Chaco Women's ZX3 Classic Sport Sandal

(April 2021 edit/addition) I bought these shoes back in May 2019 (original review is below), but I wanted to follow up with high praise for Chacos' warranty!These particular shoes broke in March 2021 (big split down the sole at the ball of the foot, see picture- the other shoe was starting to do the same, too) so I sent them in. A couple of days after USPS was to have delivered them to the ReChaco/Warranty place, I had an e-mail from the warranty department saying that they determined that it was a problem with the materials. They gave me a promo code so I could order another pair. Sending the shoes was a pain (you have to ship them yourself and given that Chacos are a little heavy, it cost a bit more than I like paying for shipping), but I love that they stand by their product and will work to make it right if something goes wrong._________________________________________________________________(Original Review) Now that I've had the shoes for a while, I am starting to like them. The stability is great! I was climbing playground equipment while babysitting as if I was in tennis-shoes. Normally sandals have my sliding all over the place when I try that. The comfort factor isn't fantastic (yet), but honestly they are more comfortable than most of my other sandals. And knowing that these are made to last (unlike my other sandals which usually only last a few months) makes this seem like a worthwhile purchase.I did a lot of research prior to buying them which allowed some of the less appealing factors to not be such big surprises. So for those who want to know what I learned, here you go:1) Size. I put "too large" even though this particular pair fits. I normally wear size 9 shoes. The first pair I bought were 9s and were like clown shoes. I ended up at a brick and mortar store that sells Chacos and tried them on until I figured out that in Chacos, I wear 7s! I haven't worn size 7 shoes since middle school. My advice, if you can try them on at an actual store, do that before buying online. If you get them to big, the arch of the shoe will hit the wrong part of your foot and cause a lot of discomfort.2) Blisters: Yep. I got some nasty blisters at the raised areas where the straps meet the sole (at my arch and opposite the arch). I also ignored the advice that said to break them in by wearing them for short periods of time and I wore them to work (as an elementary school teacher... including on field day...). Bandaged up the blisters and just kept on wearing them. Now, nearly 2 weeks later, the blisters turned to calluses and the shoes don't hurt anymore. Don't plan to wear them for long periods of time when you first get them unless you don't mind the pain. I have friends who wear Chacos only in summer have commented that each year requires a bit of a break-in period if you don't wear them year-round.3) Self-tightening straps- This was a big problem at first. It is still happening to a degree, but not to an uncomfortable level. I "flossed" them some which helped with that a little. Throwing them in the washing machine (gentle cycle, cold) had a huge impact. I think continued wear will eventually get those straps to settle.