Reviews You Can Rely On

Chaco Z/Cloud 2 - Women's Review

These tried and true adventure sandals are second to none when it comes to securely and supportively handling adventures
gearlab tested logo
Chaco Z/Cloud 2 - Women's Review
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Price:  $105 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Chaco
By Maggie Nichols ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Aug 13, 2024
91
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 17
  • Comfort - 25% 8.5
  • Traction - 25% 9.5
  • Stability - 20% 9.5
  • Adjustability - 15% 9.0
  • Versatility - 15% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is a seriously burly adventure sandal built to take you comfortably and securely through almost any journey. These sandals have been a fan favorite for years and have been with us guiding river rafting trips, desert and mountain backpacking trips, and exploring across the globe. The soles and footbed provide exceptional traction and stability, while the toe loop and adjustable straps give the Z/Cloud excellent security, no matter the foot. Though they're heavier, bulkier, and fussier to adjust than pretty much every other sandal, the stability, security, and support of this sandal outweigh the extra effort for most wearers, making it our ideal expedition sandal. See how it measures up versus competitors in our article on the top-rated women's sandals.
REASONS TO BUY
Outstanding traction
Unparalleled stability
Many colors and patterns
Durable
Robust arch support
REASONS TO AVOID
Adjustment process requires time and patience
Bulkier and heavier than most
No half sizes
Editor's Note: We updated this review on August 13, 2024, to reflect updated results and comparisons from our most recent round of testing.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Women's Sandals
Top Pick Award
Minimalist Straps but Adventure-Ready
Top Pick Award
Top Pick Award
Sandals with the Best Foot Protection
Best Buy Award
Best Value for Women's Sandals
Price $79.99 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$115 List
$115.00 at REI
$79.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$84.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$39.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
91
79
77
73
65
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line These adventure sandals are ready for even the most intense warm weather expeditions and are long time favorites for a reasonEasily adjustable minimalistic straps and soles with great traction and flexibility make these sandals a great adventure-ready choiceFor the true barefoot enthusiast that just needs a little help crossing sharp surfaces and entering establishmentsSolid performance with a snug fit, supportive sole, and good breathability without sacrificing much foot protection from a tennis shoeAn adventure ready, packable sandal for the casual traveler at a very nice price point
Rating Categories Chaco Z/Cloud 2 - W... Bedrock Cairn Evo -... Xero Z-Trail EV - W... Keen Newport H2 - W... Teva Original Unive...
Comfort (25%)
8.5
8.0
7.5
8.5
6.0
Traction (25%)
9.5
8.5
7.5
7.0
6.5
Stability (20%)
9.5
7.0
7.5
9.0
7.0
Adjustability (15%)
9.0
8.0
8.5
5.0
6.0
Versatility (15%)
9.0
8.0
7.5
6.0
7.0
Specs Chaco Z/Cloud 2 - W... Bedrock Cairn Evo -... Xero Z-Trail EV - W... Keen Newport H2 - W... Teva Original Unive...
Measured Weight (per pair) 18.2 oz 14.1 oz 8.0 oz 21.2 oz 11.1 oz
Sole Material Non-marking ChacoGrip Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber FeelTrue rubber Rubber Rubber
Upper Material Polyester jacquard webbing Polyester and nylon webbing Polyester Polyester webbing REPREVE recycled polyester webbing
Footbed Material LUVSEAT PU Minimalist EVA BareFoam Quick-dry lining with Eco Anti-Odor treatment EVA
Midsole Material Women's specific LUVSEAT dual-density PU (Not specified) TrailFoam Foam Molded EVA
Width Options Medium, Wide Medium Medium Medium Medium

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is a fully strapped adventure sandal designed to keep up with you on even your wildest warm weather adventures. It has a sole made of non-marking ChacoGrip rubber, a LUVSEAT PU footbed, and a women's specific LUVSEAT dual-density PU midsole. The straps are made of polyester jacquard webbing, and a size 7 weighs 18.2 ounces. It comes in medium and wide widths and a staggering array of colors and patterns that change each year — and you can even upload your own image to create a customized pair.

Performance Comparison


chaco z/cloud 2 for women - the chaco z/cloud 2 are a phenomenally secure and reliable pair of...
The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 are a phenomenally secure and reliable pair of adventure sandals.
Credit: Joanna Trieger


Comfort


The Z/Cloud 2 has all the right attributes to keep your feet comfortable on even the longest days — as long as you don't have flat feet or low arches. With robust arch support, these sandals have a great ergonomic shape for many people but can be too much for some. The textured footbed didn't bother our testers with sensitive feet, and we enjoy the contoured shape that hugs the feet in all the right places. The webbing straps are soft and pliable, without any scratchiness or sharp edges, and the width provides excellent support without feeling oppressive. Even when wet, the straps are still comfortable to wear.


Of course, a fair bit of the Z/Cloud 2 comfort is also tied to their adjustability (which we discuss more below). Rather than providing an out-of-the-box level of instant comfort, you have to work for it a bit. But with the right strap adjustment, this sandal is very comfortable. We tested this model with the Cloud soles, which are meant to be softer than the Classic soles. The soles are thick and less flexible than many other sandal soles we've tested, and they're also some of the heaviest footwear in this lineup. This feeling is a bit unique and can take some getting used to, but the extra stiffness and support works wonders when carrying a heavy pack or crossing particularly challenging terrain. The Z/Cloud comes in both Medium and Wide sizes. Chaco still doesn't sell these in half sizes, but we have yet to find anyone who couldn't find a whole-sized pair to fit them.

chaco z/cloud 2 for women - with soft straps and superb arch support, these are some very...
With soft straps and superb arch support, these are some very comfortable sandals.
Credit: Maggie Nichols


Traction


It's in this arena that the Z/Cloud 2 sandals are outstanding. They have large lugs on the bottoms of their soles, made of non-marking ChacoGrip rubber. During our testing and over the past decade-plus of professional wear, we remain impressed with all the places this sole gives us traction — whether inside wet inflatable rafts and along wet docking or scrambling up and down gravely hillsides and over slippery boulders. When faced with challenging terrain, we trust no pair of sandals more than a sturdy pair of Chacos.


While Chaco isn't the only manufacturer making adventure sandals with excellent tread, they still stand apart for the exceptional additional traction in the footbed. The close-knit diamond pattern helps to give your bare foot something to grip while you walk. It also provides traction for sweaty and wet feet, aided by the impressive strap system.

chaco z/cloud 2 for women - the chaco z/cloud 2 (right) and chaco bodhi (left) both provide...
The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 (right) and Chaco Bodhi (left) both provide exceptional traction even over steep scrambles on smooth boulders.
Credit: Maggie Nichols


Stability


This is another area where Chaco knocks it out of the park. The zig-zagging straps of the Z/Cloud 2 crisscross the feet and provide a great foundation. Some folks hate the feel of the toe loop (which is what the “2” in the name denotes), but it's hard to overstate just how much stability this toe loop adds to the sandal. Believe us; we've directly compared these to the Chaco Z/1 Classic (effectively the same sandal, but without the toe loop), and the difference is indisputable. By anchoring your big toe against the footbed, the Z/Cloud 2 provides exceptional stability.


Subtly, the shape of the footbed contributes quite a bit to stability. On each side of the heel, the anchor point of the straps is connected to a section of the footbed that rises above the rest. This effectively creates two small “walls” — one on each side of your heel — that help lock your foot in place and prevent it from sliding inside the sandal. The rest of the footbed is also contoured, curving down at the ball of the foot and up into the arch. Assuming your foot is shaped this way (and you don't have flat feet), these topographical differences add even more security, allowing you to firmly attach these sandals to your feet without slippage, even with wet feet up a steep hill.

chaco z/cloud 2 for women - though some people aren't big fans of the feeling of the chaco toe...
Though some people aren't big fans of the feeling of the Chaco toe loop, what it adds in stability and security just isn't matched by any other sandal.
Credit: Maggie Nichols


Adjustability


The adjustment system of these sandals is comprehensive. If this is your first time having a pair of Chaco sandals, they can be a little strange and confusing at first. The multiple straps running across the feet and toes are one single continuous strap running through the footbed. This means that to adjust these sandals, you pull on one strap and watch another section of the strap get shorter. This allows the sandal to be adjustable in almost every way — only the heel strap is fixed. Whatever your foot shape, you can adjust the strap system until it feels just right.


This process can be challenging. Even for the veteran Chaco wearers on our team, a new pair of Z/Cloud 2 takes some trial and error. It's not a simple process that you should expect to do once and forget. It can take weeks to figure out the exact right combination of loose here and tight there that gives you the stability you crave and the comfort you need. But if you're willing to commit to the process, the rewards are great.

chaco z/cloud 2 for women - the adjustment system of the z/cloud 2 takes far more work to dial...
The adjustment system of the Z/Cloud 2 takes far more work to dial in than any other pair of sandals we've tested, but is also far more secure, comfortable, and reliable.
Credit: Joanna Trieger


Versatility


There's practically no limit to the types of activities we will wear the Z/Cloud 2 for. Over the years, we've worn this sandal on backpacking trips and 25+ mile day hikes, guiding rafting excursions and swimming rapids, scrambling over boulders, and crossing swift streams. They're built for hardcore adventuring and have the versatile features and impressive durability needed to keep up.


The “Chaco style” has become its own thing, which some people love and some aren't fans of. If you love their functionality, it's practically guaranteed that you can find a pair of Z/Cloud 2 in a color you like. Not only are these sandals offered in an astonishing array of colors and patterns that change each year, but you can also customize your pair by selecting your own webbing colors — or even uploading a photo to be printed directly onto the straps. No matter what color combos or intricate patterns you choose, the Z/Cloud 2 will bring an “adventure chic” vibe to your wardrobe.

chaco z/cloud 2 for women - chaco sandals come in a ridiculous number of colors and patterns.
Chaco sandals come in a ridiculous number of colors and patterns.
Credit: Maggie Nichols


Should You Buy the Chaco Z/Cloud 2?


If you want a pair of sandals that can stay put on your feet, keep you upright when crossing challenging surfaces, provide comfort on even the longest days, and last through years of intense and frequent adventuring, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 are those sandals. They're comfortable for lowkey and urban explorers as well — in fact, the only people we don't recommend these for are those with flat feet or very low arches.

chaco z/cloud 2 for women - where will the chaco z/cloud 2 take you?
Where will the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 take you?
Credit: Joanna Trieger

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?


For the hardiest and most rugged adventure sandals around, the Z/Cloud 2 is our top pick. Not a fan of the toe loop? The Chaco Z/1 are essentially the same sandal, just with a different strap configuration. We also love the Chaco Bodhi, which uses a lighter sole and has a more minimalist — and more stylish — fit and function. For a truly minimalist option, the Bedrock Cairn Evo offers great traction with minimalist straps. But if you need a sandal that can keep up with you through almost any adventure, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 has you covered.

Maggie Nichols