Chaco Launches Made in the USA Custom Sandal Program

Brand Focuses on Unique Connection to Consumers through Personalized Experience

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Mar 27, 2012, 09:30 ET

ROCKFORD, Mich., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to the extraordinary emotional connection its consumers have with the brand, Chaco launches MyChacos, a one-of-a-kind "Made in the USA" custom sandal program. Over the past two decades, Chaco has developed a loyal and active community of fans affectionately called "Chaconians." In response to these supporters' desires for unique webbing and color options, Chaco has created a place for them to build and personalize their own pair of Chaco sandals. The new website, www.mychacos.com, offers deep customization with nine dimensions of color, material, and sole choices to create tens of millions of possibilities.

"Chaconians develop a strong relationship with their Chacos and passionately share their stories with us," said Colin Butts, marketing manager at Chacos. "We wanted to provide them with an even closer link to the brand by allowing them to design their very own pair. Through MyChacos, we see an opportunity to engage our community at a very personal level by providing them with an unparalleled and interactive brand experience."

MyChacos offers a full product design experience, putting the consumer in the creative driver's seat from start to finish. Chaconians build and personalize all aspects of their sandals by selecting sole pattern, webbing design (over 100 to select from), stitching and buckle colors, and logo placement, among other options. Consumers can watch the entire sandal come to life as their choices are reflected on-screen immediately. They may even design on-the-go as the system operates on many mobile phone and tablet devices. All MyChacos products are built on the renowned Z-platform known for its versatility, durability, and long-term comfort for any adventure. MyChacos cost $125 and typically ship within 3-5 days of ordering.

The ReChaco team, Chaco's on-site warranty and repair group based in Rockford, Michigan, will build each pair of MyChacos sandals. Because the domestic value of labor and materials of each custom pair exceeds 89 percent, they will be labeled "Made in the USA." An integral part of the brand for over 10 years, ReChaco mends customer's well-worn sandals and in 2011 made their 25,000th repair under Wolverine Worldwide ownership. All MyChacos sandals can be re-webbed and resoled in the future, extending the life of the precious personalized sandals; and they are covered under Chaco's lifetime guarantee against material and workmanship defects.

Born on the river in 1989, Chaco is authentic outdoor footwear that inspires a lifetime of true adventure. What started as a sandal for river guides has evolved into sandal, shoe and boot designs that offer Chaco's uncompromised support no matter where you roam. All Chaco footwear features the LUVSEAT™, a uniquely contoured platform that properly aligns and supports your foot and body to enable a lifetime of true adventure. As a result, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to many Chaco footwear styles. The APMA Seal is intended to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with comfort, health and safety in mind. Simply put, Chaco is fit for adventure. Chaco is a part of Wolverine Worldwide's Outdoor Group that also includes Merrell and Patagonia Footwear. Chaco, 9341 Courtland Drive NE, Rockford, Mich. 49351. Phone: (888) 637-7001; Fax: (800) 862-6230. www.chacos.com, Facebook: Chacos, Twitter: Chacousa.

SOURCE Chaco