Do you require a pair of fashionable sandals for wearing in or around water, or do you want a pair of durable shoes for hiking and other outdoor activities?
These are the most important questions you have to ask yourself before getting a pair of Chaco or Olukai as both companies offer a wide range of different models for all kinds of uses.
However, the market is dominated by the hype of Olukai and Chaco, so in this article, I will help you decide which one you should choose according to your preferences.
Comparison Table Between Olukai And Chaco:
| Olukai | Chaco |
|---|---|
| Founded in 2005 | Founded in 1989 |
| Popular | More Popular |
| Lightweight | Heavy, Bulky |
| Good for every foot type | Good for high arches |
| For outdoor activities | For water and outdoor activities |
| Water-repellent | Reliable to wear in water |
| Subtle and Modest | Colorful and Vibrant |
| Athletic options | Offers Neutral running shoes |
| Short Break-in time | Long break-in period |
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 OluKai:
Since its beginning, it has always been a priority for Olukai to fulfill the company’s original mission which is to “make footwear that blends durability for the ocean lifestyle, waterman, and a brand that has strong values and roots with comfort, style, and craftsmanship.”
The brand was founded in 2005 by Bill Worthington and his business partner Matt Till, who intended to design a multifunctional pair of sandals as flip-flops grew in popularity.
The shoes are designed to be casual, supportive, and comfortable while being attractive enough for daily wear.
With their super soft genuine shearling-wrapped upper and straps, the Kpe’a Heu Sandals are a top seller among women and consistently receive excellent reviews.
The brand is also connected to the history of Hawaii and embraces the meaning of Ohana and Aloha. The company even gives its products Hawaiian names, including terms from the Hawaiian language.
It is a Certified B Corporation that has always prioritized sustainability by designing products to last a lifetime and minimizing its carbon footprint.
In the belief of giving back to the community, the brand formed the Ama OluKai Foundation, which provides financial support to organizations committed to preserving Hawaiian heritage and culture.
In this way, the company produces high-quality shoes while staying true to the values that have been passed down through Hawaiian generations.
Major Differences between the Brands:
We will examine different aspects of each brand to determine where they perform better and where they may fall short. Keep on reading!
1) Comfort:
The brands I am comparing in this article use only the best quality materials, which makes their footwear quite comfortable.
Chaco footwear is crafted from superior full-grain leather and features a cushioned footbed, as well as a high arch and a stronger midsole for maximum comfort, these shoes will be the best bet for people who have high arches.
In addition, wearing Chacos may help with better body alignment that reduces heel and ankle pain, and the discomfort associated with many foot-related issues.
Furthermore, if you have a different foot type then you may face blisters on the bottom of the foot meaning that their footwear needs far more time to become more comfortable, to avoid initial discomfort, the brand recommends breaking in new sandals slowly.
Conversely, Olukai shoes require a relatively short break-in period, as the leather softens and the footbed conforms to the foot’s contours after a few days.
The “Wet Sand Principle,” which is part of the brand’s manufacturing process, is meant to make these shoes feel like walking barefoot on wet sand. No matter what shape your foot is, with their cushioned insole and arch support, your feet will feel great all day.
The ergonomically shaped footbed cushions the arch of the foot without making the shoe too heavy so these are an outstanding choice for people who want comfortable yet lightweight pair of shoes.
2) Popularity:
Chacos are a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, those prone to foot problems, and travelers. Many Chaco footwear models have been granted the Seal of Approval by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
Moreover, publications such as “Business Insider, The Rolling Stone, and Travel + Leisure” have appreciated Chacos in a variety of their news and publications.
On the other hand, Olukai shoes are popular among travel freaks who love exploring different places. The brand formally established its business operations by becoming a Certified B-Corporation in January 2014.
Forbes and other well-known media publications have featured the brand’s eco-friendly footwear, also, OluKai received “Breakthrough Brand of the Year” at the SIMA Image Awards.
3) Target Market:
Olukai is targeted at men and women who are aged 21 to almost 35 in search of practical, comfortable, and activity shoes for the outdoors.
Whereas, Chaco primarily markets to males and females presumably living in North America in their twenties and thirties who like activities such as kayaking, hiking, and rafting.
4) Price:
The average price for Chaco and Olukai roughly starts from $50 to almost $170. Both shoe brands have an almost similar price range, Boots and sneakers cost more than slippers and sandals depending on the model of shoes. So when you’re considering Chacos vs. Olukai, price doesn’t matter.
5) Design:
All OluKai products are designed with a barefoot sensibility to feel smooth and comfortable when worn without socks. Due to their popularity in Hawaiian culture, the ocean lifestyle design features an easy on-off construction with most closed-toe and slipper styles including a drop-in heel that enables the heel to fold down and be stepped on easily.
To simulate the feel of walking barefoot in wet sand, the insoles of their shoes are shaped like a cupped heel and include a cushioned underfoot area that matches the arch. They also allow the toes to spread naturally, much as in the sand.
In addition to beach town shoes and upcountry boots, their water and beach sandals are built to perform well in and around wet situations, as they repel water and dry rapidly, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable throughout the day, whereas the brand’s other offering is perfect for jogging, hiking, beach walking, and any other outdoor activity.
On the other hand, Chacos appear that they are made for outdoor use. Most of their shoes look and feel bigger and bulkier, with more zigzag straps and a rugged look.
Moreover, Chacos sandals were first made for water sports, so the rigid footbed and extra strap over the big toe hold your foot from sliding around inside the shoe, even when it’s slightly damp.
The thicker padding on the sole also makes their sandals perfect for hiking because it keeps your feet from feeling rocks and sticks on the trail but if you want to go for longer hikes consider their boots styles. Since they feature straps, they are great for water sports like rafting, kayaking, and other aquatic activities.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
So it’s a difficult call to choose one over the other, it is important to figure out what you want from your outdoor shoes and their intended use, nonetheless, you cannot go wrong with either option.
Olukai, in my opinion, is a better choice for people desiring lightweight shoes that will support and protect their feet, particularly their toes, during extended travel, hikes, and other activities.
You can choose Chaco if you have high arches and need footwear for water use or while hiking in colder places as they dry faster than Olukai.
