The Chaco Experience

Footwear of choice for any and every adventure

The day I first set foot in a pair of Chaco sandals it was love at first sight. The security and support paired with freedom and agility was something my feet had never felt before. Indeed, Chaco doesn't mess around- Vibram soles, durable webbing that allows you to personalize the fit, AND a lifetime warranty that comes with repair services. 

Since that day, I've brought my Chacos along on adventures like a man brings his golden retriever on a hike. They have carried me through hiking, kayaking, rafting, camping, bouldering, swimming, caving, and- wait for it- paragliding. My Chaco storybook is overflowing with beautiful views, adrenaline rushes, and courageous moments, as well as everyday walks to class and afternoons in the park. But the story is not without tragedy. I lost my first, beloved, pair of Chacos in the sand of Bandon Beach after a wind storm buried them alive. Then my second pair suffered an injury while in France that Chaco Repair gladly fixed for free. 

You might ask why I talk about my Chacos with such ridiculous emotional attachment. The answer is because they carry so many memories of adventures past.

Here are some of those memories:

Wicklow Way, Ireland: Emily Rickards and I did a 6-day backpacking trip through the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland. My Chacos met lots of sheep poop and lush green grass, and gave me the support I needed to haul my heavy pack.

*Blisters happen, especially during backpacking trips. I use zinc oxide tape- it works wonders.

Grizzly Peak, Oregon: It's one of my favorite hikes in Southern Oregon. I sported sacos (Chacos with socks) in this photo, a trend easily pulled off with just a little Chaco pride. 

Les Calanques, France: On this camping trip I kayaked, bouldered, swam, and hiked in my Chacos. Couldn't have done it without them.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland: I sat on those cliffs for 5 hours, simply taking it all in. 

Niederhorn, Switzerland: My Swiss friend Rachel Wüthrich took me up a mountain that overlooked Interlaken. It was a rugged climb, with several vertical ladders, but I was grateful to have my Chacos.

Mt. Ashland, Oregon: Nothing else I'd rather wear.

Chartreuse Mountains, France: A steep, steep trail led us to a breathtaking view of the French Alps.

Castle Crags, California: Kelli Alcantara and I rocked our Chacos that day. There is so much bouldering to be done around the crags that, naturally, Chacos were our footwear of choice.

Discovery Park, Washington: Good for the hike to the beach, good for the beach.

Grayson Highlands, Virginia: My family and I took a hike here just before my brother's college graduation.

                         

Pilot Rock, Oregon: A 360° view of the State of Jefferson. The trail ends at the base of Pilot Rock and you have to boulder up to the top. I once had to do this hike without my Chacos- never again.

Belledonne Mountains, France: This was taken minutes before I took flight in an aerial adventure I will never forget. All of the French guides kept asking me what the (insert French swear word) I was wearing. Obviously the Chaco Spirit has yet to cross the Atlantic Ocean. But I did it, you guys. I paraglided in my Chacos.