Lighten Up Your Steps with Chaco’s New CushZ Sandal

Chaco, the beloved outdoor footwear brand known for its performance sandals, has introduced its latest innovation: the CushZ Sandal. Engineered for those who cherish comfort, sustainability, and lightweight performance, the CushZ promises to revolutionize your casual footwear game.

“We’ve made it our mission to create footwear that is adaptable and made to last a lifetime, enabling Chaco Nation to channel their inner adventurer,” said Chaco, Senior Brand Director Jon Golub. “The CushZ embodies this spirit, offering unparalleled comfort, cushioning and sustainability for all of life’s adventures. Once you slip this on, your feet will feel an instant relief and keep you comfortable all day long. Now, consumers have a lighter Chaco to bring along wherever life may take them.”

The CushZ is perfect for everyday activities like dog walks, weekend escapes, and farmers’ markets. Weighing in at just half the weight of the Z/1 Classic, these sandals are crafted for a featherlight feel that ensures ease of movement and pampers your feet with a gentle touch.

He added: “We designed the CushZ to meet evolving consumer preferences as individuals are becoming more health-conscious, seeking shoes that provide proper support, cushioning and ergonomic designs to promote foot health and overall well-being. It’s made for pure enjoyment as you lighten up life,” said Golub.

What is Chaco?

Chaco is a footwear brand, that was founded in 1989 by Mark Paigen, a white water rafting and fly fishing guide from Colorado. Paigen was driven by the need to create a sandal that would keep his feet dry under challenging conditions while providing exceptional foot support. This motivation led to the development of the first Chaco sandals, which featured a single, continuous strap and a buckle closure, as opposed to the more common Velcro system.

The original sandals were custom-made for clients, starting with an individual pair created for a customer on a three-day float trip. Paigen traced the customer’s feet and crafted the sandals for $30. These early prototypes included significant research and development, incorporating feedback and consulting a pedorthist to ensure optimal design and functionality.

By 1991, Paigen had moved production from his home to a small shop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The sandals gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, and the company name evolved from “Gecko” to “Chaco,” inspired by the Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Chaco’s unique Z-strap design allowed for a versatile fit without additional fastenings, making it especially suitable for various outdoor activities. These sandals quickly garnered an international reputation for durability and comfort, leading to an expansion in both market presence and product offerings. In 2009, Wolverine World Wide acquired Chaco, relocating its operations to Rockford, Michigan.

Key benefits of the CushZ include:

• Featherlight Build: At 50% less weight than the classic Z/Sandal, it’s a dream for tired feet.
• Cushioned Comfort: The ultra-comfortable footbed feels like walking on clouds, offering all-day pampering.
• Instant Relief: The padded mesh collar provides a super soft feel, perfect for those seeking foot relief.
• Eco-Conscious Design: Featuring REPREVE® webbing made from 100% recycled materials, the CushZ aligns with Chaco’s commitment to sustainability.

Available Now

Priced at $80, the CushZ is available for purchase at chacos.com and is certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association, underscoring its commitment to both comfort and health. Chaco continues to embody the spirit of adventure, so channel your inner explorer and slip into the all-new CushZ Sandal.

Your feet will thank you!