As a longtime Chaco fan, I was excited to learn about Tread Labs, the footwear brand started by Mark Paigen, the creator of Chaco.

So when I got my hands on a pair of the Tread Labs Redway Sandals ($130), I was eager to take them for a spin — specifically to see how they stacked up to my beloved Chacos.

After a few weeks of putting the Redways through their paces, here are my thoughts.

The first difference I noticed when putting them on was their soft footbed. These sandals are made with a plush microfiber that provides much more cushion than I’m used to. They have a lot more shock absorption than, say, Chaco’s Cloud line.

The differences don’t end there. Tread Labs’ footbed is slightly wider and shorter than Chaco’s, which better accommodates those with a narrow heel and wide toes, without compromising strap length.

For those of us with a high instep, the smoother buckle is more comfortable than the plastic Chaco buckle.

The double-buckle system is much easier to adjust than the Chaco strap, but loosens somewhat while walking.

The material is much softer, thanks to the microfiber base and cotton straps. While this is more comfortable on dry land, it took much longer for them to dry than my Chacos.

There are some similarities between the two sandal brands, too. For example, Redway’s straps are similar to Chaco’s classic Z-strap.

So if you’re hoping to hold on to those Z-strap tan lines, this won’t interfere too much.

All in all, I’m liking these Redway sandals. They’re great for the office or bouncing around town. They’re just not ideal for hardcore outdoor adventures like paddling trips or hiking on rugged terrain.

For those kinds of days, Chacos will still be my go-to.

Author: Jasmin Creek is the manager of rental operations at River City Outdoors and a contributor to Terrain.

Top image: The Tread Labs Women’s Redway Sandals. (Tread Labs)