Chala Antique Review - Original vs Antique 2.0

The short answer

The Chala Antique worked well for my extra-wide feet because the sole gave me enough room and the straps were genuinely adjustable. I wore mine for casual walks, running after my children, with jeans and with sundresses.

The current Antique 2.0 is not exactly the sandal I reviewed. Chala now makes leather and vegan versions with different sole thicknesses: about 6.0 mm for the leather version and 5.4 mm for the vegan version.

Chala also says its online retail operation will close after 31 August 2026 as the manufactory moves towards shared production and licensing. If you want a pair from the current shop, check availability before spending time choosing a colour or size.

The straps worked well on my wide feet

I have extra-wide feet, and the small sliding tabs on my Antique let me move the top strap to where I needed it. Once adjusted, they stayed put well. The leather straps felt soft but substantial.

I chose size 38 mainly because I needed the width. That was the right compromise for my foot in that version of the sandal, not a size recommendation for everyone.

I wore them as everyday summer sandals

I had been a flip-flop person, and the Antique could fill the same easy summer role while staying more secure on my foot.

I wore mine with sundresses and jeans, for ordinary walking and while running after my children. I did not have to plan an outfit around the fact that they were barefoot sandals.

The old pair had good ground feel with a little bounce

My original Antique felt thin and flexible underfoot, with good ground feel and a slight bounce that I found comfortable. I would keep that observation tied to the pair I actually wore.

Sole thickness depends on which Antique 2.0 you choose. Chala lists 6.0 mm for the leather version and 5.4 mm for the vegan version, both using its Vibram ECO Crepe construction. If that difference matters to you, choose the material first and use the specification for that version.

Use the template, especially if width drives your size

Chala publishes printable templates and offers its sandal shapes in different widths. For a wide foot, I would print the template at 100%, check the control line and compare the outline with your foot before focusing on the EU size.

The straps can fine-tune a good shape. They cannot fix a sole that is too narrow or wrong for your toe line.

The leather showed wear

My footbed developed clear foot imprints. I used leather conditioner, which deepened the colour and evened the appearance. I also learned not to soak the leather unnecessarily.

The vegan Antique 2.0 uses a different material, so I would follow Chala's care guidance for that version rather than copy my leather routine.

Would I buy Antique 2.0?

Yes, if the template worked for my feet and the version I wanted was still available. The original gave me enough width, useful strap adjustment and a style I could wear through normal summer life.