Widely known for their adjustable z-strap sandals, Chacos might surprise you when it comes to their latest men’s footwear line.
Founded in 1989 by Mark Paigen, a whitewater rafting and fly fishing guide, the company has been around for just about thirty years now.
And if you’re wondering where the name Chacos comes from, the answer is rather simple: The Chaco Culture National Park.
A while ago I was introduced to their latest men’s boots at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market and discovered they had a nice footwear line beyond the iconic sandals. After seeing the Dixon High, Teton and Monrose in person, I just had to give them all a try on. And so I did.
Below, you’ll find my Chaco footwear review alongside my impressions of wearing each pair.
Quick Highlights:
Men’s Dixon High
– Breathable form-fitting inner mesh bootie
– Full-grain waterproof and salt-repelling Snowplow leather upper
– Round polyester laces
– Biomechanically designed and molded upper
– APMA certified Chaco LUVSEAT midsole eliminates footbed
– Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber compound outsole
– Outsole with 2mm lug depth
– All-day comfort and support certified by podiatrists
– Available in java and black color options
Men’s Teton
– Moc-toe style detailing
– Waxed canvas and water-resistant full-grain leather upper construction
– Comfortable padded collar
– Pigskin leather and canvas lining
– Metal hook and lacing eyelet for secured waxed cotton laces
– Male specific, removable LUVSEAT PU footbed
– Non-marking ChacoGrip full rubber block outsole
– Skid-resistant tread design
Men’s Montrose
– Available in java and nickel grey color options
– Mid-height boot with stylish new take on classic chukka silhouette
– 75% natural rubber compound outsole
– Non-marking crepe-inspired outsole
– Removable, knit-lined LUVSEAT PU footbed
– Jacquard webbing rear stripe
– Waxed cotton laces with contrasting lace loop eyelets
– Full-grain leather upper construction
Java Men’s Chaco Montrose Chukka Boots Review
The men’s Chaco Montrose shoe is undoubtedly better suited for the office or paved streets, however, it still fared nicely outdoors during our field test. Upon putting on my first pair, I enjoyed how comfortable knit-lined LUIVSEAT PUF footbed felt alongside the mid-height profile.
The full-grain leather upper construction and finer details like the waxed cotton laces and jacquard webbing rear stripe, give this modern chukka style a sharp look. For weekend dates, days spent at the office, and so on, this shoe offers plenty of handsome charm.
Java Men’s Chaco Dixon High Boots Review
With a slightly taller profile than the Montrose shoe above, the Chaco men’s Dixon High features a more rugged, cold-weather inspired design. Each pair comes with a beautiful full-grain leather upper that’s not only waterproof but also arrives with a salt-repelling Snowplow addition.
For anyone who’s ever walked a city street after a storm, you know one thing is true: Salt is everywhere, and it stains everything. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had not only shoes but jeans take on a white haze after just strolling around for a block or two. Luckily, Chaco has things covered with their Dixon High boot.
When it comes to comfort, these boots are wonderfully supportive. The form-fitting inner mesh bootie is indeed foot-hugging, yet, plenty breathable to keep any unwanted moisture build up at bay. The unique biomechanically designed and molded upper alongside the APMA certified Chaco LUVSEAT midsole (which eliminates the footbed), is a unique take that I found pleasantly comfortable. After wearing a pair around, I can see why podiatrists certify them for all-day comfort and support.
To finish off the attractive look, you’ll find round polyester laces and an outsole with a 2mm lug depth for enhanced traction.
Otter Men’s Chaco Teton Boots Review
For those who would rather spend their weekends outdoors than indoors, the Chaco men’s Teton boot is rather dreamy. The moc-toe style exterior features a nice waxed canvas and water-resistant full-grain leather upper. You’ll also find metal hooks, lacing eyelets, and waxed cotton laces for achieving the perfect fit.
While hiking in the Teton, the padded collar and pigskin leather/canvas lining was a wonderfully comfortable touch. The removable LUVSEAT PU footbed which was designed to be male-specific, kept my feet feeling great with every step.
For traction, these men’s boots didn’t have an overly aggressive sole pattern or deep lug depth, yet, they still performed exceptionally well on everything from rock to snow. With the skid-resistant tread design and non-marking ChacoGrip full rubber block outsole, these boots feature an excellent level of grip perfect for multi-terrain on and off-road adventures.
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