Last winter, I was sent a pair of the women’s Chaco OutCross Web Shoe to review for ActionHub. Although the snow-covered ground didn’t exactly present ideal conditions for testing out the shoes, their arrival was a nice reminder that summer was a season to look forward to—I should note that Michigan had an especially horrendous winter this year. Once the grass became visible again, I knew days spent boating and kayaking at my family’s cottage were just around the corner.

I became a fan of wearing shoes on the dock ever since I lodged a fishing hook in the bottom of my foot when I was about 10. I’ll go ahead and blame my younger cousin for that one. Since then, I’ve found it’s simpler to just slip on a pair of water shoes than to walk carefully, hoping to evade any potential fishing hook dangers. While I tend to wear a basic slip-on sandal, I found that taking the time to fasten a few straps on the OutCross is well worth the extra stability they provide. This shoe is a step up from your basic water shoe, and I’d go as far to say they’re great for shorter hikes too.

Before we move on, let’s take a look at the specs.

Upper:

• Minimal, deconstructed mesh and synthetic leather provide breathability and drainability
• Rubber toe cap and heel provides durability and protection
• Ports and ventilated openings provide drainage
• Traditional ‘Z’ wrap inspired polyester jacquard webbing closure for a conformed and customizable fit
• Custom injection molded ladder lock for a secure hold

Midsole:
• Durable LUVSEAT™ polyurethane footbed with exploded voronoi design moves water under the foot and sits within the lightweight, cushioned PU midsole with co-molded TPU shank for midfoot stability

Outsole:
• Non-marking OutCross outsole with Vibram^® TC-1 compound
• Sculpted arch for traction and rounded lugs for use in raft foot cups
• Siped center lugs for wet surface grip and 3mm lugs for trail traction

I tested out the OutCross in Raven (blue), but it’s also available in Steel (gray) and Fern (olive green). The shoe comes in sizes six through 11, with half sizes included as well. As far as sizing, I wear a 9.5 and found the shoes to fit pretty well. I have fairly narrow feet, so the little bit of extra room in the shoes was on the sides of my feet. Simply tightening the shoes a bit seemed to solve this problem, although make sure not to tighten too much in order to avoid rubbing and blisters.

The shoes were definitely heavier than my sandal alternative, and I admit the LUVSEAT footbed does take a while to get used to. However, the initial discomfort is replaced with long-term comfort because of the support it provides for your feet. I knew the positive effects of this personalized arch support, as I’ve reviewed several other shoes from Chaco in the past. My advice for people who initially think it’s uncomfortable—give it some time, and I promise your feet will thank you after a long wear (especially helpful in the hiking boots).

Despite leaving me with some strange tan lines, the OutCross shoes performed really well. I wore them over several weekends at my family’s cottage both on the boats and around town. Once these shoes arrived for review, I began to notice how many people were wearing them—or versions of them from different brands—on a daily basis. They’re a great everyday shoe and, once again, the LUVSEAT footbed is perfect for people who are on their feet all day. I’ve started to wear these around with more casual outfits, even if I’m not planning to be by the water.

For technical purposes, this is the perfect water shoe. Whether you’re in the water while launching your kayak or simply walking on the slippery surface of the dock, the traction is great. The only issue I had was that the shoes didn’t dry out as quickly as I would have liked. I wore them while walking on the beach and into the water, but when I went to put them back on for a quick trip to the store, they were still damp. If you can, make sure they’re in the sun so they can dry faster. All in all, I’d rather have this sturdy shoe that takes longer to dry out than a flimsy, quick-dry shoe.

The OutCross will definitely be my go-to shoe for backpacking trips now, as it’s basically two shoes in one. Normally, I wear my hiking boots and pack a light sandal and light close-toed slip on (Toms or a tennis shoe). The OutCross is essentially the sandal and the slip-on in one, making my pack a bit lighter. I love multi-use gear, and this shoe is definitely a great one. For those who would rather have a lace-up version of the shoe, the OutCross Lace Shoe is also available.

For more reviews of Chaco products, check out what I thought of the ReversiFlip sandals and the Azula Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots. Visit the Chaco website for additional information.

Image by Ariel Black