If you are interested in buying sandals but cannot decide between Ecco and Chaco, you have come to the right article to make an informed choice.
Both of these manufacturers make versatile sandals, that require little maintenance, can get wet without being damaged, and don’t get stinky like other shoes, so they are great when you are engaging in an outdoor activity in a hot climate or hanging out on the beach.
But which one should you get? We are going to take a look at their difference, and all the nitty-gritty you need to know before making a purchase.
Comparison Table Between Chaco And Ecco Sandals:
Chaco | Ecco |
---|---|
Founded in 1989 | Founded in 1963 |
Long break-in period | Short to No Break-in time |
Feels heavy | Very light in weight |
Mostly True to size | Size can be run larger |
Better for high arches | Good for every foot type |
Adaptable to wear around water | Fully waterproof options |
Crisscrossing straps | Cushioned horizontal straps |
Rugged | Aesthetically good looking |
Overview of Chaco:
Chaco is an American footwear brand best recognized for its line of adjustable sandals designed for outdoor and aquatic use, commonly known as “Chacos.” In addition to sandals, the brand sells shoes, flip-flops, boots, and accessories that are intended for the outdoors.

In 1989, Mark Paigen, a guide for white water rafting and fly fishing, decided to make an outdoor sandal that would let his feet dry in the sun as he felt let down by the non-waterproof sandals he has worn throughout his rafting days.
His objective was to create footwear that offered good foot support for outdoor activities, so he made his first sandals out of synthetic material with a pull-through strap and a buckle then after customer feedback, Paigen asked for advice from a pedorthist on the structure of the shoe.
The sandal underwent many revisions before it was finally available for purchase. After that, a factory was set up in the nearby town of Paonia, Colorado, USA, and the company’s footwear quickly became a household name throughout the world.
The brand become more well-known for its one-of-a-kind “Z” sandal, which got its name from the Z-shaped toe loops that keep your feet and toes safe in any condition. Also, Z/1 Classic Sandal become their best seller as it offers unique features specific to outdoor terrains.
Chaco also claims that its shoes are made to last, which means that they are all sustainable and they offer their customers the “ReChaco program” in which they can send in their old Chacos to the brand to get them repaired.
Overview of Ecco:
Ecco is a Denmark-based company that is known for making comfortable footwear with high-quality materials and advanced technologies all over the world.
Birte and Karl Toosbuy two brothers came up with the idea for ECCO in April 1963. In 1996, ECCO opened a center in Denmark called “Futura” to do research and design work, then launched its first big store on Oxford Street in London, England, in 1998.
By the year 2000, Ecco was proud of being the only shoe manufacturer to operate its own production tanneries and retail locations. This enables the brand to maintain complete supervision over the manufacturing process and product standards.
The brand has been at the forefront of casual and outdoor shoe design for many years, and its long-term partnership with Gore-Tex has led to some of its all-time favorite shoes including a top-rated model Ecco Men’s Track 25 Moc GTX Shoe.
Furthermore, Ecco promises to provide a huge variety of high-end footwear and handcrafted leather items without sacrificing quality. If you’re seeking trendy everyday footwear or something special for a particular occasion, the brand claims to have it all.
Today, it manufactures and distributed its footwear in over 99 countries and can be purchased from more than 2000 different retail outlets.
Major Differences between the Brands:
Now you got an idea about these brands, here is a detailed comparison that will let you easily decide which sandals are better for you.
1) Comfort:
When it comes to fashionable and comfy sandals, you will get everything you want from the stylish options of Ecco. The company has spent decades providing high degrees of motion comfort in its sandals and other footwear.
Over the years their approach to direct injection technique has evolved into the unique “FLUIDFORM Innovation” that they used in their sandals. In this technology, a “state change” method is used to form specialized fluid materials around an anatomical last, ensuring a precisely measured balance of cushioning and flex while providing personalized comfort and support where it is most required.
In addition, their sandals feature a lightweight, molded EVA footbed with a plush microfiber cover for ease of wear and stability.
Conversely, Chaco sandals are made of high-quality leather and have a cushioned heel, supportive arch, and a stronger midsole for maximum comfort.
Their footbed features Chaco’s LUVSEAT technology, a dense polyurethane foam that is firmer, more resilient, and has a longer-lasting rebound. Also, it is perfectly contoured, making it ideal for people with normal to high arches.
Additionally, wearing Chacos may improve body alignment, thereby reducing heel and ankle pain, as well as the discomfort associated with many foot-related conditions.
On the other side, if you have a different foot type, you may experience blisters on the sole of your foot, which means that their footwear takes much longer to become comfortable. To avoid initial discomfort, the brand suggests breaking in new sandals gradually.
2) Popularity:
Chacos are a popular choice among travelers, those susceptible to foot problems, and outdoor enthusiasts. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded its Seal of Approval to multiple Chaco shoes.
In addition, publications including “Business Insider, The Rolling Stone, and Travel + Leisure” have complimented Chacos in a variety of publications.
On the other hand, those with an active lifestyle, such as players, travelers, and athletes favored wearing Ecco footwear. Thomas Bjorn, Henrik Stenson, Fred Couples, Erik van Rooyen, and Lydia Ko are among the golfers who have become well-known brand ambassadors for the brand.
In addition to receiving “The Green Imprint Award at the eighth annual ELLE Style Awards,” Ecco Outdoor also wins the 2021 German Design Award.
3) Target Market:
Ecco makes shoes for a wide range of customers, from those who wear them for fun to professional athletes and sportsmen. Its main audience is upper-middle-class men and women between the ages of 16 and 30.
The brand also believes that most of its customers are from China and the majority of its sales are made in that country.
Alternately, Chaco’s target demographic is made up of male and female customers in their twenties and thirties apparently from North America who enjoys outdoor sports.
4) Price:
The average price for Chaco sandals is roughly starting from $50 to almost $170 whereas Ecco footwear costs somewhere around $75 to $300 but you will find most Ecco sandals under $100-$150.
5) Design:
Chaco has an extensive collection of footwear suitable for outdoor activities like trekking, rafting, and kayaking including sandals, boots, and trainers. Most of their shoes appear and feel bigger and bulkier, with more zigzag straps and a rugged look. The finest part of its collection is that it is constructed to be resistant to moisture and damage, as well as versatile enough to use in a variety of settings.
As their footwear was originally made for water sports, the rigid footbed and extra support of straps on the toes keep your foot from sliding around inside the sandal, even when it’s a little moist.
You can also rely on Chaco sandals for hiking because of the extra cushioning on the sole, protecting your feet from pebbles and sticks, but if you’re looking to embark on a longer trip, you might want to look into their boots.
Alternately, Ecco sandals have Built-in arch and heel support to help maintain your feet’s natural alignment. Their soles offer flexibility and accommodate custom orthotics, making them an excellent option for anyone seeking a personalized fit.
Furthermore, The Receptor technology utilized in all of their sandals replicates human motion and increases stability and dynamic support for the foot, regardless of the terrain. So, instead of limiting the wearer’s range of motion, their footwear move along with the foot for more resilience.
These sandals also have a long-lasting construction, shock absorption properties, natural support, and plush comfort, all of which are the result of the company’s constant efforts to provide advanced innovations.
Lastly, their straps keep your foot in place, so whether you’re going around the town or hiking in the woods, you’ll be able to keep your balance.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
To get to the point, whether the ground is wet or dry, flat or hilly, ECCO sandals give you high performance from the heel to the toe, helping you conquer any outdoor task.
Whereas if you were looking for a pair of shoes for water activities like kayaking or hiking on a damp surface, I would recommend Chacos without a doubt.
Moreover, Ecco owns its entire production line and retail facilities, so they have complete control over the quality of its shoes and materials, so they are a premium option for men and women seeking comfortable sandals.
Beyond their intended use and other benefits, you should consider what strap style will feel best on your foot. Chacos have crisscrossing straps while ECCO sandals have more padded horizontal straps to eliminate pressure points on the top and side of your foot.
Now, the final decision is ultimately yours, let us know which you think is superior for you.