwear’s medium, regular, or wide sizes. The small distinction in widths could really make a big difference when it comes to comfort. The foregoing are some of the purposes why it is critical to seriously rethink Chaco footwear’s width.
- Heel cup – For those who don’t know, Chaco footwear is manufactured with their proprietary LuvSeat Footbed, which features a profound heel cup to grip your feet in place and provide a stable fit. As a consequence, if your Chaco sandals are just excessively wide, your heel will slide around, leading to less security.
- Arch Support – Conversely, if your Chaco sandals are way excessively narrow for your feet, the insole would then force into the arch, causing excruciating pain and disrupting your walking posture. Furthermore, the heel strap would also be too tight on your feet, causing bunions to shape.
Wide widths, in fact, are confusing because certain individuals claim to have wide feet but turn out to be normal widths. A further example is that a few folks have narrow legs with wide-ish toes. In those kinds of instances, you would first require a Brannock gadget to determine the right dimensions of your feet.
You must take two dimensions when determining the size of your foot. The first reading is from your big toe all the way to your heel, and the second calculation is from your heel all the way to the broadest part of your foot, which is the ball of your foot. This is referred to as the arch length of your foot.
In case your arch length is shorter than the length from your big toe to your heel, you should consider going with a normal width. If your arch length is longer, you might want to go with either wide or medium width and the Chaco footwear’s size closest to your arch length.
Instance: If your heel-to-toe size is 9 inches (approx. 22.86 cm) and your heel-to-ball-of-foot length (also known as arch length) is 8.5 inches, you should choose the bigger of the two, 9 inches.
You could also watch this clip to learn how to calculate your foot and comprehend the entire process.
In addition, the Brannock gadget includes a scale for measuring your foot width. Basically, the width is determined by the distance from the heel to the broadest part of your foot. As such, in the preceding instance, if the length from your heel to your foot’s ball area is 8.5 inches (approx. 21.59 cm), the Brannock gadget will indeed classify your foot’s width as “B.”
As a result, medium-width Chaco sandals are highly suggested for width B. Chaco’s regular width, on the other hand, will be appropriate if your foot calculates either width either C or D. If your foot calculates either E or 2E, then the Chaco’s wide width alternative is recommended.
Should I Buy Chaco Sandals in a Larger or Smaller Size?
Ordinary females frequently struggle with shoe sizing. With famous brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Vans, sizes seem to be the same across the place, resulting in a lot of fuss when searching for the correct fit. Sadly, the Chaco brand does not make footwear in half sizes, so you must choose the closest entire size.
A few Chacos sizing experts recommend going for a full size smaller for a secure fit, whereas others recommend sizing up to achieve the best arch fit.
As a result, there is no easy formula for determining what size to purchase, and you take the chance of being dissatisfied if the fit is incorrect. If you choose the incorrect size, you may end up with a poor-fitting pair of Chaco sandals that limit movement, squish, and irritate you.
It makes no difference no matter if you purchase the Chaco Z/1 or Z/2 styles; if you normally wear a half size, then Chacos sizing down or up would rely on your foot size, width, and type of arch as well.
After speaking with Chacos clients and poring over thousands of Chaco sizing feedback, we suggest that you begin with a full size bigger.
For instance, if you normally wear 7.5 sizes, order a size 8. The possible explanation for this is that the Chaco sandals have adjustable straps that you may conveniently stiffen or soften depending on the size of your feet. When choosing sizes, you should prioritize the size that perfectly suits your arch. You could also tighten your straps by reaching the Chaco support service at their official website.
How Do You Alter Chaco Straps?
Are you sick of your Chaco’s slipping off your feet all the time? Often these folks do not really understand how to put on Chacos or adapt the straps to stroll confidently in them. Chaco sandals, as previously stated, come in two simple designs.
According to numerous user reviews, the Chaco Z/2 style straps are challenging to adjust. Such sandals have two long and narrow straps rolled up all over the foot in a challenging way, making it hard for new Chaco consumers to alter the Chaco straps.
Below is a step-by-step guide to adjusting the Chaco straps to fit your foot.
Adjusting Chaco Z/1 Straps
Softening and Stiffening the Straps
This is how you lighten and fasten the Z/1 style:
- To begin, unlock the buckle to lighten the straps.
- Squeeze the second piece of elastic band closest to the little toe.
- Then, go to your little toe and squeeze the piece of straps that covers around it to make a great entrance.
- After slipping your foot into the Z/1 sandals, stiffen the straps to create a stable fit.
- The tightness would begin with the big toe.
- Pulling the straps over a big toe link to the straps over the forefoot, creating a snug fit.
- Then after, squeeze the belt that links to the buckle that would conceal the top of your foot beautifully.
Pro tip: Make absolutely sure the webbing is not excessively tight around your foot. In addition, your foot should move beneath the elastic bands, not against or against them.
Adjusting Chaco Z/2 Straps
Softening and Stiffening the Straps
This is how you soften and straighten the Chaco Z/2 Straps. The Z/2 style, in reality, has a toe loop. As a result, the process is a little bit distinctive.
- To begin, lighten the elastic bands by pulling up on the buckle.
- And after that, jump onto the following piece of straps that is just above the pinky toe’s straps.
- Then, move on to the big toe webbing and softly pull it.
- Finally, jump onto the pinky toe webbing and then squeeze it to make a large entrance.
- Presently, for tightness, we’ll concentrate on the 3 elastic bands, namely the fasten, toe, and knuckle.
- Begin by stiffening the elastic band around the bone. This would then fasten the straps around the forefoot area.
- After that, squeeze the straps up all over your big toe.
- Then, return to the hook and loop strap and draw that piece of straps snugly.
You could also watch this clip guide to learn how to modify the straps of your Chaco sandals.
How To Determine Your Chaco Size?
Using a Brannock Device
As evidenced by many lovely photographs of other customers’ feet. Let’s take our team member’s feet, for instance. Her general foot length is slightly more than 7.5, and her heel to the forefoot calculation (right arch size on the Brannock gadget) is slightly less than 7.5. Her foot width is a steady B, ranging from narrow to normal.
All of this means that the standard suggestion from Chaco, which is to go down to the closest entire size, is right for her feet. As such, her Chaco sandal’s size should be a 7, despite the fact that she normally wears size 7.5 in other sandals.
All of this ought to be able to be measured for you by any perfectly-trained footwear employees, but you could also be able to calculate on your own. The Brannock gadget has been used as a footwear calculation system standard for centuries and is really easy to use.
A Brannock gadget, generally speaking, is your best choice for achieving the ideal fit when ordering Chaco sandals on the internet. Although if they don’t sell Chacos, every shoe store has one.
If you can’t reach a physical shoe shop to use a Brannock gadget, there are downloadable shoe size tutorials online, but their precision obviously varies based on your printer.
The downloadable size guidelines also aren’t put in place for heel to ball dimensions, which are crucial for determining the right Chaco sandal size.
As such, please don’t send us pictures of your feet and ask if we could assist you in selecting the correct size! Get yourself measured with a Brannock gadget, as it also helps you in deciding your right size in other brands’ footwear.
Your Toes Should Fit
When our team member first purchased a pair of Chaco sandals, she didn’t know any of this, so we went with a size 8 since she didn’t want her toes to hang off the rim of the sandals.
Sadly, since an 8 arch length is just excessively long for her, that very first pair of Chaco sandals was never comfy and even hurt her heel and arch areas after a few minutes of wearing them.
Regardless of her initial concern that a 7 would be too small for her toes, they certainly fit and she has never had a problem with striking her toes whereas wearing her Chaco sandals.
If you have ever observed somebody else wearing Chaco sandals and thought they appeared ungainly and large, they were most likely wearing a full size too big. Chaco that fits perfectly should cuddle your foot and, therefore, not add any kind of bulk at all.
Orthopedic Footbed Luvseat
For those who don’t know, Chaco sandals are manufactured with their proprietary Luvseat orthopedic insole that is American Podiatric Medical Association accredited. That seems to be the APMA discovered that the insole promotes excellent health for your feet.
When our team member started working at a shoe brand, she had a few local orthopedists who would send individuals there to get the right fit for Chaco sandals since they help with foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis and other commonly diagnosed foot problems.
The way Chacos’ orthotic insole cups the heel and reinforces the arch is why heel to ball calculation is really essential.
Your foot is made up of 33 joints and 26 bones, for those who don’t know. Several of these joints are particularly crucial to support in order to keep your foot steady and avoid the range of motion or awkward posture.
The Subtalar Joint
On a Chaco insole, the maximum height of the arch must aid the subtalar joint. Assume a line that runs directly through your foot, starting at the front of your ankle to see if it is whacking in the proper area.
The arch of the insole was trying to hit way too far away on your foot, which caused the size 8 might hurt your feet. The support was located right behind the subtalar joint rather than directly beneath it.
Heel Cup Design
Chaco’s heels are designed with a beautiful fat plate that acts as natural padding. The Chaco Luvseat insole cups your heel to optimize cushioning for all-day solace.
This is why choosing the correct width of Chaco sandals is critical. If the sandals are simply excessively wide, the heel will not be cradled, and the padding will be reduced. In addition, your heel might move from side to side, resulting in reduced consistency.
If the sandal is, on the other hand, excessively narrow, the heel would be uncomfy, as would the arch, and the webbing would also be too strict regardless of how much you alter them.
Another explanation you should try a wide Chaco sandals size is if your general heel to toe distance and foot length vary by a full size and the heel to toe distance is also smaller.
In fact, the wide Chaco sizes are slightly longer than the medium sizes without affecting the length of the arch. As such, if you have a size 8 heel to toe and a size 9 general foot length, then an 8 wide size might be the right fit for you. Just make sure your heel isn’t slipping around in the wide size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chaco sandals suitable for flat feet?
Definitely yes, Chaco sandals are suitable for flat feet. Because of the profound heel cup in the insole, which is what almost all individuals with flat feet require, Chaco sandals are also a great option for increased arch support. You may experience a few disadvantages at first because they require a long break-in period, which is up to 7 days. Afterward, you would become accustomed to them and experience incredible support and comfort.
What’s more, if you require added padding beneath your feet, we highly recommend the Z/cloud Chaco style, which has an additional 5 mm layer of PU padding in the midfoot that can deliver added support and impact resistance as well.
Is Chacos initially uncomfy?
Because of the rigid insoles and straps, Chacos may be incredibly uncomfy for first-time wearers. They necessitate a few break-in periods to beautifully alter the form of your foot. But don’t worry, as you would definitely feel incredible comfort and support when you’ve gotten used to them.
What is the major distinction between Chaco sandals for females and males?
As you might all know, females and males have extremely distinctive foot forms and body postures, which we discuss in another sizing guide. As a result, several female’s Chaco sandals, such as the ZX/2 and ZX/1 styles, are equipped with an nothingXnothing in their designs. The X indicates that they have two narrow elastic bands rather than a single piece of broad straps. Numerous ladies, in fact, prefer such designs because they have a lovely classy look and provide good foot support as well.
How do I know my Chaco size?
You can use the Chaco sizing chart to establish your Chaco size, which takes foot length, foot width, and arch length into account. The size chart is available on the Chaco online and in-store.
Does Chaco run true to size?
Chaco shoes are known to run true to size, however you should always check the size chart and measure your foot to guarantee the best fit possible.
How does Chaco fit?
Chaco shoes are meant to be snug and secure around the heel and instep. The straps may be adjusted to get a custom fit, and the footbed is meant to mould to your feet over time for increased comfort.
How do I get the perfect Chaco fit?
To acquire the best Chaco fit, first measure your feet using the Chaco sizing chart. While trying on shoes, make sure the straps are tight around the heel and instep. The footbed should be comfortable and provide proper arch support.
Can Chaco size vary by style?
Yes, Chaco size varies slightly depending on style, so check the size guide and measure your foot before purchasing. Certain models may also have varied strap arrangements, which might have an impact on fit.
Why are my Chacos uncomfortable?
Your Chacos could be unpleasant for a variety of reasons, including incorrect size, insufficient strap modifications, or an unsupportive footbed. It is critical to ensure that you have the correct size and that the straps are properly adjusted for a snug fit.
Should Chacos fit loose?
No, Chacos should not be too big. They’re made to be snug, with a secure fit around the heel and instep. Although the straps can be adjusted for a bespoke fit, the shoe should not be too loose or floppy.
Should you size up for Chacos?
Chacos should not be overly large. They’re designed to fit snugly around the heel and instep. The straps can be adjusted for a custom fit, however the shoe should not be overly loose or floppy.
Are Chacos bad for feet?
Chacos are not harmful for your feet. In fact, with a molded footbed and adjustable straps for a tailored fit, they are meant to give support and comfort for your feet. But, like with any footwear, it is critical to ensure that you have the correct size and that the shoes are properly fitted.
Which Chacos are most comfortable?
The most comfortable Chacos will be determined by your personal preferences and needs. Yet, popular comfort options include the Z/Cloud and Z/Cloud X2, which have a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps for a tailored fit.
