How to Break in Chacos Fast? [4 Step Guide]

Whenever you are hiking in summer, there is a decision you need to make – do you want to hike in regular hiking boots, or do you want to switch to hiking sandals? Hiking sandals are perfect because they give you enough comfort and protection but do not make your feet sweat during the trip. This is why I think you need to give them a shot.

Start by looking into Chacos! This is a famous brand that makes not only sandals but other hiking gear as well. They have quality, affordable designs for everyone’s taste. Considering how many different sandal models they offer, I do not doubt that everyone would be able to find a pair they like, including you!

So, if you want to get some Chacos and try them, I say go for it! But do not, under no circumstance, hit the trail without breaking the Chacos in. To break them in fast, there are a few things that you can do. So, continue ready to find out what those things are!

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Breaking in New Chacos

Breaking in New Chacos? Here is a Step-By-Step Guide

Breaking in your Chacos is essential. You should not even think about going to hiking trails without wearing your new Chacos for at least some time. Otherwise, you risk getting a lot of blisters and even making your feet tired. But do not worry, there are a few things that you can do to make things better.

To break in Chacos, there are four things you need to do. If you do these things, your Chacos will be ready for the hiking trails in a few days. So, let’s see what you need to do before your next trip:

Step 1 – Find the perfect fit

The first thing to do when you want to break in Chacos fast is to make sure that the sandals you have fit perfectly. If they do not, then you are in for a few problems. Even a half-size larger or smaller sandal can cause you problems.

I want to say that the sandals need to be the right size for your feet. This refers more to the sole because the straps are adjustable. So, measure your feet and compare the numbers with the sole size. That way, you can tell if the fit is good.

The best way to measure your feet is to stand on a blank piece of paper. Let someone help you and outline your feet for you. This will help you get accurate numbers for the length and the width of the feet. Do not be surprised if there is a small variation between the numbers – it is normal for a person's feet to have different sizes!

It would be best to start breaking them in only once you know you have the right sandals. Otherwise, it would be smart to invest in new sandals, meaning a pair of Chacos suitable for feet your size!

Step 2 – Adjust the straps    

 The second thing to do when you want to break in Chacos fast is to make sure to adjust the straps and have them wrap around your foot nicely. You should not use the sandals as they come from the box; you should do your best to make them fit your feet.

Before walking around in the sandals, take a closer look at them. Do they have a toe loop for the big toe or not? How many separate straps do they have? How are the straps connected, and how can you adjust them? Things are not as easy as they may seem.

The thing about Chaco straps is that they are quality straps with good buckles. They give great arch support, which is why so many people decide to go with Chaco sandals over all other brands. To get the most from the straps, you need to adjust them not too tight but also not too loose.

First, loosen the buckle, go for the strap that wraps around the toes, then move your way to the toe loop if there is one. Finally, loosen the strap that goes from the toes to your ankle. Put your foot in the sandal and start fitting the straps, beginning from the toe strap.

After adjusting the other two straps, buckle the sandals and start walking. Do not worry if all this seems long and complex – after doing it a few times, I do not doubt you will master it!

Step 3 – Start with short trips

 Once you are done adjusting, you can start with the actual breaking in of the sandals. Put on your pair of Chacos and start walking around in them. If you have the time, consider taking them for a short walk. Otherwise, you can also walk with them around your home.

If you feel that the sandals are causing you too much pain during the first few days, add a pair of socks under them. The socks will help provide comfort while your feet adjust to the straps.

Another thing I want to mention is that you should not overdo it. Start by walking around in the sandals for a few hours every day. Gradually increase the time you spend wearing them. Once you are certain the sandals are not causing you any problems in a couple of weeks, you can go on a hiking or backpacking trip with them.

Step 4 – Add some Band-Aid

It is typical for new sandals or shoes to cause some blistering in the beginning. As you break in your Chaco sandals, you might get blistering on the bottom of your foot. If that happens, consider adding some Band-Aid over the blistering to prevent it from getting any worse.

This is why I recommend using a pair of socks for the breaking-in. You can always throw the socks away once you break the sandals in. But to break in Chacos fast, you should consider using items that help protect the feet.

Should Chacos Be Tight or Loose?

Chacos have some of the best sandals, not because they have great designs, but because they are very comfortable. After you break them in, you can wear them whenever and wherever you want. But the sandals need to fit you well and should be adjusted according to your foot.

When you get your Chacos, the straps can come too tight or loose. This will cause you problems or make your feet uncomfortable. To solve the problem without much trouble, try to adjust the straps. They should not be too tight or loose – finding the balance between them is key!

So, do whatever is needed to make yourself comfortable. I recommend leaning more on the loose side because having looser straps is better than having too-tight straps. The former will still keep your foot comfortable, whereas the latter will cut blood flow to the foot, which is a big no-no.

To avoid having any smaller or bigger issues, adjust all Chaco straps, add protection to any area prone to blistering, wear your sandals in, and you will be good to go. Once you try hiking with these sandals, you will never want to return to regular hiking shoes, and I mean that! 

Do Chacos Give You Blisters?

 As I have mentioned several times, Chacos can sometimes cause blistering. This is not common and usually happens only during the break-in period. Once you break in Chacos, they will not cause you any trouble, which is why I stress how important it is to break them in!

Chaco sandals take a while to break in. It is not like you can wear them once for a few hours and have them ready. You can try taking them to a trail immediately after buying them, but you will find blisters forming on the bottom of your foot too soon.

So, take the time and break in Chacos before taking them on a hiking trail. Even if the sandals fit perfectly, you still need to do this. As long as there is blistering, there is a need for further breaking in. If the blistering disappears and there is no more pain, your Chaco sandals are ready for the trail!

Make sure to follow the breaking-in tips given in the step-by-step guide above. They will help speed up the process and prepare the trail's sandals. Trust me, you will not regret following the steps!

Wrap-Up

Chacos have some of the best sandals in the world. If you are in the market for good hiking sandals, you must consider Chaco sandals. They are comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, and do not cost that much. But remember – before hiking, trekking, or backpacking trips, break in the sandals!

Have you ever had difficulties trying to break in your new Chaco sandals? In the comments below, let me know your most significant problems and how you solved them. I cannot wait to read all about your experience and your recommendations!

Andrew Mullen

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