How to Adjust Chacos with Toe Straps

Co-authored by Hannah Park

Last Updated: December 29, 2021 References

Before you can go exploring in your new Chacos, you need to adjust the straps for ultimate comfort and support. Adjusting takes just a few minutes. You will first loosen the straps, put your foot in, and tighten the straps around your foot. With time and proper care, you can make sure that they maintain their fit for a long time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Loosening the Straps

1
Loosen the straps before you put your feet in. In most cases, you will need to loosen the straps significantly so that you can fit your foot inside. You can later tighten the straps around your foot.^{[1]
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- It is very important that you loosen the straps in the correct order. Loosening 1 strap will help open up the next strap.
2
Tug on the outside of the buckle strap towards the inside of the foot. You do not need to touch the buckle itself. Use a finger to pull the strap towards the inside of the foot. For your left foot, you will pull it right. For the right foot, you will pull it left.^{[2]
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- Your sandals are pretty sturdy. Don’t be afraid to use moderate force when loosening the straps.
- Loosen the strap as far as it will go. This will make it easier for you to put your foot in later.
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3
Yank on the outside of the top strap. This strap runs from the outside of the foot towards the big toe. It overlaps both the toe loop and the middle strap. Grasp the end of the strap near the outside of the foot. Tug this strap upwards towards the big toe to loosen it.^{[3]
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4
Tug downwards on the toe loop to widen it. This is the small loop around the big toe. Pull the strap down towards the ball of your foot to loosen it. Widen it as much as you can.^{[4]
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5
Pull up on the bottom strap as far as it will go. This strap runs from your pinky toe towards the heel strap. It sits under the top strap. Tug the end of the strap near the pinky toe upwards to loosen it. Your straps are now loose, and your shoe is ready to be worn!^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Tightening the Straps

1
Slide your foot into the shoe. Now that you have loosened the shoe, you should be able to fit your foot inside. Smooth the straps out so that they lie flat against your skin. Slip the back strap around your heel.^{[6]
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- If your foot still won’t fit, you need to loosen the straps even more.
2
Pull the outside of the strap next to your big toe’s knuckle. This is at the bottom of the toe loop. Tug it out towards the outer foot. This will tighten the bottom strap.^{[7]
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- To remember how to tighten your Chacos, memorize "knuckle, toe, buckle." This step refers to tightening the "knuckle."
3
Yank the top strap where it overlaps the toe loop. Look where the top strap crosses the toe, just above where you tightened the toe loop. Pull this section out towards the outside of the foot. This will tighten the toe loop.^{[8]
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- This is the "toe" step of "knuckle, toe, buckle."
4
Pull up on the strap of the buckle near the inside of your foot. For your right foot, this will be to the left of the buckle. For the left foot, this will be to the right of the buckle. Grasp just above where the strap goes below the sole. Pull this part up to tighten the top strap.^{[9]
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- This is the buckle step of "knuckle, toe, buckle."
5
Tug the end of the strap by the buckle until the shoe fits snugly. You should see where the strap comes out on one side of the buckle. For your right foot, this will be to the right of the buckle. For the left foot, it will be to the left of the buckle. Pull this strap to tighten the shoe. You are now ready to explore in your Chacos!^{[10]
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- The shoe should be snug, but it should not cut into your skin or constrict your blood flow.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Maintaining the Fit of Your Straps

1
Adjust only the buckle strap when putting the Chacos on. Once you have adjusted the Chacos to your foot, you will usually only need to loosen and tighten the buckle strap when you put them on and take them off. The other straps should already fit your foot.^{[11]
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- You may need to adjust the entire foot again after washing or flossing the Chacos.
2
Break in the shoes at least 2 weeks before you need to use them. If you are going on a trip with your Chacos, make sure that you adjust the straps before the trip. Wear the Chacos every day to break them in. This will help the straps conform to your feet.^{[12]
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3
Loosen the straps if they start to hurt. The straps should never cause pain or cut off circulation. If you start feeling discomfort during a hike or activity, tug the straps loose until you feel more comfortable. Remember that you need to tug the top strap loose before you loosen the toe loop.^{[13]
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4
Loosen stiff straps with fabric softener. This process is called flossing the straps. Occasionally, the straps can become stiff and tight, making it hard to loosen them. Mix 1 part water to 1 part fabric softener. Apply this mixture to the straps. Wait up to 2 minutes. Loosen the straps as much as possible. Rinse the shoe off with clean water and let it air dry.^{[14]
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- After the shoe dries, slip it back onto your foot and tighten the straps to readjust them to your feet.
5
Clean and floss the shoe every 3 months to preserve the straps. Wash Chacos in a laundry machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. After washing, soak the straps in 1 part water and 1 part fabric softener for 2 minutes. Rinse off the fabric softener with water. Let the shoes air dry before readjusting them to your feet.^{[15]
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- You can wash Chacos with another load of laundry.
- Always clean and floss the straps after taking your Chacos into a sandy environment.
- Cleaning the straps will ensure that they do not become worn, loose, or inflexible.
- Slide sandals have an 80s vibe.^{[16]
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  Expert Source
  
  Hannah Park
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}
- You can wear some cute printed shorts and a simple top with them.^{[17]
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  Expert Source
  
  Hannah Park
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}
- Culotte jeans, and culotte pants that are either wide-legged or that flat out go well with slide sandals.^{[18]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Hannah Park
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}

Expert Q&A

Question

When did the slide sandals originate?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Slide sandals have an 80s vibe. People started using them during the 1980s.
Question

Which clothes go well with slide sandals?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

You can wear printed shorts and a simple top with slide sandals. Culotte jeans and wide-legged culotte pants go well with slide sandals.