Chaco Unveils ‘Paleolithic’ Sport Sandal Design

Chaco, which launched its iconic sport sandals 25 years ago this month, is once again pioneering outdoor footwear designs with the unveiling of its Barefoot Z sandal. The new Barefoot Z is the lightest minimalist sport sandal ever created, says the company.

“We stripped away all the clutter and went back to the basics – way back,” says Gary Banik, Chaco’s lead product developer. “Our hyper-minimal silhouette is so low-profile, you won’t even realize they’re on your feet.”

At a mere 40 grams, the Barefoot Z features a new Paleolithic design with a GroundTouch footbed that has been millions of years in the making. Jacquard webbing wraps across the foot and finishes in a toe loop for total forefoot control. The minimalist outsole design will leave feet calloused, creating luggy knots of hardened skin for a tread that can take on any trail.

“The Barefoot Z, to me, represents the culmination of a quarter-century of Chacos’ research and development of the ultimate sport sandal,” notes Chaco Ambassador, Brendan Leonard. “I’ve worn mine for hiking, trail running, bouldering, and even a few pitches of ice climbing. Really, if you want to go truly light and fast in the mountains, I don’t know why you’d wear anything else. Including clothing.”

The sandals’ polyester jacquard webbing uppers, with toe loop, wrap around the foot for the ultimate customized fit. The midsole sports an Earthy GroundTouch footbed with slip resistant footprint pattern design, while the non-marking ultra-minimalist outsole design features calloused skin for tread.

One more cool thing about the Barefoot Z, they don’t really exist. April Fools’, and happy 25th anniversary to Chaco.