Chaco Golden Knee For Sale? Quick Answer

Chaco gold-knee tarantulas (Grammostola pulchripes) are terrestrial 7- to 8-inch diameter tarantulas native to Paraguay and Argentina. They prefer living in grasslands with a climate of dry winters and wet summers.

Chaco goldknee tarantulas have a fairly traditional tarantula shape. They have brown-black bodies with light-colored joints and two gold stripes on each of their “knee” segments. They have urticating hair that is generally blond.

Chaco gold-knee tarantulas make good pets due to their gentle, tolerant nature and general hardiness. With proper care, males generally live 5-6 years and females an average of 20 years.

Minimum terrarium size for Chaco goldknee tarantulas

The minimum terrarium size for a Chaco gold-knee tarantula varies by size. Snares can be housed in simple acrylic spider pens no smaller than four leg spans by three leg spans. These should be gradually upgraded until they are large enough to be comfortable in an adult enclosure at least 20″L x 10″W x 18″H or a 15 gallon “tall” tank.

The use of a lid on the top of the enclosure is required, but be careful when using traditional mesh lids as the tarantula’s feet can easily get stuck in them, potentially causing injury. If you choose to use mesh, make sure the gaps are large enough to prevent pinching. Alternatively, you can replace the screen with an acrylic panel with small holes drilled in it for ventilation.

Keeping multiple tarantulas in the same terrarium is not recommended and will likely result in cannibalism if attempted.

Do Chaco goldknee tarantulas need UVB?

Chaco goldknee tarantulas are generally kept without UVB lighting as they have proven they can survive without it and considering that UVB wavelengths are blocked by glass and acrylic, installing the lamp can be difficult.

However, there is some evidence that tarantulas can benefit from UVB lighting when provided appropriately. This paper speculates that wild tarantulas obtain at least some of their vitamin D3 from UVB exposure, and this paper provides evidence that invertebrates are able to synthesize vitamin D3 from UVB.

If you want to provide UVB to your tarantula, the best bulb is a compact coil Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 26w mounted horizontally in a reflective bracket. Place this lamp on a mesh cover with holes large enough to prevent the spider from getting its feet caught. So you should wait until the tarantula has grown big enough for an adult enclosure to apply UVB lighting. UVB performance decreases with age, requiring lamp replacement every 6 months to maintain performance.

The light should be on 12 hours a day.

Best Temperature for Chaco Goldknee Tarantulas

Chaco goldknee tarantulas should be kept between 68-78°F. This is generally room temperature, but if you need extra heating, use a small heating mat attached to the side of the case and connected to a thermostat to maintain a constant temperature. Use a digital probe thermometer to keep track of case temperatures.

Best moisture levels for Chaco Goldknee tarantulas

Chaco gold-knee tarantulas prefer a slightly moistened substrate when young, but as adults they will do well with drier substrate, although it is safe to provide both dry and moist areas in the enclosure. If you moisten the substrate, make it slightly damp, not saturated.

Best substrate for Chaco goldknee tarantulas

Chaco goldknee tarantulas love to dig and push their substrate around, so a deep layer of substrate is required to cater to these instincts. Snares should have about 2 inches of substrate and adults should have at least 5 inches.

We recommend the following substrates for Chaco Goldknee tarantulas:

Zoo Med eco soil

Zoo Med ReptiSoil

Exo Terra plantation soil

How to decorate a golden knee Chaco tarantula terrarium

An empty terrarium can lead to a stressed tarantula, and there’s not much to look at either. As a bare minimum, you will need at least one hiding place for the tarantula. However, you can also add other decorative items such as:

small tree trunks and branches

cork shoes

living or artificial plants

artificial ornaments

What to Feed a Chaco Goldknee Tarantula

Chaco gold-knee tarantulas are primarily insectivores, which means they need to eat a variety of insects to get the right diet. Slings should be fed 1-2x/week, juveniles should be fed 1x/week, and adults should be given a meal every 1-2 weeks.

Depending on the body condition of the tarantula and the size of the insect, offer 1-3 appropriately sized insects per feeding. Each insect should be small enough for the tarantula to easily overpower, especially with slingshots.

Feeding insect options: crickets, dubia cockroaches, disk cockroaches, red runner cockroaches, black soldier fly larvae, mealworms

Flightless fruit flies are a good option for extra small slingshots.

water

Of course, don’t forget a small water bowl for your tarantula to drink from! If it’s too small for a water bowl (under 2 inches in diameter), sprinkle the case occasionally to create water droplets for drinking. Change the water bowl daily and scrub weekly with a reptile-safe disinfectant.

How to treat your Chaco goldknee tarantula

Tarantulas don’t appreciate petting and stroking the way dogs and cats do. That being said, Chaco goldknee tarantulas tend to be quite tolerant of human interaction. They rarely bite or even shoot hair. Just let your tarantula crawl onto your hand and move slowly. However, handling should not be done frequently.

*This care sheet only contains very basic information. While it’s a good introduction, please use good quality sources to further your research. The more you know, the better you can take care of your pet!

“Grammostola pulchripes tarantula” by Tarantuland is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Scientific name

Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula: Grammostola pulchripes

distribution and habitat

Geographic Reach

The Chaco gold-knee tarantula is native to the grasslands of Argentina and Paraguay.

Natural habitat

The Chaco gold-knee tarantula is a ground-dwelling species that digs where it can. The Chaco Golden Knee’s natural habitat remains warm year-round, with dry spells alternating with periods of heavy rainfall.

Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula

Grammostola pulchripes

Description:

The Chaco golden-kneed tarantula is a large species of spider. It is black or dark brown with yellow markings around the knee joints.

Size:

Adult golden-kneed Chaco tarantulas have a leg span of 7 inches.

Adjustments:

A tarantula has a pair of fangs that it uses to inject venom into its prey to kill it.

Tarantulas have hairs called urticaria on their sides and abdomen. These hairs can be dropped or flung out when the tarantula is under stress. Urticating hairs are itchy and can irritate the nose, mouth, and eyes of predators.

Although they have no bones, tarantulas and other spiders have hard outer shells called exoskeletons that give their bodies protection and support.

Tarantulas can spin silk, but unlike other spiders, they don’t use the silk to build webs that catch their prey. Instead, they use the silk to line their burrows and protect their eggs.

Diet:

In the wild, tarantulas eat insects and other arthropods. The tarantula at Cosley Zoo is fed crickets and mealworms.

Reproduction:

Mating can occur at any time of the year. After mating, the female lays 100-500 eggs in a silk capsule. The young hatch about six weeks later.

Accommodation and space requirements:

This species of tarantula is native to Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. It is a burrowing species.

Life expectancy:

In captivity, males live 5-10 years while females live 20-25 years. Little is known about the lifespan of wild tarantulas.

Relationship to man:

Spiders make up an important part of the food chain, helping to control insect populations, including some that prey on farmers’ crops.

Fun facts:

The Chaco Golden is a land tarantula native to Paraguay. The females of this species live longer than the males, which is mainly due to the mode of reproduction. They take a few years to grow, especially compared to other tarantulas. If you buy a baby, it will take years for the spider to grow into an adult.

This species tends to be docile, which is why it is so popular. They are also not aggressive in most cases. However, this varies greatly from spider to spider. While digging tarantulas, they don’t tend to dig as much. As they get older, they usually just shift the substrate of their enclosure.

Fast facts on the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula

Species Name: Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Docile Color: Brown or black Lifespan: 6-7 (males); 20-25 (female) Size: 7-8” Diet: Small insects Minimum tank size: Small tank design: Minimal, only one lair required Compatibility: None

Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula overview

This species is one of the best options for beginner tarantulas. They are sweet and calm, so they don’t require much experience to handle. They’re pretty tough, so you won’t kill them that easily. They can put up with their owner’s mistakes, especially while you’re studying. This makes them one of the best starter tarantulas out there. If you’ve never owned a tarantula before, we recommend this one.

These tarantulas are distinguished by the yellow stripes on their knees, hence their name. The males have a significantly shorter lifespan than the females. Compared to tarantulas of the same genus, they grow quite quickly. However, most new owners will be surprised that it will take them years to reach their full size, where their adult coloring stands out.

While most tarantulas don’t require much activity, these are extremely active. They engage in digging holes and moving their substrate, two of their favorite pastimes.

It is recommended that most owners purchase a young spider first. Due to its smaller size, it does not bite. Instead, it is often intimidated by the sheer size of the human hand. Buying a baby gives owners a chance to get to know their spider before it’s big enough to bite.

The care needs for these tarantulas are simple. They don’t need much expert care and will generally thrive in most environments.

How Much Do Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas Cost?

These tarantulas can often be purchased from a variety of different sources. Pet stores often carry them, but it is also possible to buy them directly from a breeder. It is recommended that you speak to someone who owns tarantulas before purchasing one and do your research thoroughly. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you decide to adopt a spider.

The cost of the tarantula depends on several factors. You can usually pick one up for around $50. Some breeders charge more if the tarantulas are given extra care. Sometimes tarantulas can cost as much as $100, especially if they are healthy and well bred.

You should check the temperament and health of any tarantula you plan to purchase. Adult tarantulas should be largest in their abdomen. Tarantulas that drag their abdomens to the ground are usually unhealthy. They should stand on the tips of their legs and walk with their bodies elevated.

Testing a tarantula’s temperament is often easy enough. You can gently touch his tummy with a stick or brush. If the tarantula ignores it, they are tame. Aggressive tarantulas raise their legs and fangs. A tarantula that runs away might be a little nervous, but often comes around with socialization.

Typical behavior & temperament

Although Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas are quite large, they are also extremely gentle. They are among the most docile tarantulas of all, which is why they are often recommended to first-time owners. Females are particularly relaxed and easy to handle. Men can be a bit aggressive as their only motivation in life is to find a partner. As such, they can become somewhat destructive. If you are new to tarantulas, we recommend a female.

However, his temperament can change significantly as he ages. Also, it can be difficult to determine the sex of a spider when it is young. A male can easily be mistaken for a female if it is larger than normal. So don’t be surprised if your tarantula is a bit more aggressive than you would otherwise like.

Appearance & Varieties

These tarantulas look just like you would expect. They look a bit flashy with the gold stripes down their legs and lighter hair covering their bodies. Typically, their main color is brown and black.

As larger tarantulas, they can grow up to 8.5 inches. Females are usually larger than males. These tarantulas have hair that they can throw up when they get angry. One of the best ways to determine a tarantula’s temperament is to look for bald spots on their back. If it has bald patches, it has shed hair before.

How to care for a Chaco Goldknee Tarantula

You should occasionally touch your tarantula to get used to handling it. However, you should not handle it regularly, as this can cause unnecessary stress. You should be extremely gentle when handling it. Keep your tarantula close to the ground in case it decides to jump. Long outages can seriously injure him. Be sure to handle the tarantula in an area with no hiding places. The last thing you want to do is lose your pet.

Be careful not to startle your tarantula, which is easy to do with your breath alone. Preferably, you should put your hand inside your spider’s enclosure and lure it towards it. You should not pick them up as this can startle them and make them aggressive. Run the tarantula over your hand and get used to the new surface before lifting it out.

Habitat, tank conditions and setup

Because tarantulas live their lives on the ground, the footprint of the tank is more important than the height. The tarantulas don’t take advantage of the height of their tank, so it can be quite short. You should fill the tank with quite a bit of substrate to ensure they have adequate exercise. Adults should have around 5 inches of substrate, while young spiders often only need 1 inch. This species likes to dig, so more is often better.

You cannot keep multiple tarantulas in the same tank – there should only be one per enclosure. Most tarantulas prefer smaller enclosures so they can’t “get lost”. A container the size of a shoebox is often sufficient. For larger enclosures, make sure you provide hiding places for the tarantula. Empty coconut shells make great “houses”.

Watch out for ants as they can easily kill your tarantula. An easy way to prevent this is to place your pet’s tank on a table and then cover their legs with a healthy layer of petroleum jelly. Ants cannot penetrate this layer.

Organic potting soil, coir mulch, and other similar substrates are the best options. If you need to increase the humidity in the tank, perlite can be added. These are the safest options for your tarantula. You should never use wood shavings as they contain chemicals and oils that can be dangerous to your tarantula. Cedar is especially dangerous to most small creatures.

Spray your substrate with water to dampen it, then squeeze out the water. It should hold its shape after squeezing, but not be dripping wet. Keep it at that consistency. Remember that these tarantulas are from the tropics. Replace the substrate two to three times a year.

You can reuse the substrate if you treat it well. Do this by pouring a generous amount of boiling water over it and letting it stand for about 10 minutes. This will kill any bacteria on the substrate. Do this every time you change the sheets.

Most pet stores sell substrate blocks. These are quite affordable and easy to use. Since they are compressed with heat, they are also sterile. These blocks do not require treatment before use. Instead, you can just soak them in water to increase their moisture content and use them. New litter is preferable to treated old litter.

Adult tarantulas often don’t need a place to hide if the enclosure is small enough. In larger enclosures, hiding places are essential. Hollowed out bark and coconut shells are often suitable and also provide places for your tarantula to climb. Use artificial plants if you use any at all. Real plants can attract pests and parasites. Also, make sure there aren’t too many hiding places, as this can make it easier for the prey to hide.

These tarantulas don’t need light or warmth. In fact, these can cause problems. Also avoid direct sunlight. Room temperature is fine for these spiders, so don’t add extra heating pads. Tarantulas are not very sensitive to heat, so they may not relocate to a cooler location if they get too hot. Spiders can die from dehydration this way. They are more sensitive to heat than cold.

Do Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas Get Along With Other Pets?

No, these tarantulas either eat other pets or are eaten. You should preferably not keep them around other pets at all. This can stress them, as well as the other pets.

What to feed your Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas

Baby spiders need to be fed pinhead crickets or small baby cockroaches about twice a week. You can feed them more often if you like, but that’s enough for most spiders. Increase the size of the prey as your tarantula grows larger. You should remove all leftover food and uneaten prey.

Regularly fill a water bowl with fresh water. Small spiders may not drink from the shell, but they can suckle directly from the substrate. You can put a rock in the middle of the bowl so your tarantula doesn’t have to be afraid of falling in. When she does, she has something to climb on.

You can feed your tarantula a variety of prey including crickets, mealworms, maggots, and roaches. Always buy these from a supplier. Wild-caught insects often have parasites that can injure your tarantula. Adult tarantulas can occasionally be fed small mice. However, the excess calcium can cause shedding problems. Only feed them very occasionally.

Simply release the prey into the spider’s cage and it should do the rest. These tarantulas do not build webs to capture their prey. Instead, they actively hunt it.

Keep your Chaco Goldknee tarantulas healthy

If your tarantula’s enclosure is set up properly, it should stay healthy. It is important that the substrate must be sprayed regularly. Often you should only spray the half that your tarantula is not on. If you spray your tarantula, you will disturb it. However, if the substrate becomes dry, the humidity in the tank can drop significantly.

Any substrate with mold or mites should be changed immediately, even if it’s not time yet. Mold can grow right on your tarantula, which can cause breathing problems.

If you notice mites, you should remove the tarantula and examine whether mites are attached to it. Use a paper towel to remove these mites. Pay close attention to any areas where the mites can attach themselves, such as B. the legs and mouth of your tarantula.

Tarantulas don’t bleed red. Instead, they bleed out a milky, semi-clear substance. They often don’t bleed profusely either, as it’s more of a mucus. They do not clot like mammals, so any wound must be treated immediately to avoid excessive bleeding. Wounds can be treated with a cotton swab and water-based glue. Liquid plaster also works. However, be careful not to overuse these substances as they can cause movement problems for your tarantula.

Dehydration is a common problem, especially when using heating pads. If its abdomen is wrinkled or deflated, the spider is dehydrated. In this case, you’ll need to carefully turn your tarantula over and allow water to drip directly onto its fangs. You only need a few drops. Your tarantula should regain strength quickly. Then fix the problem that caused your tarantula to get hurt in the first place.

breed

It is generally not recommended to breed tarantulas unless you are a professional. Females will try to eat the male when they are done!

Breeding is usually as simple as placing the male in the female’s habitat. They should initiate courtship proceedings. When they are done, the male must be rescued before being eaten.

Are Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas Right For You?

If you are interested in a tarantula, then this is a good species to start with. It’s important to realize that these tarantulas are no ordinary pets. They cannot be handled much and are not clingy. However, they are easy to care for.

You don’t need a lot of space. However, they require special care. For example, they need to keep the humidity in their tank at a reasonably high level. However, they do not require heating or lighting, which significantly reduces the cost of their habitat. Adults can live in a small container. The size of a shoe box is often appropriate.

Your linens will need to be changed regularly, but that’s easy and fairly inexpensive. The only diseases these spiders are prone to are easily preventable with proper care. For example, lung problems are often caused by low humidity. If you keep the humidity high enough, you don’t have to worry about that.

These tarantulas are great starting pets if you’re looking for something a little more unusual. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into when it comes to her temperament and grooming needs.

Selected images: Audrey Snider-Bell, Shutterstock

Because your tarantula is unaccustomed to handling and capable of delivering a venomous bite, you should avoid handling it. However, from time to time you will need to move him so that you can clean his cage. For calm species, you can try using a long-handled spoon or hand scoop; Try to encourage the tarantula to go into the spoon and gently move it into a makeshift container. Use a long stick or tools as a “tickle”; By gently touching your tarantula—not prodding it—you can get it to move where you want it to. Touch him on the other side of his body than the direction you want him to move. For example, if you want him to move forward, gently tickle the back of his stomach or one of his hind legs. For Fast or Aggressive types, cover the creature with a clear plastic cup and carefully slide an index card under the cup to contain it.

Although the Chaco gold-knee is generally good-natured, like many other tarantulas, it can flick irritating hairs at people when alarmed. Avoid startling your pet with sudden movements or picking them up with your bare hands, especially at first. The hair and venom of this species should cause little irritation to most people, but if you’re prone to allergies, talk to your doctor before adopting a pet tarantula. Never touch or feed your golden knee while it’s molting – your hands or a prey insect could do immense damage during this vulnerable time.

Types of Spiders

One of the larger species of tarantula, the Chaco gold-knee (Grammostola pulchripes), formerly known as Grammostola aureostriata,[1] can be expected to reach between 20 and 22 cm (8.5 in).

name [edit]

The former (and very commonly used) species name Aureostriata is derived from the Latin aureus “golden” and striatus “striped”. The currently used species name “pulchripes” derives from the Latin “pulchra” meaning “beautiful” and “pes” meaning “foot”.

Description and behavior[ edit ]

The Chaco’s golden knee is a large tarantula that can reach a leg span of 7 to 8 inches. As a land tarantula, it has a heavy body. Mature males have longer legs and smaller bodies than females, and they possess shin hooks, or apophyses, to restrain a female’s fangs during mating. Males also possess modified pedipalps to insert sperm into the female’s genital folds. It exhibits a variety of colors, with bright yellowish leg stripes, dark black “thighs”, and pink hair all over its body. Like the rest of the Grammostola genus, the Chaco goldknee has very large fangs, and the carapace (the tip of the prosoma) is raised to make room for the large chelicerae. It has rudimentary vision and senses its surroundings using setae all over its body, sensing vibrations through the ground and air, and picking up chemical signatures, much like a sense of smell.

Natural habitat[ edit ]

The Chaco goldknee tarantulas are known to inhabit the grasslands of Argentina and Paraguay.[2] As such, they are adapted to a generally warm climate with alternating dry and wet seasons.

As a pet[edit]

G. pulchripes in captivity

The Chaco goldknee is a very calm and docile tarantula which together with its striking appearance and size makes it an attractive pet, especially for novice breeders. It often sits prominently in captivity and likes to push substrate around, especially when young. Females can live well into their twenties, while males only live about five or six years. The tarantula must periodically shed its exoskeleton to grow larger, and it is vulnerable during this time. This can happen every few weeks in newborn spiders or every few years in large adults.

The Chaco gold-knee tends to be one of the more docile and quiet tarantula species, making it an attractive first pet. The chaco is an opportunistic burrowing terrestrial tarantula: they tend to burrow when younger and adopt a pre-existing fur as their home when it begins to mature. It looks quite flashy, wearing long light hair all over the body and golden stripes on the legs, especially on the “knees”. This is a good display style as it is often highly visible. When it was first introduced to the pet trade it was thought to be a variant of the pink zebra beauty species, but it is significantly larger and can be easily distinguished by the difference in size, the most notable comparative trait being the leg span, despite an experienced owner the coloring could differ.

Gallery [ edit ]

Spiderling feeds on Blaptica dubia

Mature male Chaco

Juvenile female in captivity

Young female G. pulchripes

question

Is This Tarantula Good for a 12-Year-Old Kid?

Community Response

No, they are very delicate and if the child is inexperienced with spiders, they may hurt the spider as they hold the spider. Or poor care can also harm him as he is difficult to feed. If the 12 year old is very responsible and shows the ability to care for a sensitive animal then maybe wait, but otherwise, a few more years.

Tarantulas are a popular pet spider with more than 800 species varying in color, size, and characteristics. They often tend to have docile personalities and are slow moving. The best beginner tarantulas are ground dwellers or burrowers. With proper care, many of these animals can live around 10 years or more in captivity. Here are 10 species of tarantulas that can make fascinating pets.

Tip Tarantulas can bite and their bites are poisonous. However, in most species, toxicity is similar to that of a bee sting. However, like a bee sting, some people can experience serious allergic reactions to a tarantula bite.

If you’ve ever adventured with us at our summer camp over the past few years, you may have seen our guides wearing a specific type of sandal called a chaco sandal. Many of our summer guides have these shoes at our camp for their durability and strong grip, which are necessary for the type of adventures we take our campers through. Because of the many different styles of sandals that Chaco offers, many of our campers often ask us which sandals are better suited to the different activities they are interested in. Fortunately, here at Rock-N-Water we have plenty of experience with these sandals to help you choose the right shoes for you!

The different types

First of all, in the title of a sandal’s listing, you may notice the letter Z and a number after it, e.g. E.g. “Mr. Z/1”. This can be confusing, but it really doesn’t refer to the shoe type, just the straps. The Z/1 sandal has no toe loop, the Z/2 has a toe loop, and the ZX/2 has double thin straps instead of a solid thick strap. These differences are primarily important to personal preference for look and feel. Some people find the toe-loop uncomfortable, while others like the toe-loop because it helps secure their foot in the sandal a little more when hiking on rough terrain. The straps are important to the overall comfort of the sandals, but the real differences are in the soles that Chaco offers.

In the last 10 years Chaco has had many different soles on the market. Currently, the Chaco company has released three different types of soles: ChacoGrip, Terreno and Colorado soles. ChacoGrip is the company’s perfected sole for its active sandals. This sole has an ultra-sticky outsole and is designed for dry and wet traction. They have developed new tread designs that are combined into a single outsole for both men and women. There is increased surface area in the heel and toe to maximize grip and balance performance over land and water.

The next sole type is the Ecotread sole. This sole is a lightweight sole made from 25% recycled rubber and is primarily used for chaco flips and some low profile sandals. This sole is suitable for light hiking and casual wear. Designed for wet or slick surfaces, the Colorado is designed for casual wear. While it’s currently a staff favorite, it’s important to note that the Colorado is only available on custom Chacos.

The Terrano is excellent for aggressive, heavy and rough terrain, e.g. B. climbing a summer mountain with a backpack. The Terrano is also only available for bespoke Chacos.

Each style of sandals that Chacos makes is of the highest quality and works great with any type of attire. Even if you’re not planning on embarking on a Rock-N-Water-style adventure, Chacos are worth buying for their footbed support alone. Not only are these sandals durable and grippy, they have great arch support while still being comfortable.

Last updated: March 23, 2022

Chacos are great sandals, but you’re probably not a fan of toe straps, are you? I get it.

They can be limiting, uncomfortable, and just plain hard to get used to. Fortunately, Chacos have created a twin for almost every sandal they make. No, not an identical twin, because these babies come “toeless”! Highfive Chacos!

But which models come without a toe strap? And which ones are the best?

In this review, I’ll show you the best options and help you decide without breaking a sweat!

All the sandals that I am about to show you are available in both men’s and women’s versions, except for the X models (which have multiple straps). I give you the links to both versions at the bottom of each section so you can check for yourself all the prices and different colors they come in.

And now here are the top chacos that don’t have that nasty toe strap.

But if you want to wear them while running errands or just walking around town, that’s perfectly fine. Not only will you feel like you’re walking on two soft pillows, you’ll look pretty hot doing it. :>

The ChacoGrip rubber outsole gives you plenty of traction on a variety of terrain types. However, the lugs on the outsole of these shoes aren’t nearly as fierce and durable as the lugs on the Z/Cloud or Z/Volv, so keep that in mind. Avoid wearing them when trekking in very difficult terrain.

You’ll love the softness of the Luvseat midsole coupled with the luxury of the suede footbed. But we both know what happens to suede when it gets wet, so I have to remind you not to use these underwater.

You can, but please don’t. You could easily scratch the leather which would be a real shame. If you are looking for a real sports sandal, then stick to the first three models. These are for people looking for something elegant enough for both the workplace and the restaurant, but still very comfortable.

The Wayfarer sandals are unlike anything we’ve seen before. Why? Because they are not really water-friendly sports sandals. These are made from full-grain leather, making them more suitable for everyday wear or evening strolls. But if your question is can you hike in it, the answer is yes.

All other features are exactly the same and the ZX/1 models are even in the same price range as the regular Classic model. So only go for these if you really like the two straps.

But wait, there’s a twist. Finally we have multi-strap sandals in a men’s version! Granted, they only come in two colors, but do you really want something other than classic black? And for women there is even more variety of colors than the previous model.

Again, we have a variation on the classic Chaco sandals, but with two very thin straps instead of one thick one. Some people prefer this design so I felt I had to show you the option.

The straps are of course adjustable throughout, and you don’t have to worry about the fit. And the integrated heel risers give you excellent shock absorption that you rarely get from sandals.

And now to the important features – traction and comfort. Therefore, these Chacos are equipped with the same midsole and outsole as the Z/Cloud model – the Luvseat PU midsole and the abrasion-resistant ChacoGrip outsole. Even the texture of the footbed is the same as the sandals we saw first, and you know they’ll give you all the traction you need.

In addition, the Classic Chacos are masters of color diversity. If you want to find just the right pair of sandals to match whatever outfit you plan to take on vacation, you will find them in this dedicated collection. There are around 18 different colors for men which is pretty much guaranteed to find something you like.

One thing to note is that these are the most affordable Chacos yet. If you are on a tight budget I think they are perfect for you! They’re a little heavier than the other two pairs I showed you, but not drastically.

You can never go wrong with a classic, whether it’s a classic Chaco or a classic Samsonite, and that’s especially true with these sandals. They’ve pretty much made the Chaco brand what it is today, and they’re every bit as good as you expect them to be.

But these sandals have all the same features as the regular Z/Volv. You only get two thin straps instead of one thick one, and that’s the main difference. Also keep in mind that these are just as adjustable as the basic Z/Volv.

The strap is pretty much the same – fully adjustable and made of polyester. The only difference is the variety of colors – the Z/Volv sandals don’t come in as many colors as the other Chacos. But the fact that these are Chaco’s lightest sandals certainly made up for that.

In terms of performance, that means you’ll be stable even on rocks. Another thing that helps the Z/Volv sandal perform so well is the midsole. It’s a Luvseat midsole, just like the Z/Cloud sandals, but its texture is different. Here we have a grid-like ribbing of the footbed that gives you amazing traction in both wet and dry conditions.

The position of the cleats on the outsole is different, making the sandal move slightly better with the foot. They adapt better to your foot shape precisely because of the positioning of the 3 millimeter cleats.

The outsole of these sandals is non-marking EcoTread. Made from a rubber compound that’s 25% recycled, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly pair of sandals these are a great choice. This particular outsole works just as well as ChacoGrip, if not better.

The Z/Volv sandals are another pair of chacos that are awesome without a toe loop. They’re also your best bet if you’re looking for a primarily sporty hiking sandal, as they offer slightly better traction than the Z/Cloud.

But some of you might also like the way these sandals look and that’s why I had to show them to you. :>

The only difference is in the straps – the Z/Cloud X has two thin straps instead of just one thick one. This could be beneficial for watersports as the thinner straps dry even faster than the regular ones.

The X marks the spot – or rather the additional strap. I won’t dwell on them too much as they are almost exactly the same as the regular Z/Cloud sandals. They are equipped with all the same features – same footbed, same outsole, same midsole etc.

And of course they are fully adjustable – like all other Chacos. The strap is a single piece of polyester and you can tighten or loosen it as you like.

The outsole is just as important as the footbed in this regard as it does pretty much all the work to keep you stable both underwater and on the ground. These sandals feature a non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsole that gives you the traction you need with 3.5mm deep lugs.

Well, one of the worst things that can happen to you in traditional sandals or flip flops is that your foot slips and you twist your ankle. And this happens most often when your shoes are wet. Chaco features a ribbed sockliner to prevent this, which is a huge bonus. It also shows how much thought went into the design of these fantastic sandals.

This comfort is due to the top layer of the footbed made of ultra-soft PU. It provides instant cushioning for your feet and ensures you don’t feel what’s happening under your feet.

The Z/Cloud sandals are one of Chaco’s absolute bestsellers. They are popular with both men and women because of their incredibly soft footbed. And that’s why they’re called Cloud – that’s how soft they are.

Why choose Chacos?

There are many different athletic sandals from different brands on the market. With so much to choose from, it can be difficult to choose a brand and even more difficult to choose a single pair of sandals. That’s where I come in – I do research so you don’t have to. And here are the conclusions my research has led me to:

Chacos are continuously adjustable. How many of you have a hard time finding shoes that fit just right? Maybe you have a high arch or you have really narrow feet – then chacos are perfect for you. The straps on all sandals are fully adjustable – you can tighten or loosen any part of the sandal until it fits just the way it should.

The best for water sports. These sandals are designed for people who enjoy water sports. They have a non-slip rubber outsole, which means you’ll have plenty of grip and traction, even underwater. If that’s one of the reasons you’re looking for new sandals, you’ve found the right ones.

Great for hiking. The same outsole that keeps you stable underwater will do wonders for you on the ground. A common problem with sandals is that they have very thin soles, so you can pretty much feel every single stone you step on. But that’s not the deal with Chacos.

They feature a Luvseat midsole which is very comfortable and great for hiking. It moves with your foot and works so well in combination with the outsole that you won’t feel the difference between concrete and rocky terrain.

They dry quickly. You know those horrible water shoes that just drag you down when you swim? And then you get out of the water and feel like you’re walking in two small ponds with your feet. That won’t happen with Chacos.

On the one hand, the straps are made of polyester, which dries very quickly and does not store too much water in the first place. And of course the sandals are open, so no water can get trapped in the shoe.

Why no toe strap?

It’s not just a personal preference. Toe loops are great for some people and terrible for others. If you have sensitive feet and get blisters from flip flops, a toe strap will get them too. Especially if you spend several hours in the sandals. The skin on your toes is very thin and rubs against the strap, which can be very painful for you. And that’s why we test Chacos without toe loops.

On the other hand, if you’re not that keen on this feature, I have another review that has all kinds of chacos. Be sure to check it out if you want that toe strap. But in general, the number 2 in a sandal’s name means that it has a toe strap.

So you see, Chaco sandals are extremely functional. You can wear them to the beach and then head straight into the forest without having to stop by your hotel to change. If this is the type of sandal you are looking for, then check out the best ones I’ve picked for you!

Which toeless chacos are the best?

It won’t be easy to decide, especially since the first three pairs are so similar. But one of these pairs I like better than the rest, so here we go.

First, if I were you and finally bought a pair of comfortable sandals (and I didn’t already own five different chacos), I would get two pairs. An everyday pair that I can dress up and down depending on the occasion and a sporty pair for hiking, swimming and just walking on the beach. So, I think you can already guess my first choice.

Yes, it’s the Wayfarer sandals. They are elegant, well made, pretty and above all very comfortable. The suede footbed feels like a dream on your feet, and the ChacoGrip outsole offers excellent grip and traction.

Oh, and that outsole is rubber, so you can even ride safely in these sandals, which some others aren’t. Really, when you need a shoe to take on everyday adventures, the Wayfarer is the perfect companion.

Well, chances are you’re looking at Chacos specifically because you want a good athletic sandal. And if that’s the case, I would suggest you go for the Z/Volv sandal. They’re the wildest of the bunch, but still eco-friendly at the same time. The outsole is a rubber compound that gives you great traction in both dry and wet conditions.

Also, the cleats are quite thick and very cleverly positioned to allow the sandal to flex with your foot. If you’re looking for sandals that will keep you safe in all your outdoor adventures, then the Z/Volv are just great for you.

These are my favorite strapless Chaco sandals, and for good reason. I hope you enjoyed the review and saw something you liked. Check out the sandals on Amazon – the prices and the many different colors are so attractive that you practically cannot resist them!

Related Posts: Chacos Vs. Keens AND Chacos. Vs Tevas

Which Chacos are best for hiking? (2022 reviews) Which Chacos are best for hiking? (2022 reviews)

Last updated on 02/28/2022

Which Chacos are best for hiking?

Which Chacos are best for hiking?

Hiking shoes aren’t for everyone, sandals are a popular choice for short hikes in hot climates and exploring the area around your base camp and Chaco’s are great for all that and more. If you’re wondering which chacos are best for hiking, you probably already know the brand and what it means. There are over 15 different styles of Chacos, as well as several distinctive models and color combinations, so which ones are best for hiking?

Best chacos for hiking

What are chacos?

Founded in 1989 by a Colorado rafting guide, Chaco’s is best known for its outdoor sandals, but also makes other outdoor gear. The sandals are made up of just 8 simple components, including a single strap that runs through the base and is fully adjustable to your feet. They have a sturdy sole with excellent arch support, making Chacos better for hiking than your everyday sandal.

Who are Chacos designed for?

Founded by water sports enthusiasts, they better believe these are great for walking through water and getting wet. Designed to be tough, comfortable, durable and supportive, Chaco’s are perfect for active outdoor folks who want open-toe footwear. You can wear them on rocks, sand and dirt, and in the sea and through rivers, making them suitable for hiking in general. For backpacking trips where you need more than one pair of boots, Chaco’s are a great backup or alternative for leisurely day hikes without a backpack.

What Are the Different Types of Chaco Sandals?

There are two main styles of chaco sandals, as well as some cool variations on each. The first type of Chaco is the open-toe style (Z1), which makes socks easier to wear and reduces the risk of big toe blisters. The second style (Z2) has a strap/loop for your big toe, which improves dexterity and foot control on descents, and it can always be put out of the way by tightening the strap when you don’t want to use it. Other variants include the X series with double straps, the Cloud series with soft padding and the Volv series with eco-friendly materials.

Sizing for Chacos

What are the best chaco sandals for hiking?

Picking the best chacos for hiking depends on many factors, but if you read all the way down, you’ll see in the conclusion which ones we would pick. Here are the different types of Chaco sandals you can buy:

Chaco Z1 sandals

WOMEN: Yes

Although the materials have improved, the design of the Chaco Z1 sandals today remains very similar to what it was in 1989 and remains one of the most popular hiking sandals to this day. They’re simple and sturdy, yet comfortable and incredibly customizable to be worn next to the skin. If you are looking for a classic, no-nonsense sandal for outdoors, then these are the Chaco’s for you!

Chaco Z1 Classic Athletic: Consisting of just 8 components, including the Chacogrip sole, this is the streamlined version of the well-loved classic.

Chaco Z1 Unaweep: A BioCentric footbed and durable Vibram Unaweep outsole keeps feet centered and grips slippery surfaces.

Chaco Z1 Pro: Super grippy Vibram rubber tread that excels on both wet and rocky terrain and is perfect for navigating stepping stones.

Chaco Z1 Yampa: Light and non-slip Vibram soles give good traction and weigh less than the Classic.

Chaco Z2 sandals

WOMEN: Yes

The Chaco Z2 sandals are very similar to the Z1, except they have an extra loop to put your big toe in. This extra strap allows you to fix the tips of your sandals closer to your feet and theoretically prevents dirt from getting under your foot and provides better dexterity. Keeping the sandal close to the soles of your feet can help provide better feedback about the ground you are walking on and in turn allow you to react more quickly to prevent injury. You can always tighten the toe-loop tight enough to sit flush with the insole if you find you don’t want to use the toe-loop all the time.

Chaco Z2 Classic Athletic: Consisting of only 8 components including Chacogrip sole – an original but updated/streamlined classic

Chaco Z2 Yampa: Light and non-slip Vibram soles provide good traction and weigh less than the Classic.

Chaco Z2 Unaweep: A BioCentric footbed and durable Vibram Unaweep outsole keeps your feet centered and holds up on slippery rocks.

Chaco Z2 Pro: Super grippy Vibram rubber tread that excels on both wet and rocky terrain and is perfect for navigating stepping stones.

Chaco Z2 Colorado: Limited Edition, LUVSEAT insole and non-marking TC-1 Vibram outsole with 3mm lugs for extra grip.

Chaco ZX sandals

WOMEN: Yes

The Chaco ZX1 Classic Athletic Sandals are almost identical to the Z1, except that they have a dual strap system instead of a single webbing. This allows for an even better fit as both straps run parallel to each other but also work independently to find the best fit for your foot. They feature Chacogrip soles with 3.5mm lugs and bio-canvas webbing. If you’re worried about a single strap being uncomfortable or digging into your skin, try the ZX Series.

Chaco ZX1: Open double strap with Chacogrip

Chaco ZX2: Toe loop double strap with chaco grip

Chaco Z Cloud sandals

WOMEN: Yes

The Chaco Z Cloud series features an extra layer of super soft PU for slipper-like comfort and as the name suggests, it feels like you’re walking on clouds. You can get the Cloud series in both open and loop versions, as well as the double-strap X variant. Not the lightest model, but if comfort is your thing then treat your feet to a pair of these.

Chaco Z Cloud: Toeless with ultra-soft PU cushioning layer and Chacogrip sole

Chaco Z Cloud 2: Toe loop with ultra-soft PU cushioning layer and Chacogrip sole

Chaco Z Cloud X: Toeless double strap with ultra-soft PU cushioning layer and Chacogrip sole

Chaco Z Cloud X2: Toe Loop Double Strap with ultra-soft PU cushioning layer and Chacogrip sole

Chaco Z Volv sandals

WOMEN: Yes

The Chaco Z Volv sandals are made with vegan-friendly materials and Ecotread soles made from 25% recycled rubber. They’re also 20% lighter underfoot than Classic Chaco, making them even better for backpacking and hiking. The squishy PU mid layer is comfortable and forgiving, but also ensures they always float to the top if you lose them in the water.

Chaco Z Volv: Toeless and vegan friendly with Ecotread sole

Chaco Z Volv 2: Toe-loop and vegan-friendly with Ecotread sole

Chaco Z Volv X: Toeless double strap and vegan friendly with Ecotread sole

Chaco Z Volv X2: Toe Loop Double Strap and vegan friendly with Ecotread sole

How to customize your Chacos

One of the coolest features of Chaco sandals is that they are fully customizable, from the grip on the soles to the color of the stitching and fabric. This allows you to get exactly what you need in terms of traction and size, giving you exactly what you are looking for in terms of style and personal taste. You can do all of this on their website or check out the links below for inspiration.

Why wear sandals for hiking?

Hiking in sandals has its time and place for most people, but for others, wearing them as often as possible seems like a mission of sorts. And I understand. Walking barefoot feels great and socks/boots/shoes can feel restrictive, but after walking over some thorns and jagged rocks you realize you need some kind of protection for your poor feet.

Sandals are the perfect solution for people who prefer not to wear shoes but are tired of standing on sharp objects. They let your feet breathe when it’s hot, and getting wet isn’t a problem when you’re constantly walking through streams and crossing rivers. Sandals can be used for all types of hiking after some breaking in, but are best for well-defined trails.

Problems hiking in sandals?

While it can be nice just to consider the benefits of wearing hiking sandals, there are some issues you need to be prepared for. Perhaps the first issue people think of when considering buying or wearing a pair of chacos for hiking is the lack of protection from the top. Personally, I’ve never found that to be a problem, apart from the odd nettle or twig. Instead, I find blisters and rubbing more of a concern.

Sandals can take some time to get used to and like hiking shoes, they need to be broken in. It’s best to do this before planning any type of hike to toughen up your feet and hopefully avoid blisters. It also takes getting used to the dirt getting between the foot and the sandal, which has to be constantly shaken out.

Hiking long-distance trails in the Chaco?

While chacos, and pretty much all sandals, aren’t great for hiking long distances with a heavy pack, some people find a way to make them work for them. The soles are certainly hard enough, but the lack of ankle support and the constant friction of the straps against your skin increase the chances of blisters and injuries. That being said, if you’re determined to wear chacos for long-distance hiking, you can always wear a thick pair of wool socks underneath. But I don’t recommend it.

Conclusion: Which Chacos should you get?

Deciding which chacos are best for hiking is quite a difficult task as they are all very similar, all work very well and each has different uses. You might prefer the open toe style while the next person might prefer the toe strap as an option even if they don’t use it all the time. However, for me, being as light as possible is just as important as comfort, so I would normally prefer the Yampa outsole to the sturdier Terreno.

I prefer having the big toe loop found as opposed to open toes and because I don’t hike long distances I prefer the lighter models over the more comfortable Cloud version. If you are determined to use your Chaco’s as standalone hiking shoes, I would be less concerned about the weight and more focused on the comfort and deep lugs in the outsole. Given the choice to pick any pair of Chaco sandals now, I would probably go with the Chaco Z Volve 2 simply because they are eco-friendly and lighter than the classic.

One thing is for sure though, they all work well in the water and for short hikes. They are great for travelling, crossing streams/rivers and replacing your hiking boots on long hikes. I wear mine daily during the summer months and would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality sandal for rugged outdoor use.

Hopefully we’ve helped you choose which Chaco shoes are best for hiking, but stay tuned or subscribe to our upcoming reviews of the Keen and Teva sandals.

It’s a well-known fact that people who love their chacos really love their chacos. They wear them everywhere while doing just about everything — from rock hopping to running errands to attending life events that are traditionally “non-Chaco” (like getting married, for example). The original Chaco sandals were designed for river guides and still work great in the water today. But true “Chaconians” love to wear them in all disciplines (hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking to name a few) and in all seasons.

Yes, Chaco now makes closed-toe shoes and hiking boots from premium leather and suede that offer extra protection for adventures where you’re not ready to lose a toe… but let’s talk about the sandals.

You see, Chaco sandals have earned a reputation for exceptional durability, and it’s not uncommon for a pair to last 10 years without needing to replace the footbeds or straps. But as any Chaco fan can tell you, all that relentless use over a long period of time can leave a pretty distinct and freaky smell. Don’t be surprised – we know you know what we’re talking about, and we’re trying to discourage your friends from hosting an intervention.

Here are some insider tips for cleaning your Chaco. Your feet will be happier about it, and your tent mates will be happier too.

Don’t be afraid to throw them in the wash (but not in the dishwasher).

Chaco recommends throwing your sandals — unless they’re leather — occasionally with a load of laundry on a gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent (read: nothing that has chemicals that might gall the straps). Do not bleach! After you let them air dry, they’re ready for your next outdoor adventure.

Between washes, you can try wearing them in the shower every now and then to prevent skin cells from building up in the grooves of the footbed. yes, uh This sounds like the lazy man’s version of actually washing them, but it works surprisingly well.

Never put your Chaco sandals in the dishwasher or dryer as the heat can dissolve the glue in the soles. You can’t dissolve glue, and your sandals won’t be as comfortable to wear if the soles fall off (or half fall off), so heed our warning on that point. Just leave them in a nice, sunny spot for a while and they’ll dry off pretty quickly.

“Floss” the straps.

Flossing isn’t just for your teeth: this handy technique can also remove dirt that gets lodged where the shoe’s webbing and straps pass through the midsole, which can trap odors and cause the adjustable straps to stick. When that happens, the company suggests “flossing” the straps — squirting fabric softener into the strap slots and pulling the straps in and out to dislodge the offending grains. This is actually one of the main reasons for smelly chacos and why some sandals still retain an unpleasant odor even after washing.

If you’ve never done it or if the sandals are old, it can be quite difficult to move the straps around, but just be patient and make sure the straps are thoroughly wet first. The Z-Series sandals feature one (or more) full-length straps that go through the sole multiple times, which allowed you to customize the fit of the straps to your feet when you first bought your sandals. All you do here is move the straps in and out of the sole so you can clean whatever collects down there.

Flossing also prevents sand and grit trapped in the footbed from slowly sawing through your straps. Some people do this every time they wash a pair of Chacos, but if you generally keep them clean we’ve found you only need to do this every once in a while.

Make an easy home cleaning solution.

If your chacos are giving off a lingering odor (because they’re comfortable enough to wear for 12-hour stretches, which is what you do), fret not. Instead, scrub the footbed with a stiff brush and a mixture of water and baking soda. Many Chacos are sold with antimicrobial treated footbeds, but there are specific sandal detergents that can be applied after purchase if needed.

Treat the leather specially.

The leather of some Chaco models must be cleaned by hand. To remove accumulated dirt, use a damp cloth and a cleaning solution specially formulated for leather goods.

That’s it! Like any other must-have outdoor gear, if you take care of your Chacos, it will take care of you as you put in untold miles of adventure on the trail (or river or mountain). That’s why you bought them in the first place, right?

This content has been produced for your enjoyment thanks to a partnership between OSM, Osprey Packs, Chaco and RootsRated.

Originally written for Outdoor Sports Marketing.