Acclimating to Chaco Sandals

The only sandal recommended by the American Podiatric Society will revolutionize your walking experience, no matter what activities you participate in. When you first bring them home, you must break yourself into wearing them slowly. Try wearing them just around the house first. If you purchased a pair with a toe strap, it should be looser than the rest of the straps. I like to have it where I can comfortably put a finger under the strap next to my big toe. If your big toe is turning red or purple and not getting enough blood, please don't think the shoes are flawed. Simply loosen the toe strap. The other straps can be a little snugger, but don't feel that everything has to be cinched down. Do move the straps back and forth regularly (say daily at first) to make sure that they do not get lodged into place.

The coarseness of the tread on the foot bed also takes some getting used to. If your feet are irritated by wearing them barefoot, slip on a sock and loosen the straps a little. Or, just continue to wear them for short intervals until your feet are accustomed to the feel.

My sister, husband and I have been raving about our Chaco sandals for over a year. Finally, my mom bought herself two pair and followed my advice about taking time to get used to them before beginning to wear them all day, everyday. She called me up and said if I ever tell her something is this wonderful again and she doesn't listen, I should slap her. That's how much even my mom loves her Chacos.

My mom told me that when she went in to buy her pair the sales lady asked her if she would be using hers for trail running or any water sports. I just smiled. My mom does nothing of the sort. She shops a lot, gardens some, and makes homemade bread. She is not the typical Chaco client, but I think that is the one problem with Chacos. When a shoe is so practical, comfortable and therapeutic, what not market it to everyone? My sister and I are a lot more likely to vacuum in our Chacos than to raft in them. I literally wear mine all day everyday. I do not go barefoot and if I have to wear other shoes for an occasion, my feet are so relieved to be back in Chacos

If you are thinking of returning your Chacos because they are too intense for your feet, give it two full weeks of in-the-house-wear. Wearing shoes outside eliminates the option of returning them to most stores. Wear them around the house in the mornings or evenings when you are completing household tasks, not just while sitting on the couch. This trial period will give your feet time to adjust to the shoes. I have never known anyone who didn't fall in love with their Chacos during a trial period. After a few days, you will begin to feel the ways that your foot is transforming to fit the shoe properly. It is a wonderful experience.

Try on a pair today and begin to heal your feet, legs, hips and back. Find comfort from shoes that you never knew could exist. Then, tell your friends to try them out; call your mom, too.