Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Freedom to Adventure: The Chaco Outcross Collection

posted by gumptiongear April 21, 2014 0 comments

Freedom to Adventure: The Chaco Outcross Collection

They say no land remains to be discovered, no continent is left unexplored. But the whole world is out there, waiting to quench your thirst for adventure. For those whose outdoor soul calls them to conquer canyon rivers, climb winding trails, and seek out secret swimming holes, the new Chaco Outcross Collection was built just for you.

On Design and Performance…
Typically, the warm months of spring and summer present one of the great conundrums for outdoor enthusiasts. With daily adventures crisscrossing the realms of water and terra firma, picking the perfect footwear for your multi-environment endeavors can be a difficult task.

The problem? Sandals leave your foot vulnerable to rocks, sticks, and the rolled ankles. On the opposite end of the spectrum, your hiking shoes and trail runners soak up water like sponge, casting your adventure into a sloggy purgatory.

The solution? Part sandal, part shoe, the new Chaco Outcross collection for men and women sees fit to conquer both worlds, all in the name of better adventures.

Freedom to Adventure: The Chaco Outcross Collection

Featuring Chaco’s legendary LUVSEAT footbed, these hybrid kicks cradle the natural contours of your foot and body ensuring a superior level of comfort whether you’re playing along the river, or exploring the Yosemite Valley.  While we’ve touted the benefits of this platform before, every Chaco wear test seems to bring about a deeper appreciation for the fit and feel of the LUVSEAT footbed.  As an added bonus, a  TPU shank offers extra support for the days your water adventure is six miles up the trail and your daypack is a little heavier than you anticipated.

Freedom to Adventure: The Chaco Outcross Collection

The integrated webbing system on both the Outcross Lace and Outcross Web offer easy adjustability and secure your foot without excess movement or slop. And that’s important because whether you’re portaging your kayak around rapids or jumping out of the local swimming hole, you can’t afford to have your shoes abandon ship (aka your feet).

When it comes to amphibious shoes, there’s little doubt that what’s underfoot plays an important role in a quality adventure.  And this is another place the Outcross collection shines.

Freedom to Adventure: The Chaco Outcross Collection

Gripping a variety of surfaces, the lugged vibram outsole grabs slippery rocks, stream bottoms, rugged trails and city streets alike. And for an added dose of protection, Chaco included a durable rubber toe cap to protect against painful stubs on rocks and rough trails.

Freedom to Adventure: The Chaco Outcross Collection

Bottom Line…
With the Outcross Web and the Outcross Lace, Chaco has given you a wonderful gift; freedom to adventure further over land, sea and everything in between.

*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured in this review from Chaco Footwear.  The items featured were provided solely in exchange for testing the products and providing our honest views and opinions.  We received no other form of compensation for this or any related review.