My family of girls have chacos and loves them. They've been in all sorts of Smoky Mountain streams. Make sure you get them fitted correctly, because that's 90% of the battle with them. The heavy soles are good in rocky terrain and the wife says they have great traction on wet rocks.
I prefer closed-toe sandals and have
these Tevas for most water use. They work well too, but the sole is a tad thinner. Honestly, I don't feel the difference. Almost all shoes tend to act like rudders when in a good stream, but I've never had experience with dedicated water shoes. Too broke for that lol. These Tevas have lasted me 2yrs so far and that's near daily use, in and out of water. I'd say I wear them out 2 days a week in the summer, and always in camp or at the creek.
Here's some photos of our adventures.
Check sales for outdoors stores around your area and online.
www.alabamaoutdoors.com is a good one. Catch them on a sale and you won't be so pissed at your family for spending so much.