CategoriesBarefoot Running, Barefoot Ted, Born to Run, Christopher McDougall, Launch, Luna Sandals, New Shoes by

Feetus.co.uk Bring Luna Sandals to the UK

Luna Sandals: Now Available in the 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
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 Venado Luna 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-Running
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.

OK, So What Styles Are Available?

The Venado (Deer en Español)

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' at Feetus.co.uk
Luna Sandals ‘Venado’. Notice the minimal sole thickness.

The Venado will serve you well if:

  • You’re road running
  • You want a casual, day-to-day sandal
  • You are looking for a lightweight travel companion

The Mono (Monkey en Español)

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.

Luna Sandals Mono
Luna Sandals ‘Mono’. Take them outside.

The Mono is for you if:

  • You’re looking for a sandal that is tough and durable
  • You run on road and trails
  • You like to run, walk, and trek long distances
The Mono Sole: A Closer Look
The Mono Sole: A Closer Look

Free Delivery Too

That’s right. Buy your Luna Sandals from us and don’t worry about shipping costs. Delivery is diddly-squat. Free of charge.

Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport Sandal
CategoriesMinimalist Running Shoes, New Shoes, Review, Vibram FiveFingers by

Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport Sandal Review

Are you looking for the perfect ‘barefoot’ trail running shoe to wear during summer? The Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport Sandal may be the perfect option.

The KSO Trek Sport is one of the bestsellers at Feetus.co.uk. It features a fantastic sole, ‘grippy’ enough for trail running, yet not too rugged making it a good choice for running too. Many love the Trek Sport for their boot camp training too. Versatile and practical.

BUT… When I first heard saw the images of the Trek Sport Sandal, I thought Vibram had gone mad! Why would they make a ‘barefoot’ sandal with five toe pockets and a rugged sole? Then I saw the recommended retail price. £110 for a sandal… Who in the right mind would pay that?

That is – until the BIG Vibram FiveFingers SS13 shipment arrived on our doorstep. I was bowled over by the Trek Sport Sandal as soon as I saw it in the flesh.

THE LOOK

  • Lace-up system on top.
  • Zig-Zag pattern on the side
  • Rugged ‘Trek’ sole

THE FEEL

My Trek Sport Sandal’s made their debut running the 17-mile Osmotherley Phoenix. I toed the line as the only wearer of Vibram FiveFingers.

The Trek Sport Sandal coped very well on the rugged terrain. Much of the route covers the Cleveland Way, which is a mix of woodland trails, singletrack, stony paths and old rock paths. I was concerned that the vents in the side of the shoes would let gravel in, but this was never an issue.

The Sandals were in their element with it being such a hot (29C) day.

After 12 miles I could feel the shoes starting to rub. I suppose this is natural, given that this was the very first time I had ever worn them running. All new shoes take time to ‘bed in’, and before starting, I was expecting blisters.

CONCLUSION

The Trek Sport Sandal is a very capable ‘barefoot’ running shoe, and handles dry terrain with ease. Comfortable on various terrains, the Sandal is best suited to warm-hot days when the ground is dry.

If you’re a fan of the Trek Sport, you will love the Sandal version. I certainly prefer this to the Trek Sport, mainly due to its breathability and without question its aesthetics. The Trek Sport Sandal looks awesome!

I do feel that Vibram have got their price wrong for these shoes though. £110 is a HUGE amount to fork out on what is advertised as a ‘sandal’. Without knowing exactly how good these are in advance, its difficult to say whether I would be willing to splash the cash on these – but now I have them, they are my go-to pair of Vibrams for trail running as well as day-to-day use during warmer days.

 

Interested… Get yours here: Trek Sport Sandal

Perhaps you’d prefer the KSO Trek Sport?

…Free Delivery on all Vibrams – PLUS – a free Feetus neck tube. 

CategoriesRace Report, Vibram FiveFingers by

Osmotherley Phoenix 2013 (17-Miler) Race Report

Wow – What a hot, hot day. After such a miserable start to summer, the sun finally reared its head for the Osmotherley Phoenix 2013.

I had originally registered for the 33-mile option, but over the past few months had started taking a preference to shorter races, and my head was turned by the 17-mile option.

The atmosphere at the start was brilliant. The sun was out and the place was buzzing. There was about 400 people at the start, including some familiar faces.

After a brief warm up I toed the line (the only runner in Vibram FiveFingers!!), only to find that I had lost my wooden chip needed for one of the checkpoints. Hopeless. I made the race director aware, and it didn’t seem to be a problem.

The Start Line
The Start Line

The countdown saw an awesome crowd make their way out of Osmotherley up the first climb of the day before taking a left on to the wonderful Cleveland Way long distance footpath. I used to use this route from Osmotherley regularly for mountain biking years ago so it was nice to re-trace familiar ground.

I sat in 4th behind a lead pack who I understood to have been running the 33-mile option. After five miles I sat back and waited for others to catch up. There was no point me pushing on because I had not done a recce of the route, nor had I read the route description, had a map or a compass, so I had absolutely no idea where I was going.

It was nice to spend the next few miles running with friend Adam Breckon, who runs a fantastic vegan/endurance sports blog here. We ran through woodland, up steep hills, over stiles, through gates, up old steps, atop the Moors. It was wonderful.

“The Fool On The Hill”

Descending from Carlton Bank, I expected to be leading the 17-mile race. I took my time, had a drink and was told that two of the front three had made their way on to the 17-mile route. I turned to see they were a good 4+ minutes ahead so I made a dash for them to try and stick to their heels. A lapse in concentration during a short climb, and I lost sight of them.

I stood at the top of a bank looking out. I spent a few minutes scanning the ground below, monitoring the horizon, and couldn’t see them. I knew there would be no chance of catching them now; that the only thing to do would be to wait for the next runner to catch up so I could stick to them until the finish.

Another five minutes passed and not a single soul passed my way. I decided to make my way back down the way I had come, only to find I had taken a complete wrong turn. What an idiot. I ran as fast as I could to re-join the small group that had formed at the front of the ‘peloton’.

“With A Little Help From My Friends”

Cutting a long story short, I stuck with two runners (one of which had won this race a few years prior) in this group until the last corner of the race. I ran when they ran, stopped when they stopped, and walked when they walked. I would have been lost otherwise. I felt guilty, having been guided by these two runners for the last 8-9 miles, only to speed off from them 300 yards from the finish to clinch third place.

It was a strange race. I loved the route – so scenic and diverse, but my own stupidity of having not recce’d the route beforehand meant I couldn’t race it properly. I don’t think I could have beaten the front two, but I know I could have definitely shaved 10-15 minutes off my final time of 2 hours 50.

 

Interested in buying Vibram FiveFingers? Get yours at feetus.co.uk 

Click here to see my review of the Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport Sandals I wore in the event.

Click here to visit the Osmotherley Phoenix website.

 

CategoriesNew Shoes, Thanks, Vibram FiveFingers by

The Brand New Vibram FiveFingers SS13 Stock Is Here!

We received a BIG ORDER from Vibram yesterday. 

In this BIG order, included the red-hot EL-X and the super-cool Trek Sport Sandal – Both of which are brand new styles of Vibram FiveFingers for Spring/Summer 2013.

EL-X_13M0102_COPPIA
EL-X Grey / Orange / Black

EL-X - Black
EL-X – Black

It has taken a lot longer than we expected for them to arrive, but we’re glad they’re here – and they’re in good company too. Popular styles are now (finally) replenished after Vibram’s popularity in the UK saw the likes of the Bikila LS, the KSO, and the Trek Sport SELL OUT!

The Bestseller: The Bikila LS
The Bestseller: The Bikila LS
The Ever-Popular Trail Favourite: The Trek Sport
The Ever-Popular Trail Favourite: The Trek Sport
The Mighty KSO
The Mighty KSO

In their debut day, the EL-X has proved most popular by a country mile, dominating our orders. Not surprisingly really, given it is now Vibram’s best-value offering – as well as being so lightweight, versatile, and good-looking.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PRE-ORDERED

We always like to say ‘Thanks’ to our customers – That’s why we pop gifts in each order. But on this occasion, we owe a huge thank you to our patient customers who endured the long wait for their Vibram FiveFingers. THANKS!

…And our customers like to say Thanks too: Check out these lovely reviews here: http://www.freeindex.co.uk/profile(feetus)_530565.htm

 

Free Delivery and Free Gift

Don’t forget… All of the barefoot and minimalist running shoes come with FREE DELIVERY, and if you spend over £50 with us, we also give you a FREE FEETUS NECK TUBE.