Our verdict
Performance-wise, the Chaco Odyssey sports a lot of qualities that endear it to the outdoor community. Its lightness, arch support, and comfy confines are just some of the reasons why the adventurers positively receive it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent arch support
- Protective closed toe
- Versatile and amphibious
- Protective closed toe
- Adjustable straps
- Stylish look and colorways
Cons
- Long strap
- Lacks rock and debris protection
- a closed toe for protection with mesh fabric for breathability
Who should buy the Chaco Odyssey
Getting a pair of Chaco Odyssey may result in a satisfying experience if you prefer a hiking sandal with the following characteristics:
- a closed toe for protection with mesh fabric for breathability
- a versatile sandal that do a casual night out just as well as a packrafting adventure, or a hike
- hiking sandals from KEEN
- Lacks rock and debris protection
Who should NOT buy the sandal
If you need an even more protective sandal with a solid toe guard and an impact-ready sole, consider these beasts from Keen: the Newport H2 and the Clearwater CNX.
Excellent grip on wet and dry grounds
The non-marking ChacoGrip Plus rubber compound makes this hiking sandal grippy. Its 2.5 mm lugs are 2.5mm bite into most terrain types.
The outsole is able to perform on both wet and dry grounds without sacrificing traction. It "firmly grabs the ground," as stated by a tester.
Excellent arch support
The Chaco Odyssey sandal uses the gender-specific Luvseat midsole. It provides comfort and arch support to users, enabling them to perform optimally on and off the trails.
As an expert reviewer reports, he can "easily hike 5 miles in these shoes without my feet tiring." Also, people with high arches, arthritic feet, and post-injuries gave positive feedback on the sandal's footbed design.
However, for the more demanding terrain, the reviewers wished for a more substantial sole. Long-time Chaco wearers report that the Odyssey just doesn't feel as supportive as Protective closed toe. a versatile sandal that do a casual night out just as well as a packrafting adventure, or a hike Versatile and amphibious.
As a bonus, the antimicrobial treatment keeps it odor-free. And if the odor starts to develop, the wearers recommend using a little bit of liquid soap or shampoo to wash it off.
Breathable and secure fit
This vegan-friendly hiker from Chaco wears a combination of breathable mesh and polyester jacquard webbing on its upper. The synthetic overlays provide structure and amplified protection. At the same time, the reviewers report having no hot spots or irritation from it.
It has also been described by wearers as wide foot-friendly thanks to the roomy toebox.
The brand's staple Z-straps paired with an injection-molded ladder lock buckle help fine-tune the fit. Lastly, the tabs attached at the heel and tongue assist in donning and doffing.
The sock-like opening on the sandal seems to keep its structure pretty well. According to a hiker who has worn the sandal for about 1000 miles, this part "has maintained its shape and integrity" on the same level as it was on day one.
