To my Chacos,

First off, let me know how much of a positive presence you are in my life. Every time I strap you on to my feet I feel supported and comfortable--something I cannot say about many other shoes balancing on the shoe rack in my closet. I am blessed to have gotten you when I did: in the middle of the summer, when I was climbing hills and walking in creeks at camp.

No other shoes that came before you dried as fast. The second I step out of the puddle, the icy cold creek, or into the building after a rainstorm I can feel my feet drying in an instant. If I were wearing my tennis shoes I would not feel that would not be the case for many more hours; your powers are incredible.

And not only do you dry quickly after a romp in the creek, you also support me during said creek hike. Before I got you, I found myself slipping on rocks and rolling my ankles. But, now, those problems and worries are a thing of the past. I can walk with assurance over uneven ground and in water.

You make me feel included and part of a group. When I became a camp counselor I went on hikes in flimsy Tevas (that did the job, but just barely) while my fellow counselors made it up the hills in solid criss-crossed Chacos. When I got my Chacos package in the mail on a hot summer day I could not contain my excitement and ripped the box open in the middle of the room surrounded by people working.

I was warned that I would have to break you in, that I would get blisters and sores from wearing my Chacos too often, but I turned out to be a lucky Chaco owner. The second I put my Chacos on they fit like a glove, but for my feet, and there were no signs of blisters and sores in sight. I was on top of the world (Chacos).

You, my lovely Chacos, may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you are certainly mine. The criss-crossing pattern may be "ugly" according to other people, but they are wrong, Chacos, you are amazing. And the patterns! You have so many options, and each one says something different about the person wearing them.

Everyone who has begrudgingly gotten a pair of Chacos because they wanted to see what the talk was all about (typically after critiquing Chaco wearer's sense of style) falls in love with their Chacos.

I don't think I'll ever find another pair of shoes that express me, support me, and make sure I don't trip and fall into a freezing creek and hit my head on a rock. My Chacos are truly a special part of my life. And I will cherish my pair forever.

Sincerely,

A Lover of Chacos