There’s a shoe for every hiking situation, but one of the most difficult choices to make is what shoe to wear on a hike where you’ll be on both dry land and in the water. Chaco may have the answer with the OutCross 2. From canyoneering to mountain river crossings, or even to use while summer wet wading with a fly rod in hand, these water shoes look to be able to tackle it all. I’ve been testing a pair for a few months now and have some thoughts. But first, the details.
The Chaco OutCross 2 features:
- Mesh upper with jacquard webbing integrated into lacing and collar for adjustability
- Webbing pull tabs for easy on/off
- Protective synthetic rubber toe cap and ‘heel riser’ overlay
- Neoprene sock lining
- Semi-collapsible heel construction
- LUVSEAT™ PU midsole
- Nylon shank for stability and durability
- Barefoot construction with instant-comfort EVA layer
- Antimicrobial application for odor control
- Non-marking EcoTread™ 25%-recycled rubber compound
- 3mm lug depth with molded siping
I first used the Chaco OutCross 2 while fishing at Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in Utah’s Uinta Mountains. In the summer months, the water is warm enough that you don’t need to wear waders. So with just a pair of shorts and my OutCross 2 shoes, I was able to get out away from shore just enough to be able to make long casts without getting my line and lure snagged in the trees behind me. The shoes allowed me to walk on the rocky bottom with confidence-inspiring traction, and I didn’t need to worry about changing my shoes going in and out of the lake. For this application, the OutCross 2 shoes were successful – though I can’t say as much about my fishing success.
Another outdoor application well suited to the OutCross 2 was kayaking on a lake. Last week I went out on an Oru Kayak at Pineview Reservoir. Getting in and out of the boat means going at least calf-deep in the drink, so having these shoes on were perfect for getting from the parking lot, into the water, and back. Sure you could just wear your typical Chaco sandals and they’d work too, but the OutCross 2 gives you added support and toe protection when you need it. As one who walks in rivers bottoms covered with thousands of toe-stubbing rocks, that extra protection is key.
On land, I’ve used the OutCross 2 on a few hikes and even used them as approach shoes while rock climbing. The fact that you wear them without socks makes for a quick transition to climbing shoes, and they pull on and off super easy. That ease also makes the OutCross 2 good to have around for going in and out of the house – I can have them on and tied in less time than it takes me to put on a pair of Chacos sandals and adjusting the webbing. The shoes are also highly breathable, which is great for wearing as everyday shoes in the summer. The anti-microbial application is key here, so I could still wear them around people without offending any olfactory organs, even after sweating in them all day (the shoes, not the organs).
While I have not yet tested these shoes on a canyoneering trip, that is the primary reason I chose these. I think if paired with some neoprene socks, the OutCross 2 would be ideal for adventures in places like Buckskin Gulch or the Zion Narrows.
My only complaint for using these shoes on trail is that the mesh upper allows a lot of dust and dirt to get through, leaving you with black toes by the end of the hike. So if you do use them for hiking, be sure to add some stream crossings into the itinerary to keep your feet clean and refreshed.
The Good: Great traction on wet rocks. Webbing upper drains water fast. Easy on and off. Comfortable to wear.
The Bad: Great hiking performance on dry trails, but your feet will get dirty.
Final Word: The Chaco OutCross 2 is the shoe you need for adventures both on land and in the water. From fly fishing mountain streams, standup paddleboarding, to canyoneering and pack rafting – if water is involved, these shoes are up to the task.