Chacos Vs. Tevas: Which Sandals Are Right for You?

For someone who was once a self-proclaimed sandal hater, I’ve sure gotten invested in the Chacos versus Tevas debate. Their flagship pairs, the Z/1 Classic Sandal and the Universal Original Sandal (respectively), look pretty darn similar at a glance: They’re both sporty hiking sandals with adjustable straps and a lovable crunchy aesthetic. (You didn’t live through the ’90s and ’00s if you didn’t know a supercool teen who wore Tevas and/or Chacos and could make a mean friendship bracelet.)

But look a little closer, and you’ll notice some key differences—ones that have spawned brand devotees who wouldn’t even consider crossing over to the other side. Given our love of supportive sandals, we decided it was time to test them both and see how they really compare.

Full disclosure: I’ve previously declared myself as a Chaco person on this very site, but this experiment opened my mind. It turns out, both pairs have their merits—and I’m glad to have each in my warm weather rotation this year. If you’re a fan of sandals (like I am now, apparently), it’s worth your time to consider Tevas and Chacos, rather than one or the other. The Z/1 may be my first love, as far as open-toed shoes go, but the Universal Original has a cozy place in my heart now as well.

For pure comfort

Our pick: Teva

One of the biggest differences between these sandals is their footbed. Where Chaco’s is firm and contoured, Teva’s is cushy and accommodating. If I go a long time without wearing my Chaco sandals, I usually have to strap them on a few times again before my soles adjust to the midsole.

Tevas basically come with a broken-in feel. There’s a lovely give to their footbed that makes walking on hard surfaces comfy and less jarring. But at the same time, my foot doesn’t feel swallowed by cushioning.

For arch support

Our pick: Chaco

It might not be marshmallow-soft, but Chaco’s footbed is a true savior for my flat feet. It features the brand’s Luvseat midsole, which is accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, meaning experts consider it a good design for foot health. Without the right support, my arches tend to collapse—but in the Z/1 Classics, they feel cradled and secure.

The arch support in Teva’s Universal Original Sandal is less pronounced. I could feel myself putting more weight on my midfoot while wearing them. But luckily I didn’t deal with any serious arch pain. For what it’s worth, people with high arches (who don’t need as much structure in their footwear) may prefer how this feels over the Luvseat.

For durability

Our pick: Chaco

The Chaco’s sole is thicker than the Teva’s (this style comes in two versions, the Midform and the Flatform, but for this article we only compared the OG). That makes it feel sturdier and more resistant to everyday wear and tear. Maybe I have heavy feet (according to my live-in boyfriend, this is definitely the case), but I noticed some thinning in the forefoot of my Universal Originals after my first few weeks with them.