Spring and Summer days spent tracing distant shorelines, searching for unoccupied hammocks or rediscovering the family cabin recently released from winter, require support, ventilation, and breezy comfort. If you’re also looking to add a minimalist flavor to those outdoor activities, then the new NearGround collection from Chaco is right up your alley. A versatile collection of sandals and flips ready for life lived on land, water or somewhere in-between.
If you thought the minimalist movement was isolated to runner island, think again my friend. Increasingly, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes are seeking lighter, more versatile footwear that provides a better connection to the world around them. Getting in line with minimalist movement, Chaco has introduced their NearGround collection for Spring 2013 featuring eight sandals (three for men and four for women) that offer a light and supportive near-to-ground experience. Chaco offered us the opportunity to review the Mighty Sandal and the Fathom Sandal, and according to our field team, these new sandals and flips have proven to be the most comfortable Chacos yet.
On Performance & Design…
For those who appreciate the traditional fit and feel of Chaco, the beauty of these sandals is the fusion of the traditional Chaco support with a build that is 40% lighter than the classic “Z’s”. So you can revel on land or in the water with all the supportive benefits you’ve come to expect from Chaco in a lighter more flexible package that offers a greater connection to the world underfoot.
Out-of-the-box comfort begins minimalist construction which means lighter weight, and a sandal that will bend and flex more naturally with your foot. All the while a sculpted Luvseat™ platform provides ample support and cradles your foot in comfort while providing proper joint alignment and support.
Traction comes courtesy of Chaco’s NearGround siped outsole with EcoTread™ rubber. Made from 25% recycled rubber, the siped EcoTread™ sole merges high-traction with eco-functionality. So you can be at peace with Mother Nature as you scramble across the obstacles she’s stacked up on the fireroad between the parking lot and the lakeside a few miles away.
Of course, all the technology and design in the world are all for naught if the footwear doesn’t fit properly. Towards those ends, the Chaco design team topped off the sandals in the NearGround collection with an intuitive adjustment system that offers a custom fit for everyday use whether you’re heading to the local farmer’s market or making your way down to the river.
What Our Testers Love…
Much like the Updraft, our testers love the pebbled texture of the footbed which offers a softer and more forgiving home for your feet. The textured feel will quickly win you over. As we’ve mentioned previously, most of our team has made the transition to more minimally minded footwear for running and training. If you fall in that “back to basics” camp, you’ll appreciate having a low profile sandal that brings the foot closer to the natural position.
Even if you’re still wearing “traditional” shoes, there’s something refreshing about a sandal that bends and flexes more naturally with the foot while still remaining supportive and comfortable.
Bottom Line…
After a winter of jamming your feet into ski boots and heavy winter shoes, give your feet a break with the new NearGround collection from Chaco. Legendary LUVSEAT™ support, minimalist design and the traction and protection a barefoot simply can’t offer. After all, haven’t you heard? Less is more.
*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured in this review from Chacos. 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.