It's just about that time of year again, at least for us northerners. Warm weather is finally on the horizon, and we officially cannot wait.
Sure, it may be only 45 degrees out, but if you're not embracing the spring weather by taking a stroll, putting up your hammock or simply chilling outside, do you even want warm weather to come?
I guess for those of us that do want the warm weather to come, it also means the start of Chaco and Birks season. While yes, the feet can get a little chilly at this time of the year for us risk takers, it's also the best time to let people know you're serious about your sandal game.
This tends to spark a very controversial debate: Chacos or Birks?
Personally, I am a proud owner of both, but I have been able to pull out unique qualities in both and I have come to the conclusion that one is better than the other. Of course, I won't tell you right away because I have some explaining to do, but there is a superior.
Let's get started.
We'll start with Birkenstocks. These bad boys hold a dear place in my heart, since they were the first sandal I owned. Birkenstocks, commonly known as Jesus sandals, are a great style sandal, not only for young people, but for all people.
Think about it: Birks are something your grandparents, who want an easy slip-on sandal can wear, your dad can wear it while he's grilling and occasionally, you can see your local frat boy wearing them with a good set of Vineyard Vines clothing.
Another great thing about Birks is that they are easy to wear. These things are easy to slip on and slip off, just the way your grandpa likes it, which makes it easy to do things efficiently.
Another cool thing about Birks is that you can wear them with just about anything: shorts, jeans, sweatshirts. You can even dress them up for your cousin's beach wedding.
The thing I love about them the most is that they are made to form to the contours of your foot for maximum comfort. Simply amazing.
Chacos are also amazing, and while they don't carry the same sentimental value with me as Birks, they are a high-quality sandal. First off, you can do literally anything in your Chacos. You can wear them in any terrain and never have to worry about ruining them. In a day's work, you can wear them to the beach (even in the water) and on a hiking trail without ever having to take them off, which makes them super convenient.
Though I may get some backlash for this, I have concluded that they are a very stylish sandal.
Some people tell me they're ugly, for reasons unknown, but personally, I think they look great. I have been able to wear them with all types of clothing combos and I feel genuinely good when wearing them.
Another thing about Chacos that I enjoy is that if you do get them dirty, you can literally put them in a washing machine and have them come out perfectly clean, and in good shape, afterward.
Lastly, like Birks, Chacos are extremely comfortable and they keep your foot secure at all times. You don't have to worry about having your foot slip out and your feet won't get sore while wearing them, which not many other types of sandals can say after a long period of time.
The best part is the cool tan line you get.
After long consideration, I have come to my conclusion.
It was not easy, a rather tough internal debate, I must admit, but I have decided that Chacos are in fact the better brand. The reasoning for this is that Chacos are versatile in all terrains, which means the comfort never stops, and you can be as reckless as you'd like in them.
With Birks, if you get them muddy, you might as well throw them out. And if they get wet, the wear-and-tear happens at an alarming rate. For this reason, I claim Chacos as my favorite.
