text: This is my first time purchasing Chacos. I wanted them for hiking and outdoor activities. I ordered a size 8 and that fit well. I am usually an 8-81/2.<br />At first, I disliked them a lot. It takes a while to adjust them to your feet well and sometimes it can be too tight in certain places. I recommend following the instructions that come with the sandals or watching a youtube video. Especially make sure that the toe strap portions of the sandal are loose enough to fit two fingers. Any tighter than that, and it can cause some bad circulation to your toes. If you dislike having your toe restricted, this is not the sandal for you, go for Chacos that do not go through the toe. Although the toe straps can feel restricting, I wanted them for hiking. In the case for hiking, this kept the sandal closer and more attached to my feet, even when going downhill.<br />As for the footbed, I had problems with it at first. When I first put them on, the arch support made my left foot uncomfortable immediately. My right foot did not seem to mind. I started off by wearing them for a few hours a day when I was life guarding. I thought that after having them for 1.5 weeks and doing that, I would be OK to wear them to a theme park all day. I was very wrong. My feet were in so much pain after wearing them for 8 hours straight, especially where my arch was. I was almost going to give up on them, but figured I would keep trying since I had worn them too much to return them.<br />FINALLY, after a month of having them, my feet have broken into my sandals. The sandals do not break in. They are very heavy duty and well made; your feet have to get used to them. Now, I can use them all day without discomfort and appreciate the arch support that they give me, especially when hiking. When hiking, sometimes the toe straps tighten a little, but not too much. They are sturdy and work well and, not to mention, are very cute looking; I often get compliments for them.<br />If you do not have arches, or your arches are low, these will hurt A LOT. The amount of arch support is surprising and took my foot a month to get accustomed. I have both Tevas and Birkenstocks as well. Comparatively speaking, my foot got used to Tevas the first day I wore them. Birkenstocks took my foot about 3 weeks to become comfortable (not pain really, more discomfort). Chaco's by far took my foot the longest to get used to (1 month) and I did go through pain from long wear to get to where I am now.your arches are low, these will hurt A LOT. The amount of arch support is surprising and took my foot a month to get accustomed. I have both Tevas and Birkenstocks as well. Comparatively speaking, my foot got used to Tevas the first day I wore them. Birkenstocks took my foot about 3 weeks to become comfortable (not pain really, more discomfort). Chaco's by far took my foot the longest to get used to (1 month) and I did go through pain from long wear to get to where I am now.