I am hard on clothing, particularly footwear. Usually, I am lucky to get two months out of a pair of sandals. I have tried all sorts, from basic flip flops to the latest indestructofibre, guaranteed-to-last-a-lifetime sports sandals, and they invariably fall to bits within a very short space of time.

With one exception – the Chaco Z/1 Vibram Unaweep wide. These sandals are without a doubt the finest pair of sandals I have ever owned. I have now owned two pairs, and I would not consider buying any other brand. Not only that, but the company has possible the best customer service response I have ever received from any company ever. The first pair I bought did, after ten months of abuse start to lose some stitching. After phoning the company that makes them, which is based in Colorado, USA, they immediately offered to replace them with a new pair. I sent the old sandals to them and within three days had a new pair on my doorstep. Superb service. They even had a real person who works on the shop floor answer the phone.

They are very comfortable sandals; you can wear socks with them without looking like a complete asshole; they never slip because as they age, the strap holding them to your feet can simply be tightened. I eventually wore a pair of these out, and it took me two years instead of the usual two months, and what eventually happened was that I completely wore the tread off the bottom of the soles, but as far as I am concerned, that was just wear and tear - no fault of the shoes.

Little did I know, but they are extremely popular with river guides and wilderness professionals. I am not surprised – I have worn mine on the sea, through rivers and never slipped even when they are soaking wet. They are of course, not waterproof, so you will get your feet wet. Not there is an idea. Waterproof sandals…..

Waterproof or not, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Chako sandals as being the best sandals I have ever worn. Chako make a large range of other sandals, for women as well as men, and after my experiences, we have now purchased a pair for my wife. She swears by them also. Chako also make a range of environmentally friendly sandals which use recycled rubber in the outsole. The next pair I buy will likely be the Zong EcoTreads.