Chaco Z/Volv 2 Review

The Z/Volv 2 earns a Notable mention in our review as one of the top-performing sandals. Although it doesn't stand out in any one rating metric, it provides consistent dependability with no apparent weaknesses. The Z/Volv combines everything Chaco users love into a lighter package, with the same familiar solid construction, excellent stability and security, and good traction. While some testers note that the pull-through strap system can be a little tedious to adjust, this certainly isn't a deal-breaker and is part of what gives Chacos its unique fit and quality performance.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Z/Volv 2 earns solid scores for comfort, with a 'LoveSeat PU' 3-D contoured footbed with plenty of arch support and an intricate webbing strap system that keeps the foot securely locked in place. This footbed and strap system work well together to maintain a comfortable footstrike across a wide variety of terrain and conditions. The pull-through webbing strap system allows for a snug and comfortable fit, though one tester experienced some rubbing from the toe loop before the shoes were fully broken in.

While the firm footbed material isn't quite as comfortable as some other models with cushier footbeds, we were pleased that our feet stayed comfortably locked in and well-planted through wet, muddy, and sandy conditions.

Traction

The Z/Volv 2 scores well in the traction rating metric. While Chacos “non-marking EcoTread” soles don't have the raw gripping power of the Vibram outsoles on some competitor sandals, we didn't find any situations where this held us back. These guys performed admirably, from mossy creekbeds to dusty trails or sandy beaches to slimy stairways.

We believe that a sandal's stability, traction, and overall comfort are interdependent and that a product can't perform highly in one of these categories if there are any glaring weaknesses in another. That's where these sandals shine. The pull-through webbing strap system keeps the foot securely planted to the contoured footbed, and the EcoTred outsole keeps the foot firmly planted on the ground, making for a comfortable experience. Without any of these individual pieces, the overall performance of the sandal wouldn't be the same.

Stability

It's no surprise that this product also earns very high marks for stability, with its contoured footbed and intricate, supportive strap system. Our feet felt very stable and secure on rocky terrain and uphill, downhill, or sidehill slopes. The way the straps, footbed, and soles work together is comfortable and confidence-inspiring.

Adjustability

The Z/Volv 2 again lands near the top of the pack of our adjustability ratings with the pull-through webbing system that allows for a very customizable fit. The entire strap system is made from one interconnected piece of webbing material hidden within the footbed. To adjust one of the straps, you pull some slack through the footbed to tighten or loosen as needed. This system can take a little getting used to, but the Chaco website has a user-friendly tutorial to help you out.

While the pull-through strap system allows nearly unending adjustability, some of our users found it a little challenging to find and maintain the perfect fit. If you want to adjust one strap on the sandal, you may have to adjust them all since you are pulling the slack from the other sections of the interconnected webbing. While this isn't a deal-breaker, it is more difficult to get the sandals on and off quickly or make on-the-fly adjustments.

Versatility

As you might expect by now, the Z/Volv 2 is again one of the top scorers for versatility. The overall comfort, stability, and reasonably low weight mean that there aren't many places this sandal can't go. From beach walks, to hikes, to watersports, to cruising around town, Chaco has you covered with these sandals.

Should You Buy the Chaco Z/Volv 2?

The Chaco Z/Volv 2 is a dependable, sturdy workhorse of a sandal that doesn't have any significant weaknesses and performs highly in nearly every rating metric. If you're a Chaco fan looking to upgrade, you'll appreciate the 20% lower weight compared to older models. We don't think you can go wrong with this sandal. At the higher end of the price spectrum, these Chacos certainly aren't cheap. But with top-notch materials and construction and excellent all-around performance, we would expect them to hold up quite well through the years, making them a solid value if you intend to use them for a while.

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?

The Chaco is a great all-around sandal that performed well in most tests. However, if you want the best traction with comfort, the Bedrock Cairn Adventure is a flip slop adventure sandal worthy of a look. This high-ranking sandal is highly adjustable and versatile. While it lacks some of the stability of the Chaco, we think most users will find the impressive traction somewhat makes up for this problem and the ability to shift the foot to dislodge pebbles easily is worth the few extra dollars and decreased stability. If you want a more comfortable sandal, the ECCO Yucatan is the better choice with soft straps that hold the foot.