ProView – Chaco Women’s Rapid Pro Flip Review

The Chaco Rapid Pro: is it actually a flip or is it a flop? Does the quick-drying Repreve Jacquard webbing, reinforced toe post, LUVSEAT footbed, and lugged Vibram outsole allow it to hold a candle to the “classic” Chaco Z’s we all know and love? Could the Rapid Pro Flip somehow surpass my old favorite? These are all questions I needed to know the answer to when I signed up to field test this sandal.

I received my first pair of Chacos about 10 years ago. I still love them as much as the day they arrived in the mail. They have been as reliable as a good adventure buddy and could share some stories if they could talk. I will admit they do have their flaws though. The straps definitely hold onto moisture after a great day of boating or even a walk in the rain. Getting them adjusted just right always takes a minute, especially if my feet are swollen from a hard workout. For these reasons, I was excited to give the Rapid Pro Flip a try.

The travel sites always highlight the amazing mountains found in Alaska. While they are great, a large percentage of the state is essentially wetlands. The area where I currently live has a lake around every corner. With a kayak or packraft, one can easily paddle all day if you are okay with portaging. The state park down the road from me even has a designated “canoe” trail linking together multiple water bodies. Getting in and out of the cold water with inconsistent footing was the perfect test for these sandals.

Features

Chaco managed to pack some great features into this sandal. From the bottom up, there is a Vibram outsole with 3.0mm lugs for extra traction, their signature LUVSEAT footbed for comfort, a reinforced toe post for durability, and Repreve Jacquard straps that quickly dry. These sandals were clearly designed for a variety adventures.

Comfort

Not only do the Rapid Pro Flips feel comfortable, but they are also greatly beneficial for anyone needing supportive footwear. After fighting off plantar fasciitis several times, the flip-flops from the dollar bin are no longer an option for me. The LUVSEAT footbed provides the perfect amount of support whether running errands or recovering from a long hike. The footbed is firm and provides consistent support throughout the day. As much as I love these for adventuring, they are also a wonderful “recovery” shoe when my feet are a bit sore.

Fit

The first time I put these sandals on, I was afraid they were too small. I ordered my usual size, which is the same size as my Chaco Z’s. I held the two different models back-to-back and found that there is, in fact, a significant size difference. For a women’s size 8, the Rapid Pro Flip is half an inch shorter and a quarter inch narrower than my Z’s. I imagine the design is intentional to provide a more ergonomic model, but it was shocking compared to the roominess I had grown accustomed to. In addition, the strap was quite tight. Luckily, after a few outings, the strap loosened up. The sandals do fit me now, but with no room to spare. It may be worth sizing up for some folks and those with wide feet may find that these do not work well.

Weight/Packability

I couldn’t find exact specs, but a google AI search told me the Rapid Pro Flips average 9oz in weight. They are significantly lighter than the Z’s, which clock in around 1lb, 5oz. While they aren’t quite light enough to toss in my backpack for overnight hikes, they have earned a spot in my suitcase for “just in case” adventures on non-outdoor trips.

Durability/Construction

These seem to be every bit as rugged as my 10-year-old sandals. I have no doubt I will be wearing these for a long time as well. Though the sole is slightly thinner than the Z’s, they are far from flimsy. In my experience, Vibram outers tend to hold up very well also. After a month of near daily use, there is no visible wear. The reinforced toe post is very secure and the webbing quite thick. There are no identifiable weak points on these sandals.

Function/Performance

I wore the Rapid Pro Flips around town for errands, on short hikes, and, of course, while kayaking. While they don’t offer the same level of security as the models with toe straps and I would not use them for a strenuous hike, they performed perfectly for what I used them for. There was ample grip for climbing in and out of my kayak, carrying it up or down wet rocks, and when pushing against the foot brace in the boat. Wet grass and smooth boardwalks were no problem when out hiking. As promised, the straps on these sandals do dry significantly faster than the straps on my Z’s. Walking through wet grass, I had dry feet half an hour later. After boating all day and taking off the sandals for the night, they were dry the next morning.

Friendliness to the Earth 

Chaco checks off many boxes for me in the Eco-Friendliness category. Making a product that lasts is a very important first step. Second, they have options to repair or resole some of their products, which further cuts back on waste. They also noted on their website that the Repreve straps are now being manufactured from recycled plastic bottles. I would love to learn more about the eco-friendliness of their actual production and see better packaging options as my sandals were sent to me in two plastic bags.

The Final Word 

The Rapid Pro Flips are a great sandal. They fill the gaps left by the Z’s perfectly in my opinion. For an easy on/off boating shoe with fantastic support and grip, you will be hard pressed to find a better option. Though the sizing is different than other Chaco lines and there was a short break-in period before the strap felt comfortable, I find myself grabbing these often on my way out the door simply because they are so comfortable and convenient. If you plan on playing in, on, or around the water this summer, I highly recommend giving these a try!

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