| Tweet |
I can take pain and discomfort. I can push my limits to the point of breaking. I like the feeling, I like pushing myself. But when it comes to putting my feet in frigid water I’m a sally. For whatever reason I can’t stand the pain before my feet go numb. Thank goodness for the Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe.
Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe Features
- Upper: Polyester webbing
- Molded TPU toe bumper
- Integrated neoprene sock
- Footbed: LUVSEAT™ XO3 Platform (removable insole)
- Custom Adjust’em Fit
- Vegan
- Outsole: Vibram® Bulloo Outsole
- Non-marking
- $120
Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe Review
The Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe is essentially a Z1 sandal with a neoprene sock added to it. You get the same great footbed, adjustable straps, comfort, fit, and durability of the signature Chaco sandal.
The Ponsul is great for early season water adventures, cold water, or if you’re like me and you’re feet freeze in moderately cold water. The neoprene sock acts as it should and traps water around your feet so it can warm up from your body heat. I found that while walking around colder water would flush in but my feet stayed warmer and I could stay in the water longer.
The one downside I found was after leaving the water I had to take off the sandals to drain them if I was going to be walking around for awhile. As I was walking I could tell that a blister disaster was waiting to happen if I spent a lot in them without draining.
Adjustability remained fairly strong with the Ponsul. The front strap adjusts the same as the Z/1, just be conscious that if you go too tight the neoprene sock will bunch up a little. One area I felt was lacking was heel adjustments…there aren’t any. For me the heel hangs too loose. I’d like to see a simple adjustment strap here to help snug down the fit.
The LUVSEAT™ XO3 Platform is a removable insole. Some may balk at this but trust me, it’s good. It is still shaped and molded like the traditional Chaco footbed but by being removable it allows the sandals to dry out faster.
The Vibram® Bulloo Outsole is a good sole. It does provide good traction in water although you still have to tread carefully over mossy rocks. I did find the tread not agreesive enough for extended trail use, but it did fine in the water.
For a water shoe one of my favorite features is the toe bumper. Gone are the days of stubbing bare toes on rocks (especially cold toes). I like the added protection.
The Good
- Neoprene socks keeps your feet warm(er)
- Chaco comfort
The Bad
- Needs heel adjustment
- Must remove sandal to drain water
Bottom Line:
If you love Chacos but need a water shoe, the Ponsul is the way to go.
Buy Now: Pick up the Chaco Ponsul Water Shoe
;)
