This is the ultimate guide on how to adjust Chaco straps. Whether your Chacos are stuck, hard to adjust, or simply too tight, you’ll learn everything you’ll need to get the perfect fit.
How to adjust Chaco straps with toe loop
- First, loosen up. Hold the buckle and pull it away from the sandal.
- Hold the top strap and pull it away from the sandal.
- Hold the toe strap and pull it away from the sandal.
- Lastly, hold the lower strap and pull it away from the sandal.
- Now that it’s loose, insert your foot into the sandal.
- It’s time to tighten up.
- Hold the toe strap and pull it in the opposite direction you loosened it.
- Hold the top strap and pull it in the opposite direction you loosened it.
- Hold the buckle and pull it in the opposite direction you loosened it.
- Buckle down and you’re ready to go.
How to adjust Chaco straps without toe loop
- First, loosen up. Hold the buckle and pull it away from the sandal.
- Hold the top strap and pull it away from the sandal.
- Lastly, hold the lower strap and pull it away from the sandal.
- Now that it’s loose, insert your foot into the sandal.
- It’s time to tighten up.
- Hold the top strap and pull it in the opposite direction you loosened it.
- Hold the buckle and pull it in the opposite direction you loosened it.
- Buckle down and you’re ready to go.
Adjusting Chaco sandals for comfort
The trick with Chacos is to fiddle around with the straps until they fit in the right place.
The cool thing about Chacos is that the strap goes all the way through the shoe. It’s one long strap looping around the foot through the sole of the shoe.
I’ve seen one cut apart and I think it’s very cool. This is also the reason why I think Chaco sandals are infinitely superior to Teva sandals. It’s my personal opinion, anyway.
Here’s a trick for you if you’re wearing the Chacos without the toe strap:
Tug on the strap to make the toe strap flatten against the shoe if there’s an instance where you don’t want it (like if you were going to wear socks, which you would never ever do, of course).
Anyway, I think Chacos are fantastic because if you tinker with them until they fit, they will fit anyone (as long as the arch is in the right spot, which it sounds like yours is, finally).
Another thing to do is get them good and wet. Wear them in the shower if you don’t have a beach, river, or lake nearby. This is to soften up the straps so you don’t get a blister.
Why are Chacos so tight (keep tightening when you walk)
One of the main issues with Chaco sandals with toe loops is they keep tightening as you walk, especially around the toe strap. I notice after 10 minutes it can cut off circulation to my big toe.
If you’re wearing the toe loop design, make sure the toe strap is loose enough to fit two fingers. Any tighter than that, and it can cause some bad circulation to your toes.
Although the toe straps can feel restricting, I wanted them for hiking. In the case of hiking, this kept the sandal closer and more attached to my feet, even when going downhill.
If you dislike having your toe restricted, this is not the sandal for you. You’d have a much better time wearing Chacos fitted with straps that do not have a toe loop.
What to do if Chaco straps are stuck (hard to adjust)
Well-loved Chaco sandals can accumulate dirt and debris, especially inside the channels where the straps enter and exit the midsole. It can cause an unpleasant odor if left untreated.
If your Chaco straps are stuck, soak them overnight in warm water. If they’re still stuck, spray fabric softener into the slot for each strap. Clean up any overspray and get ready to pull.
Pull the straps back and forth through their channels to clear any excess debris. Air-dry your Chaco sandals and get ready to get back outside for your next adventure.
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