ProView – Chaco Women’s Rapid Pro Flip Review

The shoe rack at our home’s front door seems to be getting more and more full. But after getting a pair of the Chaco Rapid Pro flip-flops, they have been my go-to whenever I walk out the door. Whether it be fishing at the river, walks around the lake, or hanging at a brewery these flip-flops did the job. The longer you live in Colorado the more you realize that your gear needs to be both functional and versatile to pass the test. Since folks are always jumping from one adventure to another (myself included), it’s imperative that your gear can handle the changes.

Fit/Comfort 

I’ve had multiple pairs of Chacos now including those with Z-straps, toe straps, and now the thong style. Although I can wear socks with the Z-straps, the thong style is great for those warmer days. I wear a women’s size 8 and the Rapid Pros were true to size. They are a bit more narrow than the other pairs, but offer more arch support and a sturdier sole.

Look/Style

The wave design is a funkier pattern in the Chaco lineup and one that I think is pretty cool. Some folks appreciate simple designs, but the flashier colors don’t put me off and add a little accent to my outfits. Why not have some fun with it?

Features

There is plenty of technology literally woven into the Rapid Pro. The straps are woven out of recycled materials using jacquard webbing technique and the toe-post is reinforced for extra strength. Additionally, the Vibram sole offers more traction for those slippery times on the river. Hence the term “Rapid” in the name!

Weight/Packability

Like I said, the Rapid Pros are definitely a sturdier model in the Chaco family lineup compared to some other options. Regardless they still pack easily into a day bag without adding much weight at all. 

Function/Performance

After a day on the water I don’t worry about my flip-flops staying wet for long. The straps are quick to dry and the sole does not seem to retain much water either. Other sandals from the past have held water for some time and make a squishing sound with each step, but that’s not the case here! The underfoot cushion was quite comfortable and the bottoms held up on slippery terrain.

Durability/Construction

One of the many reasons I love Chaco is for their durability. Their sandals hold up in all settings whether it be desert sand, fast river rapids, rocky hikes, or an everyday sidewalk. Although the thong style was not my go to, however I’ve since been converted. Usually the toe post would be a pain point for me, but the overall construction of the Rapid Pro is much more comfortable than other options.

Who is the product for?

The flip-flop is for all the outdoor and indoor activities. Fishing, rafting on the river, heading to a workout, checking out a brewery, or taking the dog for a walk! They are supportive and fun!

Friendliness to the Earth

Chaco has made quite the commitment to sustainable practices. Their sandal straps are made of Repreve Jacquard webbing; essentially recycled materials woven in a detailed way. The Repreve process takes recycled plastic water bottles, breaks them down into small chips and then converts them into fibers–eventually creating the sandal straps. The brand also has created ReChaco repairs for it’s “Z” sandals. Although this does not extend to the Rapid Pros, it’s worth noting that Chaco has repaired nearly 324,000 pairs of sandals up to now. That’s a whole lot of potential waste that has been saved!

The Final Word

When slipping on a pair of summer sandals it’s best to go with ones that are versatile. The Rapid Pros easily transition from the river to an evening out with friends. The narrow fit and tags underneath your feet may affect some folks, but I didn’t find it detracted from my experience at all. I’d recommend these sandals for someone who has a funky style and wants an all-inclusive sandal in their collection of sustainable footwear.

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