Support

Check out this link to Barefoot Ted's intro.

So you want to start running barefoot?

We recommend the Original Luna (Suede Top for normal conditions, Naked Top for really wet conditions) or the Equus, both with elasticized laces for comfort and ease. See below for more details on all the options.

The LeadCat is great for hardcore trails. It combines an 8mm "Leadville" sole with the 2mm shell Cordovan leather upper of the Catamount. It takes the edge off all those sharp rocks (metaphorically speaking :). If you will be doing lots of river crossings or running in generally wet conditions, we recommend the Leadville Pacer with a Naked Top (no leather footbed). The Naked Top is better for mud and water which you are bound to encounter on long trail runs.

With the Original Luna (6mm neoprene) we recommend a leather top because it is more comfortable, helps it mold to your foot, absorbs some moisture, and adds some strength to the side holes. The 6mm neoprene without the leather footbed (naked top) is better when it is really wet. For some people the leather can be slippery when it is soaked. The naked top also feels lighter (because it is).

In general, the leather top is more comfortable and the naked top is a little better in the rain.

Equus Elasticized

The elasticized laces are the most comfortable and easy to use laces. The 1/2 inch wide Equus laces are the standard. The 5/8 inch wide Equus laces feel more secure but may be too thick for small feet, people with narrow toe gaps, or people not used to having something between their toes.

Traditional Laces (Leather vs Hemp)

One isn't necessarily better than the other. They are both comfortable. The hemp doesn't stretch like the leather, and it constricts a tiny bit when it's wet, which can actually be an advantage. The hemp is also a little softer: some people who have had issues with lace discomfort have liked the hemp better than the leather saying it doesn't bother their skin as much. The leather on the other hand has a tiny bit of stretch to it which can be nice for taking it on and off and getting it snug but not too tight. We also have the 10mm wide "Leadville Lace" which is more secure and strong, though it may not be as comfortable for those not use to wearing huaraches.

Depends on how intense your winter is. If it's dry, some wool or poly blend toe (or tabi) socks can keep your feet comfortable down to well below freezing. If it's really cold, or cold and wet, try some tabi boots (maybe ZEM booties). Let us know if you have any winter huarache tips that have worked for you.

The 6mm Neoprene is lighter, forms to your foot better (especially with a leather footbed), and it's a little more comfortable than the 6mm Cherry (rubber). The 6mm Cherry is better at stopping rocks from bruising the bottom of your feet because it's more dense and firm, which also means it will probably last longer. Tom Viallon was putting in 100 mile weeks in 6mm Cherry. For daily running on mostly paved surfaces with some light trails, we recommend the Original Luna 6mm neoprene with a leather footbed, which is also what Patrick Sweeney has been winning races in.

The 4mm Cherry has the best ground feel and is really light. The problem is that it can be kind of floppy feeling especially for bigger feet. It obviously doesn't protect the bottom of your foot on trails as well as the 6mm. But on the other hand, it has closer to barefoot ground feel so you have that vulnerability that helps keep you present and in-tune.

Check out this video on in-between-the-toe discomfort.

If you have an order with a custom item in it you can visit our upload page, email them to info@lunasandals.com, fax them to (206)-508-3994, or snail mail them to:

The Luna Sandal Company
1108 19th Ave. E. Suite B
Seattle, WA 98112

If you are not satisfied with your product you can return it within 30 days and Luna Sandals will issue a full refund in store credit or the dollar amount that you paid. If you would like to return something shoot us an email and let us know: info@lunasandals.com.

Luna Sandal Co.
1108 19th Ave E. Suite B
Seattle, WA 98112
206-395-8238