The biggest distinctions are in the strap design and padding. Chaco Cloud sandals come with a MEGA strap option, which is a single very thick strap. Furthermore, all Cloud sandals contain an extra 5mm of Cloud PU cushioning, making them astonishingly comfortable and wearable right out of the box. Traditional sandals have a split design, which means they will have two straps that go across your foot, connecting the two sides. They usually have some kind of material on the bottom of the shoe to add weight to the end of the shoe and make it more stable. In terms of style, traditional sandals tend to be plain, while chacos have various designs printed onto the shoe. Some people like to wear their chacos with different clothes, but most people wear them with shorts or pants. Traditional shoes can be converted into chacos by using string or wire to remove the insole of the shoe. This allows you to put more foam in the shoe to make it more comfortable to walk in. You would then need to buy new straps to match the new outsole of the shoe. The main advantage of converting traditional shoes into chacos is that you can get rid of any worn out or damaged parts of the shoe without having to buy a new one.