For someone who was once a self-proclaimed sandal hater, I’ve sure gotten invested in the Chacos versus Tevas debate. Their flagship pairs, the Z/1 Classic Sandal and the Universal Original Sandal (respectively), look pretty darn similar at a glance: They’re both sporty hiking sandals with adjustable straps and a lovable crunchy aesthetic. (You didn’t live through the ’90s and ’00s if you didn’t know a supercool teen who wore Tevas and/or Chacos and could make a mean friendship bracelet.)

But look a little closer, and you’ll notice some key differences—ones that have spawned brand devotees who wouldn’t even consider crossing over to the other side. Given our love of supportive sandals, we decided it was time to test them both and see how they really compare.

Full disclosure: I’ve previously declared myself as a Chaco person on this very site, but this experiment opened my mind. It turns out, both pairs have their merits—and I’m glad to have each in my warm weather rotation this year. If you’re a fan of sandals (like I am now, apparently), it’s worth your time to consider Tevas and Chacos, rather than one or the other. The Z/1 may be my first love, as far as open-toed shoes go, but the Universal Original has a cozy place in my heart now as well.

For pure comfort

Our pick: Teva

One of the biggest differences between these sandals is their footbed. Where Chaco’s is firm and contoured, Teva’s is cushy and accommodating. If I go a long time without wearing my Chaco sandals, I usually have to strap them on a few times again before my soles adjust to the midsole.

Tevas basically come with a broken-in feel. There’s a lovely give to their footbed that makes walking on hard surfaces comfy and less jarring. But at the same time, my foot doesn’t feel swallowed by cushioning.

For arch support

Our pick: Chaco

It might not be marshmallow-soft, but Chaco’s footbed is a true savior for my flat feet. It features the brand’s Luvseat midsole, which is accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, meaning experts consider it a good design for foot health. Without the right support, my arches tend to collapse—but in the Z/1 Classics, they feel cradled and secure.

The arch support in Teva’s Universal Original Sandal is less pronounced. I could feel myself putting more weight on my midfoot while wearing them. But luckily I didn’t deal with any serious arch pain. For what it’s worth, people with high arches (who don’t need as much structure in their footwear) may prefer how this feels over the Luvseat.

For durability

Our pick: Chaco

The Chaco’s sole is thicker than the Teva’s (this style comes in two versions, the Midform and the Flatform, but for this article we only compared the OG). That makes it feel sturdier and more resistant to everyday wear and tear. Maybe I have heavy feet (according to my live-in boyfriend, this is definitely the case), but I noticed some thinning in the forefoot of my Universal Originals after my first few weeks with them.

Chaco’s Classic sandals also have more traction in my experience: I don’t mind wearing them when it’s damp, but I’ve found that some surfaces feel slick in Teva’s Universal Originals. (Teva loyalists out there will appreciate the grippy outsole on the Teva Hurricane XLT2, one SELF writer’s go-to.)

For flexibility

Our pick: Teva

For a sandal that moves with you, Teva is the better choice. My foot feels flush with the shoe’s interior at all times, even if I’m picking up the pace or walking over uneven ground. I’m not a regular canoer or kayaker, but I see why people use the Universal Original as their go-to water shoe—it’s so flexible and lightweight that you can almost forget it’s on your foot.

My Chacos definitely bend in response to my steps, but they’re just too sturdy to feel like an extension of my foot. I also feel like I lose some sensitivity to what’s underfoot when I wear them, compared to the Universal Originals.

For narrow feet

Our pick: Chaco

Where Teva’s straps go across my foot, Chaco’s wrap around it—and that secure fit gives it the edge here. The Z/1 Classic has a single adjustment point on the outside of the ankle, where you simply pull on the strap to get a snugger fit. After you make that adjustment, the strap stays taught the entire time the shoe is on your foot. I love the simplicity of this system—and no fasteners (like snaps or Velcro) make the shoe feel sleeker overall.

For wide feet

Our pick: Teva

The amount of excess strap on my Tevas is laughable—I can hear them flapping against the ground when I walk. But what might be a mild annoyance for me is a true treat if you have wider feet: That amount of strap means they can fit a range of foot shapes without chafing, digging, or creating blisters. And the front of the sandal is definitely roomier, with lots of space for my toes to wiggle and spread.

For style

Our pick: Teva

Gorpcore is here to stay—and both brands definitely have granola-chic style down.

However, I have to give a slight edge to Teva. Its Original Universal comes in some highly trendy color combos; its Hurricane Drift (an ultra-lightweight water sandal) is the stuff of pastel dreams; and its Voya Infinity Sandal is Olsen twin–approved (but maybe less useful from a performance standpoint. While I certainly wouldn’t wear them hiking, I’d happily take them for a spin around town).

The bottom line

Tevas and Chacos are both worth a try in their own right, especially if you’re going to spend a lot of time outside during the warmer months. And even though I’ve made my personal case for their best uses, it’s still a good idea to try them on in person. You may find that one suits your foot shape and shoe preferences better than the other—or that you simply must have both.

More sporty, strappy sandals to consider

Maybe you already have Tevas and Chacos—or perhaps neither of them really strike your fancy. Either way, we’ve tested and vetted plenty of other outdoorsy walking sandals over the years. Check out our favorite similar styles below.

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