Take a look at these beauties! To me, they look completely faultless. Nice, wide webbing to keep the foot in place, whilst remaining completely minimalist and trendy-looking. The heel strap looks well-designed too. What I most like about the look of these ‘barefoot’ running sandals is the way the sole lifts on the sides. This looks sure to dramatically reduce the debris that can potentially enter the sandals when running.
Our only gripe is that the RRP is $69.99 (£43.30), which is a lot of money for a pair of sandals (but nowhere near as expensive as the Lunas!)… But who knows – They may well be worth it.
The Xero Shoes Z-Trek Running Sandals are due for release in Spring 2015.
What do you think?
Let us know your thoughts on the Xero Shoes Z-Trek.
Yesterday we shared with you Xero Shoes’ new kid on the block; the Sensori Venture. A barefoot huarache-style sandal with a 5.5mm sole, a revolutionary (patent-pending) lacing style, and an attractive design that will certainly prove popular in the coming year.
But Xero Shoes have another card up their sleeve. And this card is a little different.
Introducing the Xero Shoes +One Line
Xero Shoes are about to launch some tabi-style booties for use with their huarache-style sandals, and can also be used on their own for indoor activities such as yoga and pilates. They look as though they could also be used as a winter ‘sock’ inside regular shoes too.
The +One Trail
The +One Trail is designed for warmer weather. Both lightweight and protective, the +One Trail is designed to prevent cuts and scratches when you’re out running on the trails. If you’ve ever hit the trails in your Xero Shoes, you’ll know that this can sometimes be an issue (especially getting bits of gravel sneaking between your foot and the sandal).
The Xero Shoes +One Trail
The +One-ty
Xero Shoes won’t be winning any awards for their choice of product name for this one – but the +One-ty could be a big hit for those of you looking to continue wearing your Xero Shoes in to the winter months. The construction consists of a 2mm water resistant polyester mesh with bamboo fleece liner. The bottom features multi-directional chevron grips made from silicon for extra traction.
The Xero Shoes +One-ty
First Thoughts
I’m not going to pretend they look pretty, because they don’t. They may look better in the flesh – BUT – the big question is ‘How will they perform?’. Xero Shoes have been very clever and recognised two gaps in the market. The first being that some people do not like the idea of a DIY sandal, so they released the cool-looking Sensori Venture. The second is that running sandals are not the best option for running in colder climes – and that’s where the +One range fit in.
I think it is great to see some innovation from Xero Shoes and these will definitely appeal to those looking to keep running all year round in their Xero Shoes.
Breathability is another factor. How breathable will the +One’s be? Having not tested them yet, I cannot say – but I am concerned that they may be a little sweaty (like Sockwas). The last thing we want is a sweaty, sliding ride.
Losing the ‘Barefoot Feel’
The addition of a +One with your Xero Shoes is going to really remove much of the ‘ground feel’ from your running. Will this put barefoot-purists off?
…Only time will tell. But we look forward to seeing how you like them once we get them at Feetus.co.uk.
Xero Shoes Expand Their Product Range with the Sensori Venture
Xero Shoes have sold over 46,000 huarache-style sandals since 2009. They are worn throughout the world by people running, walking, trekking… even skydiving, rafting, travelling… You name it – Xero Shoes have done it! And now Xero Shoes are releasing a brand-new style to their armoury – and one that I am certain will be their best-seller over the coming year.
The Gap In The Market
Now most of us that own a pair of Xero Shoes (or Invisible Shoes as they were originally known) can often experience a bit of ‘slacking’. And by that, I mean where you struggle to keep the laces taut to your foot. Your foot can often feel unsecured, and you lose confidence in their ability to stay on your feet when you run.
Others find the whole ‘making-my-own-sandals’ thing quite daunting. And you have every right to be. I would hate to splash £20+ on a pair of DIY ‘shoes’ only to put the hole in the wrong place! That would be a nightmare.
That’s where the Sensori Venture fits in to the market.
Introducing The Sensori Venture
The Sensori Venture
The Sensori Venture is the ready-to-wear, barefoot huarache-style sandal. Here are the key features:
Promotes natural movement
Secure to your foot
Costs almost half of a pair of Luna Sandals (also in stock at Feetus.co.uk)
FeelTrue rubber sole
Elegant contour of the sole
Great grip on top, keeping your foot in place
Dual chevron tread for great grip on every surface
5.5mm thick sole providing great ground feel (proprioception)
Heel cup for stability and prevent
Double lacing system (with patent-pending fastening)
Silicone heel strap
5,000 mile warranty
Don’t just take our word for it… Here’s Steven Sashen from Xero Shoes:
Stay tuned to keep up to date on when these will be on stock at your favourite barefoot running specialists Feetus.co.uk:
We’ve got some great news. You no longer need to order your Luna Sandals from America (and subsequently pay over-the-odds on shipping fees, then customs and duty charges). That’s right. Luna Sandals are now available from your favourite barefoot and minimalist running specialists, Feetus.co.uk.
“Have You Read Born to Run?”
If you’re reading this, the odds are that you’ve probably read Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run. And if you have, you will definitely recognise the name Barefoot Ted.
Well, that crazy guy from Born to Run was inspired by the Tarahumara Indians to create his own version of the huarache ‘barefoot’ sandal, and called it the Luna Sandal.
Here’s the Luna Sandals story:
Once upon a time, Ted McDonald took off his shoes and started running. After a lifetime of being shoed and cast with modern footwear, it took him years to rehabilitate his feet and legs and establish himself as one of the forerunners (get it?) in the field of barefoot running.
Manuel Luna making Ted his first pair of huaraches at the 2006 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon in Urique, Mexico
In the spring of 2006, Barefoot Ted visited the Copper Canyons of Northern Mexico with a group of elite ultra marathon runners. It was there in the rugged Sierra Madre mountains that Ted met Manuel Luna, a local Tarahumaran, who helped him make a pair of traditional huarache sandals out of an old tire. The seed for Luna Sandals had been planted.
Fast-forward to today, and Luna Sandals now operate from Seattle in North America.
I Love Them… But Aren’t They A Little Expensive?
Yes, they are expensive. But let me tell you a thing or two.
I picked up a pair of VenadoLuna Sandals three months ago. I was very sceptical: “Will people really pay £65 for a pair of flip-flops?” Initially, I was impressed by the quality, the fit, and the look. The look was definitely the biggest plus at first – but I still could not understand the price tag, despite knowing that the sandals had been hand-made in Seattle, and were equipped with the best-quality Vibram soles.
Comfort
It wasn’t until at least a month later, I found I was wearing my Luna Sandals every day. I like to work in different locations, and often cycle to-and-from, and my Luna Sandals would travel with me in my bag. They became my most indispensible item of footwear.
Versatile
True, if I’m hitting the trails I will always opt for my Vibram FiveFingers TrekSport Sandals, or if I’m on the road I’ll don a pair of Seeya – but my Luna Sandals have been great because they travel with me. If I fancy going for a run and I don’t have my Vibrams with me, I just have to reach in to my bag and pull out my Lunas. Bingo.
Barefoot Ted showing us how its done!
No Smell. No Odours
Another big selling point for me is that they don’t smell. I am always conscious of giving my Vibrams a good air out. I learned the hard way and left my first pair of KSOs damp. That was it, I could never get the smell out. I am much more careful now though, and I always get them dried as soon as possible – but with Luna Sandals, this is never an issue.
ATS (All Terrain Strapping) Lacing
And the laces. You don’t realise how functional the ATS lacing system is until you use it. Having used Xero Shoes extensively over the last 12-months, it can sometimes be a fiddle getting the laces right. If you wear Xero Shoes – you will know exactly what I mean. Can you ever get them to stay right where you want them? With Luna Sandals, you’re safe. The laces are comfortable, and stay put!
So, in summary.
Luna Sandals are expensive, I agree – but this is what you get for your money:
A durable, top-quality sole made by Vibram
A hand-made sandal (not from China. These are from America!)
A unique ATS lacing system (that works very well!)
Fresh-smelling
Comfort like no other sandal
Versatility. The Luna’s do-it-all.
Suitable for Vegans
The novelty: You loved Born to Run. You loved Barefoot Ted. And now you have his shoes.
Lightweight and minimal: 7mm sole weighing just 3.9oz. The Venado was ‘The Original Luna’ and comes with ATS lacing, MGT (Monkey Grip Technology) non-slip footbed, and 6mm of Vibram sole.
Luna Sandals ‘Venado’. Notice the minimal sole thickness.
Billed by Luna as the ‘do everything, go everywhere sandal’, and it’s easy to see why. The 12mm sole provides cushioning and stability. The grip on the bottom will keep you on your feet. The Mono also comes with ATS lacing and MGT footbed.
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