9 wide/8 wide Chaco Z-2 sandals

[KnottedYet]

Ooh, thanks so much for this info. Your loss is my gain, as I have always had to pass up Keens (except for the commuter sandals, which run narrower) due to them being too wide. I better go look up these Newports as I just love the look of Keens (and the fit of my Commuters).

The Newport is what the Commuter is based on, except that the Commuter is narrower. (they look just the same)

Now they've made the women's Newport the same narrow width as the Commuter.

Perfect for you!

[emily_in_nc]

The Newport is what the Commuter is based on, except that the Commuter is narrower. (they look just the same)

Now they've made the women's Newport the same narrow width as the Commuter.

Perfect for you!

Thanks! I just have to be careful b/c I see a lot of Newports on sale (when I google), and those are probably the older, wider ones. The $95 ones REI has now are certainly the narrower ones. Now I just have to wait for those to go on sale! Unfortunately it was my DH's turn to use the 20% off coupon and our REI dividend for the year, and he already has...

Thanks again for the info!

[OakLeaf]

Well I tried some on yesterday and the "good" news is I'm an 8 in Chaco (as compared to my 11W in Nike!), and the toe loop on the Z2 would definitely cause me problems. So no regrets in not scarfing up this pair.

The bad news is the Z1's straps across the top of the foot. They really seem like they would irritate my incipient tailor's bunion, falling as they do directly over the 5th MTP joint. Typically, any overlay in running shoes that touches my foot there, will cause me big problems.

So once again I wasted a good long time for a shoe salesman. (I also unsuccessfully tried on some Merrells and a couple of other things.) But I left open the possibility that I might go for the Z1 if I get some reassurance. Opinions about the tailor's bunion? I'd be interested in hearing about how a big toe bunion does with Chacos as well, since the strap also hits right over that joint...

[KnottedYet]

I wouldn't think it would be a problem.

I often suggest my bunion and bunionette (big toe and pinky toe) patients try Chacos, both pre and post surgery.

The straps are adjustable, so you can give the bunion all the room it needs. Also the toe loop on the Z2 helps to straighten the big toe for folks whose bunions are so bad they've started to deviate. And of course, with no pressure at the phalanges at all, they are great for letting all the toes return to proper position.

Remember the straps will be a bit slippery at first, so the adjustments won't stay well. Often the forefoot loops end up getting tighter the farther someone walks. Standing in water (beach, stream, whatever) and "flossing" some sand into the strap channels takes care of that. The whole Armor-All thing to make the straps MORE slippery is a bust, in my opinion.

ETA: there are familial bunions, and there are mechanical bunions. Mechanical ones tend to be caused by pressure at the toes themselves. Pressure at the ball of the foot tends to cause neuromas, not bunions. But once you have a bunion pressure there irritates it more. Upshot is: Nobody should EVER wear shoes that cause misery ANYWHERE in the foot, because whether you have a familial tendency toward bunions or not, shoes that cause misery to your feet will damage them. Feet are precious. Give them room!

ETAA: Trek420 has a honkin' bunion from breaking her toe. It always feels better (and the first ray has more mobility) after wearing her Z2 sandals a while.

ETAAA: I'm surprised you wore 8 in Chacos, not 8 Wide!

[OakLeaf]

ETAAA: I'm surprised you wore 8 in Chacos, not 8 Wide!

Hmmmmm. I didn't know that was an option and the sales guy didn't mention it - maybe they don't stock the wides at that store. That may well be why the straps felt like they pressured the bunionette. I may check the website/give him another call and see. It's a bit of a drive for me, but I'll go a long way for footwear that actually fits.

I should still get some moccasins made...

[Biciclista]

hey Knot, question for you on the saddle thread.