In case you missed my post last week on choosing shoes for kid’s outdoor adventures, a closed-toed sneaker that works both as an everyday shoe and a trail shoe is a must in our family.
Usually my hubby scours the Web for good deals on whatever brands he can find. The Explorers wear out their shoes pretty fast (either by growth or from general wear and tear), so it’s hard for us to swallow spending more than $30 on a pair of shoes we know won’t last more than a season.
Which is why I jumped at the chance for The Little Explorer to test out a pair of Chaco’s Zanda Little Kids sneakers. Chaco is a company known for a commitment to adventure, so I was more than excited to finally own a pair (even if it wasn’t actually for me).
Product details: The manufacturer describes the Zanda as the perfect multi-sport shoe for kids. A few specifics:
- Breathable mesh keeps kids’ feet fresh
- Lace-up toggle fit for kids’ sizes
- Bungee lace for youth sizes
- Made from 25% recycled rubber, non-marking outsole
- Retails for $60
Our testing conditions: In the month that we’ve had these shoes, The Little Explorer has worn them on countless walks around the neighborhood (even on Halloween), to the park, playground and pumpkin patch. They’ve been tested on pavement, on dirt, in trees, on grass and in mud and rain. About the only place we haven’t taken them yet is out on the trail.
Our findings: I wish I could say I have a good idea how these shoes actually feel. But let’s be honest: The 4.5-year-old Little Explorer isn’t quite up to sharing those details just yet. I can tell you he never complains about wearing them, which in little kid terms is a good thing.
Here are a few of mom’s thoughts on the Chaco’s Zanda Little Kids shoes:
- Well-made everyday shoe that can easily go from the playground to the trail
- Available in lots of boy-friendly color options (which isn’t usually the norm for boys)
- Though not a waterproof shoe, The Little Explorer’s feet didn’t get wet when he wore them in drizzly, muddy conditions
- So far, the breathable mesh works at keeping The Little Explorer’s feet fresh all day
- The Little Explorer can pull the shoes off on his own, but definitely needs help getting them on
- Cost remains a huge concern for us
Where to buy: Chacos.com for little kids
The Giveaway
Okay, here’s the exciting part. You can enter to win a pair of kids Chacos of your choice by leaving a comment below.
To enter, leave a comment sharing one place you’d like to explore if you win a pair of kids Chacos.
But wait – there’s more! You can increase your chances of winning by leaving a comment on one (or all) of the posts below. Each links to a review of a pair of kids Chacos written by a fellow outdoor mom:
One winner will be chosen between this blog and the blogs listed above, so enter away. Good luck!
The rules
- This giveaway will run through 9 p.m. PST on Thurs., Nov. 15, 2012.
- You must include an email address with your comment. Entries without an email address will not be included.
- This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
- Winners will be chosen using the nifty random number generator at random.org.
- Winners will have 72 hours to reply to a notification. If you don’t respond by then, another winner will be picked.
Note: We received a pair of Zanda Little Kids Chacos to field test in exchange for providing my honest review with you. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.
Cassandra Snyder says
We'd give them a test on a hike in the nearby laurel Highlands.
Anonymous says
We would go hiking and camping in the NC Mountains. mandhedwards@yahoo.com
Anonymous says
I would love to put these to the test when we take our first walk out on the frozen lake! patron1973@live.com
Danielle @52 Brand New says
We just got back from a hiking trip in AZ, so we would like to explore a little closer to home next time. I am looking forward to taking my kids to New Paltz, NY soon.<br />52brandnew@gmail.com
GlacierGirl says
My grandkids are going to wear them in Utah's Canyonlands when we take them there this Spring! barbtrofholz@gmail.com
Cassandra Hopper says
Wolf River near our home! cassandra.hopper@gmail.com
Allison says
We regularly explore the mountains of Western North Carolina in our Chacos, but if my son won a pair of kid's Chacos, I'd very much like to take him exploring in Costa Rica. <br />altaylor@comporium.net
Anonymous says
We would explore the Flatiron's trails with Little Guy…We cannot wait to take him up there in the Spring! mlsteward(at)comcast(dot)net
debbiekl says
My son is always on the go so these Chaco's would see all sorts of fun places!
Kara B. says
We would wear them out playing at our local Stark Parks and camping at Hocking Hills State Park!<br />kara.musser@yahoo.com
Lex miller says
My kids would rock these shoes while we explore the redwood forests of the Pacific northwest this fall…and the deserts of the southwest this spring!<br /><br />lexmiller_44@yahoo.com
Amy says
The big dream is to eventually hit all the national parks, but the realistic dream in the coming year will be lots of trips to our great local parks in Cincinnati and some camping trips to regional state parks. amygardner17@gmail.com
Debi says
Thanks for your comment. Please leave an email address to complete your entry.
Emily says
We are a chaco family and these would be great for my four year old son to slip on to go adventure on his bike! He's been begging for a camping trip so ofcourse these would be on foot!
Debi says
Thanks for your comment. Please leave an email address to complete your entry.
NeKisha Rowe says
If we were to win, I would like to take my children to Acadia for some day hikes.
Anonymous says
Maybe the shoes will be the impetus that finally gets us to Yosemite!!! adbw17@yahoo.com
Mel says
Wow- what a great giveaway! We would love to try them out exploring Yellowstone. melynda at melyndacoble dot com.
Kate Hall says
canigetanotherbottleofwhine@yahoo.com
Kate Hall says
We go on a hike every week, so I'd love for my kids to explore the trails we pick in those shoes!
Anonymous says
I would like to try them at Indiana Dunes or while geocaching.<br />carla_berkey at hotmail dot com
Mama bee says
Hmmm, where to explore? I'd like to take the kids up to the Finger Lakes in NY in the spring.
Jentri says
I would love to take my little one on an adventure to Yellowstone National Park.<br /><br />jentri dot joy at gmail dot com
Debi says
Thanks for your comment. Please leave an email address to complete your entry.
Debi says
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Debi says
Thanks for your comment. Please leave an email address to complete your entry.
Debi says
Thanks for your comment. Please leave an email address to complete your entry.
Debi says
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Gretchen says
We would explore the San Juan Islands! Thanks the for giveaway!
Carly Yates says
The San Rafael Swell by our home, so much we haven't explored yet.
Corey King says
We would love to head to warmer climate and explore Zion National Park.
Delia says
We are saving up to head back to Utah… that was our favorite place, can't wait to show it to our daughter.
Susan says
We are always looking for new places to go but this next year we are planning on going to Glacier National Park and the Oregon Coast!! We would love to try some new shoes out!
mttwinmom says
i'd like to explore some muddy trails in the Spring after (some of) the thaw!
Jessica says
I'd love to put them to the test and let my kids play with them in the snow!