Chaco Unleashes "Designapalooza": A Nationwide Call to Creativity to Design the Next Iconic Sandal Strap

Outdoor style meets artistic expression in Chaco's biggest fan-powered design contest yet—with a $5,000 prize and a shot at sandal fame

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chaco, leading outdoor sandal brand, is calling on its spirited #ChacoNation community to design the next iconic webbing in a brand-new contest: Designapalooza. This two-week competition invites fans, friends, artists and dreamers everywhere to submit original designs for a chance to design the next iconic Z/1 Classic sandal strap and a chance at a $5,000 prize.

Whether you're a backcountry sketchbooker, a TikTok textile artist, or just someone with a story to tell, this is your chance to leave your mark on a Chaco that could walk across trails, cities, and music festivals alike. The winning strap will be featured on a limited-edition run of Z/1 Classics, and the designer will walk away with a $5,000 cash prize and a place in Chaco history.

"For years, we've seen ChacoNation use our straps to tell stories, rep their identities, and celebrate the outdoors. Now we're handing over the design table to them," said Rose Fulbright, Chaco Marketing Director. "Designapalooza is a celebration of individuality, and the creative spirit that defines Chaco. We can't wait to see the stories our community brings to life."

Beginning August 19 through September 1, participants can submit their original hand-drawn, digital, or textile-based designs. Team Chaco will carefully select five finalists whose designs stand out. Each finalist will work with Chaco to fine-tune the sandal's look including choosing details like buckle color and thread to complete their creation.

Then it's up to the community: #ChacoNation will vote on Instagram to choose the winning design.

For details on how to enter and more, head to chacos.com/US/en/designapaloooza/

About Chaco
Born on the river in 1989, Chaco, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), builds premium footwear for the outdoor-minded. The brand's iconic Z/sandals are repairable at ReChaco and more than 20,000 sandals a year are kept out of landfills every year. Plus, as a result of the brand's proprietary LUVSEAT^™ foot bed, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to all 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. Please visit us at www.chacos.com, Facebook: Chaco, Instagram: ChacoFootwear, TikTok: ChacoFootwear

SOURCE Chaco