Chaco vs. Teva

One debate I have with a friend is about wearing sandals on a canoe trip.  He is the king of $12.00 Red Ball black rubber boots that you can buy at any Holiday Gas Station in Minnesota.  I have never wore them and I can’t imagine ever wearing them.  I have always wore Teva sandals because they are built to last.  I’ve had a couple of pair for almost 10 years and they are still in great shape.  This year I purchased a pair of Chaco sandals.  According to my staff these are way better than Teva and should be considering they are quite a bit more expensive.  I have to admit I like the look of my new Chacos as well as the feel, but are they worth the extra money and will they last as long as my Teva’s?  The verdict is still out.  Let me know what you think.