The leading outdoor sandal brand calls on its creative community to craft the next legendary Z/1 webbing design and win fame plus a major cash award.
Chaco is once again turning outdoor style into an art form—and this time, the power is in the hands of #ChacoNation. The celebrated sandal company has unveiled Designapalooza, its biggest-ever fan-driven design competition, giving artists, fans, and storytellers of all backgrounds an opportunity to see their own webbing art featured on a limited-run Z/1 Classic. With a $5,000 prize and the promise of lasting fame in the Chaco story, the stakes are high and the possibilities as endless as a summer trail.
The Canvas Is Yours: From Iconic Straps to Sandal Fame
From August 19 through September 1, Chaco will accept original designs—hand-drawn, digital, textile, and beyond—for the next signature Z/1 Classic sandal strap. This isn’t just a style challenge; it’s a creative open call for those who love the outdoors, unique self-expression, and the idea that great design can literally take you places.
Artists, creators, and enthusiasts of all stripes are welcome—whether you’re a backcountry sketchbooker, a TikTok textile virtuoso, or simply someone with a story to express through color and pattern.
Rose Fulbright, Chaco Marketing Director, shared, “For years, we’ve seen ChacoNation use our straps to tell stories, rep their identities, and celebrate the outdoors. Now we’re handing over the design table to them. Designapalooza is a celebration of individuality and the creative spirit that defines Chaco. We can’t wait to see the stories our community brings to life.”
How It Works: Enter, Finalize, and Vote
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Entry Period: Submit your original design by September 1.
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Selection: Team Chaco will narrow entries to five standout finalists, who will then collaborate with Chaco designers to refine their vision—choosing everything from buckle color to thread detail.
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Vote: The whole #ChacoNation community will then vote for their favorite finalist via Instagram, deciding whose design becomes the next legendary strap.
The winning design will appear on a limited-edition Z/1 Classic run, and the designer will take home a $5,000 cash prize—plus bragging rights as a key part of Chaco’s creative legacy.
Why It Matters: From Wilderness to the World
Designapalooza brings the creative spirit of the outdoor community front and center. It’s more than a contest; it’s a platform for personal stories, cultural roots, and playful adventure to leave a physical mark on a product loved by hikers, travelers, and style-minded city explorers alike.
This initiative keeps with Chaco’s core mission: empowering customers to be co-creators, not just consumers, and showcasing the endless diversity and imagination alive in the outdoor world.
How to Enter
For submission guidelines, details, and full rules, visit chacos.com/US/en/designapaloooza/. Don’t forget to follow along and vote with the #ChacoNation family on Instagram.
As Designapalooza kicks off, Chaco is inviting everyone—from aspiring designers to passionate hikers—to help shape what comes next. The trail to iconic style starts with a single idea, and this season, it could be yours.
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