ProView – Chaco Men’s Rapid Pro Flip Review

Flip flops usually conjure images of casual beachwear, great for lounging, but not so great for anything that requires traction or support. When your footwear gets tested for a week on the Green River, casual sandals don’t cut it. Enter the Chaco Rapid Pro Flip: a purpose-built river sandal disguised as a lightweight flip flop.

In August, I joined a crew of friends for a week-long float down the permitted section of Utah’s Green River through Desolation Grey Canyon. Between loading rafts on sandy beaches, slogging through mud at take-outs, cooling off in the water, and sneaking in side hikes to see petroglyphs, my Chacos were always on duty. In fact, these were the only pair of footwear I ended up bringing so I could give them a real test. I was pleasantly surprised that I did not miss my usual water shoes for one second. These flips handled nearly every camp chore and water stop without issue.

Fit/Comfort

These shoes fit true to size, with the supportive footbed that Chaco is known for. Unlike floppy, casual flip flops, these have real arch support. They are not going to mold to your foot like other flops with memory foam, but that is not the point. They are strong and utilitarian, and the footbed is water-slicking and quick-drying.  The toe post was a little stiff at first, but broke in after a few days.

Look/Style

Sleek and technical, they look like flips but with a river-guide edge. They don’t scream “performance sandal,” so I was happy wearing them around camp or in town post-trip. The webbing comes in two simple, but good-looking, designs. 

Features

The Vibram Megagrip outsole is the star here. Wet sandstone, slick mud, or raft tubes, these flips stuck where I needed them. The quick-drying webbing straps also meant no soggy sandals lingering around camp, which is my biggest complaint with river footwear. If webbing does not dry out, it leads to harsh, uncomfortable rashes. That is a non-issue with these flip flops. 

Weight/Packability

At just over half a pound per pair, these flips are featherlight compared to strapped sandals. On longer trips where weight and space matter, it will be nice having a reliable pair of camp shoes that disappear in my gear. Rapid Pros pack flat and can be stashed almost anywhere, making them an easy “always bring” item on river trips.

Function/Performance

I was impressed with how well they held up during hikes. While I wouldn’t take them on a 10-mile backpack, they performed great on short, rocky trails to side canyons. The footbed also provided surprising stability when carrying dry boxes and coolers across sand.

Durability/Construction

Most flip flops seem to be constructed for disposal. You wear them for a summer, and then toss them when the strap blows out. The Rapid Pro Flips takes Chaco’s reputation for durability and applies it to a flip flop. Built with the same Vibram sole and sturdy webbing as a Chaco sandal, they’re meant for real use in actual outdoor environments. After a week of constant wear in sand and water, the straps and sole still look new.

What Sets the Product Apart

The Rapid Pro Flips occupy a unique middle ground. They’re not as heavy or strapped-in as traditional Chaco sandals, but they’re far more functional than casual flip flops. The Megagrip sole sets them apart, having real traction in a flip flop changes the game for river and camp use. The marriage of minimalist flip design with technical features usually reserved for river shoes is what makes these unique.

Who is the Product For?

These flips are for river runners, rafters, and anyone who wants a lightweight camp shoe that can still pull real duty when needed. If you’ve ever wished your casual flip flops could actually handle slick boat ramps or short hikes, these are for you.

Friendliness to the Earth

Chaco has been making strides toward sustainability with their ReChaco program, which repairs and reuses old sandals to reduce waste. The Rapid Pro Flips themselves aren’t advertised as recycled, but the company’s broader commitment to keeping footwear out of landfills is a solid step toward eco-friendliness.

The Final Word

The Chaco Rapid Pro Flip Flops blend comfort and performance in a way I didn’t expect from something so minimal. They’re supportive, grippy, and perfect for river trips or camp life.

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