It can be hard to decide which brand of sandals to buy when comparing Teva vs Chaco, especially when they both have their own unique benefits.
Chaco and Teva are both well-known brands of sandals, but which one should you choose? They both have their pros and cons, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
We hope this guide will help you make a decision about choosing Teva vs Chaco.
Teva Vs Chaco: 5 Key Differences
Although there are a few similarities when looking at Chacos or Tevas, there are just as many things that set the two iconic sandal brands apart from each other.
Here are the most important distinctions to keep in mind when comparing Teva sandals vs Chacos.
Related: Are hiking sandals worth it?
Strap Design
The main difference between Chaco vs Teva sandals is the strap design.
Chaco Strap Design
Chaco Sandal straps feature a criss-cross pattern made of one long strap and often buckle closed, giving the foot a “surrounded” feel.
You can adjust Chaco sandals by pulling different areas of the strap to dial in the fit perfectly.
The straps are made from polyester jacquard webbing which dries quickly and doesn’t absorb much water, making them great for use in wet conditions.
Teva Strap Design
The straps on Teva sandals use Velcro to adjust the fit and focus on supporting your ankles, sides, and tops of your feet.
The straps are made of a polyester and nylon blend and are also quick-drying and great for use in water, just like the straps on Chaco sandals.
Footbed Feel And Materials
It’s very important to consider the feeling you want when deciding between Teva versus Chaco sandals.
Teva sandals often feature footbeds that feel cushioned and soft, with a smooth platform that your foot rests upon.
Teva uses EVA foam which is flexible and lightweight, giving them a bouncy and cushioned feel.
Chaco sandals usually have a textured footbed that will give your foot more grip and will help shed water faster beneath your foot while wearing them.
Chacos are made from polyurethane foam which has a little more weight and bounce to it versus Tevas.
If you are planning on going on long hikes or have sweaty feet Chacos will be better for you here.
Arch Support And Midsole
If you’re trying to decide between Chacos or Tevas you’ll definitely want to pay attention to how each brand contours to your foot and supports them.
Teva sandals have lower arches for more of a natural or barefoot feel, making them better for people with flat feet.
Chaco sandals have higher arches with a bit more material at the heel versus Tevas, making them better for people with high arches on their feet.
Outsole Pattern
Teva vs Chaco outsoles offer slightly different designs, but they’re both similar in terms of offering grippy outsoles that give great traction.
Both brands of sandals are good for wet and dry conditions and smooth or rocky surfaces.
Overall Weight
Both Chacos or Tevas are lightweight active sandals that each weigh less than 1.5 lbs a pair.
A pair of Tevas are about 1.2 ounces lighter than Chacos, but this weight difference is insignificant.
Price
Overall, Chaco sandals are about 50 percent more expensive than Tevas, making Tevas a good choice for anyone on a tight budget.
Chacos Or Tevas: Warranty Differences
The price difference on Chaco vs Teva is where things start to make a lot of sense for a long-term buy, as this is reflected in the warranty.
Teva Warranty
Teva offers a limited one-year warranty for manufacturer defects only.
Teva strictly offers exchange or purchase credit and does not perform repairs.
Chaco Warranty
Chaco offers a lifetime ReChaco repair warranty that covers repairs on materials and craftsmanship, making these sandals really go the distance.
Chaco’s warranty outshines Teva’s by a mile.
Are Tevas Or Chacos Better For Hiking?
So, who’s the winner when it comes to Chaco vs Teva for hiking?
Chaco sandals are better than Teva for hiking thanks to their adjustability, thicker soles, and non-slip footbed.
The highly adjustable straps on Chacos allow you to really get the fit dialed in, preventing hot spots and blisters on hikes.
Teva sandals are good for watersports, beach use, and everyday walking around town or running errands, but Chacos outperform Tevas on the trail.
For more information, check out our guide: are Chacos good for hiking?
Teva Vs Chaco: Wrapping Things Up
When it comes to choosing Chacos or Tevas, it’s important to understand the main differences in each sandal as well as what you’ll be using them for.
In a nutshell, Chacos have straps that are a bit more complicated, but offer a better fit and firmer materials that make them better for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Teva sandals are supremely comfortable, cheaper than Chacos, and are great for everyday use.
Did you choose Chacos or Tevas for your everyday activity sandals? Let us know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other guides to hiking footwear:
- Hiking with Crocs
- Hunting Boots vs Hiking Boots
- The Best Vegan Hiking Boots For Men & Women
- The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots and Minimalist Hiking Boots
- The Best Hiking Boots For Flat Feet
- How Long Do Hiking Boots Last?
- The Best Steel Toe Hiking Boots
- The Best Mens Hiking Boots Under $100
- The Best Womens Hiking Boots Under $100