- Type: Barefoot/Minimal
- Use: Trail running
- Price: 85$
Introduction
Among the amazing
moments I experienced in the Copper Canyons, seeing the Raramuri run in their
homemade huaraches (sandals) is definitely one of the most memorable. As I
watched them fly up and down rugged trails in this simplistic footwear, I
couldn’t help but wonder if there was some sort of hidden secret to the running
sandal, so I went to SeƱor Ventura and asked him to cut and fit me a pair. I
had to try it for myself.
Ouch.
There is
really no way I could walk, let alone run, in a pair of heavy rubber soles
clinging to my feet only with a thin leather lace. This would require weeks
(and many layers of blistered skin) to get used to, and there was simply no perceivable
incentive for me to do so.
So when I
saw the “Luna-tics” crew come to town in their modernized huaraches, I really
didn’t think they would be able to run the Copper Canyon Ultra with their super-thin,
lightweight sandals. To my astonishment, they all did, and with a fair share of
success.
I ran the last 8 miles or so with Scott Smuin, one of the founders of the Luna Sandals Company, and told him how impressed I was to see them all run on such rugged terrain with such little protection. “I could never do this”, I told him. “You should try”, is what he answered.
So I did.
I ran the last 8 miles or so with Scott Smuin, one of the founders of the Luna Sandals Company, and told him how impressed I was to see them all run on such rugged terrain with such little protection. “I could never do this”, I told him. “You should try”, is what he answered.
So I did.
First
impression
He sent me
a pair of the Leadville model, which I understand is their thickest sandal. It
is designed for trail running and takes its name from the famous Leadville 100
ultra, where it was originally tested. At first, I couldn’t believe I would actually
be able to run with a 10mm piece of neoprene rubber tied to my feet by only 3
points of contact.
So I went for a conservative, step-by-step approach. I started by wearing the Leadville for walking around, to break them in and get over my worries that I would stub the soles and tear them off my feet. I also had to be convinced that the strap between my big and second toes wouldn’t chew through my skin or provoke severe blisters. None of that happened.
So I went for a conservative, step-by-step approach. I started by wearing the Leadville for walking around, to break them in and get over my worries that I would stub the soles and tear them off my feet. I also had to be convinced that the strap between my big and second toes wouldn’t chew through my skin or provoke severe blisters. None of that happened.
I brought
my Leadville on a recent backpacking trip to Portugal and ended up wearing them
every day. I started really liking the soft cushioning they provide while still
allowing terrific proprioception (ground feel). I wore them on day trips, long
walks on cobblestone streets and small treks, and my feet never got bruised or
tired. I thought that was pretty good.
The only
thing that bugged me was the ribbon/plug system that holds the front strap in
place. The plug moves inside the sole and eventually twists the lace in between
your toes, significantly affecting your comfort. I plan on gluing the plugs in
place to solve this issue.
When I got
to Lagos and
learned that the town was surrounded with cliff-top trails, I thought it was
time to see if my Luna Sandals were meant for running after all. I had gotten
used to the ATS laces, a mix of soft ribbon and elasticized straps that hold
the sandal in place while allowing natural foot movement, so I felt secure
enough to take them for a spin.
The trails
atop Lagos
resemble the ones in the Copper Canyons, although they are less rocky. I
started running along the hard-packed, sandy trail and quickly felt at ease. The
Leadville didn’t feel too loose or too tight, and reacted very well to whatever
my feet did. I picked up the pace. The soft sole absorbs the sharp features of
the terrain really well, so I wasn’t afraid to get hurt on pointy rocks or
thorny roots.
On steep
uphills, I was impressed with the Leadville’s firm grip. It behaved equally
well on grainy descents, even though I wasn’t as brash in my running as I would’ve
been if I wore regular trail shoes.
I ran several
miles of rough trail that included some very sharp drops requiring light
rock-climbing, and my Leadville never failed me. Although I didn’t feel ultra
secure, I was able to run as free and as hard as I wanted, which greatly
impressed me.
Conclusion
On my way
back, I reflected on why, as a trail enthusiast, I would choose to run in
sandals. Since I can’t use them year-round (there’s a real winter up here in Canada), I
concluded that they could only complement my footwear options. However, they
are fantastic to bring in backpacking trips (they are so light and thin) and I
would seriously consider wearing them when running in high heat, as my feet
never got sweaty. Needless to say, as a regular sandal, the Leadville is
downright awesome.
High points
- Qualifies as ultra-minimalist footwear
- Surprisingly good traction
- Sticks very close to your foot
- Adapts to your every move
- Enforces good running form
- Very comfortable
Low points
- Strap adjustment is a little finicky
- Ribbon/plug system twists the inter-toe lace
The equipment for this personal review was supplied by Luna Sandals,
free of charge, without any conditions.