I wear Chaco flip flops throughout May-September, really whenever and where ever. In my opinion, they’re the most comfortable flip flops around, but still provide a good amount of support to my arches.
Here’s the thing; you can’t wear flip flops in the winter in Seattle. You can imagine my excitement when I heard that the folks over in Chaco headquarters had come up with a new boot design: the Mara Waterproof Boot .
I often times need shoes that can be worn to various occasions, more often laid-back than formal-wear. I can wear these boots casually with a pair of jeans or fancied up a bit by a knee-length dress. I appreciate the fact that these boots could pull off both instances.
The waterproof membrane was vital in keeping my feet dry while out and about in the damp, winter months in Seattle. And not only did my feet stay dry, but I also found the all-tread rubber sole to be exceptionally grippy. I never worried about slipping on wet surfaces, I moved freely and easily.
I’ve had trouble with other stylish boots in the sizing around my calves. Many times I’ll try on a pair of boots which I love the look of, and when I try them on, I can’t zip them up around my calves. I guess I have big calves, but I don’t need a pair of boots to remind me. In the Mara design, the stretchy material (goring) allows me to comfortably zip up the boots with the interior zipper, and still have adequate movement in my calves.
Perhaps my favorite part of the Mara boot is the footbed. It’s the same footbed that’s featured in their Chaco flip-flops and because of this I found myself thinking I was wearing my flip-flops around in December. There was no wearing-in process of these boots, and they aren’t clunky in the least. Truthfully, comfort rules for me, but in this instance, the stylish component was a nice addition.
What I love about the Chaco Mara Boots
- Stretchy material around the calves make for a perfect fit.
- Same footbed as my flip-flops-just as comfortable as sandals.
- Keeping my feet dry with the waterproof outer and inner membrane.
- These boots are the definition of non-clunky-something that I look for in boots.
- The outsole is made of 25% recycled material-points for being green.
Not So Much
- The adjustability strap on the outside of the boot doesn’t seem to be very useful.
- The sizing runs a little large, but nothing that thick socks can fix.
The Chaco Mara Waterproof Boot retails for $195 and can be bought on the Chaco website here.