Review : Luna Sandals Origen

• Type : Barefoot / Minimal
• Use : All-arounder
• Price : $98

Introduction
My relationship with Luna Sandals started in their early days, not so much because of the product but because of the people. The Lunatics are very good friends, inspiring runners and adventurers always on the move. At some point, I figured they had to be on to something with their modern-day huarache, so I gave it a shot. And soon realized the running sandal is a very unique concept, perfectly aligned with my vision of healthy running.

The Origen
This sandal is very symbolic, as it is the first Luna product to actually feature the key element of the traditional Raramuri sandal; tire tread. Like its millennial relative, I expected the Origen to be prohibitively heavy, and was very pleased to find out that it’s not. Although it is definitely heavier than other models, the sandal doesn’t bring up a lead foot impression when you put it on. I didn’t expect the Origen to feel like a running sandal, but once I had them on, my first idea was to take them out for a spin.

Cactus spines
from the Arizonian desert
didn't stand a chance against
the Origen's tire tread soles

Road / trail test
I have to mention that my trail running sandal of choice is the Oso, the one that has, in my personal opinion, the best grip and the best comfort of all Luna models. The Origen doesn’t offer the same amount of flex and grip, so it became obvious that I wouldn’t use it on trails as much. The revelation, however, came when I tried it on asphalt; this is the perfect sandal for street running! The under sole won’t wear out (probably ever) under the friction and heat, and the relative overall stiffness serves as a good reminder that pavement is no environment to be a lazy runner. Like all Luna products, the Origen somehow “forces” the quick, short stride that is so beneficial to my running form.

Those who’ve been following me over the past months know I’ve been struggling with a nagging knee pain. I am now convinced that this was a form-related injury, as I’ve not experienced any pain with my running since I’ve been using the Lunas (Oso and Origen) as my main footwear, weather allowing (I live in Canada, sadly). I’ve gotten back to the point where I’m planning an ultra running season again, feeling confident about my fitness and my body being ready for more adventures.

The only one thing I need to get figured out is the chaffing caused by some of the stitching on the top of the ATS straps. The Luna fabric logo and the area where the plastic buckle rests are two heavy friction spots on my feet, which will eventually blister and bleed if I pass, say, the 20K mark.

Conclusion
The Luna Origen is a “classic” sandal, in that it offers the ATS lacing system with a removable tech strap (an extra velcro strap you use for a tighter fit, when hiking or running on technical terrain) and a flat bed that will eventually mold to your underfoot. The big takeaway here is the tire tread, which promises to last a very long time and adds a welcome stiffness. Whether you already own a pair of trail Lunas and are looking for another model to save your precious under sole grip, or you’re looking to buy your first pair of sandals and want the best all-arounder, I think the Origen is a sound choice that will accompany you in many, many adventures.

High points

• Under sole looks unbreakable
• Excellent multi-use sandal
• Tech strap is a nice add-on

Low points

• Still a couple kinks with strap stitching friction
• Some may find it a bit heavy
• It is stiffer than other models (I actually think that’s a good thing)

Review : Luna OSO

 

• Type : Barefoot/minimal
• Use : Trail running
• Price : About $80-90

Introduction
I first became aware of Luna Sandals on my initial trip to the Copper Canyons. Seeing the Luna Boys coming down to run with the Raramuri, I thought this was a nice display of respect, but I also thought it was... crazy. But then I ran the last 10 miles with Scott Smuin at the end of the grueling ultra, and he seemed to be doing just fine in his huaraches – that is, no worse than anyone else at this point. I was amazed. He suggested I try them. I thought this was... crazy. Again.

But then he sent me a pair of the Leadville model, which I tested and reviewed last year. Although I was, again, greatly impressed, I wasn’t entirely sure this was the best footwear to go trail running, at least not in the gnarly canyons, not when you're me and not when going at it for over 8, 9 or 10 hours.


First impression
I tried and fitted my OSO’s in December at The Running Event, a trade show we attended with the Luna crew. After a bad run the day before, where I had turned an ankle, I wasn’t sure it was a great idea to go dancing on the pointy, sharp rocks of Austin’s Green Belt with sandals. I was expecting to hike much more than anything. To my astonishment, I started running easily and with growing confidence, and even ended the day chasing the Luna guys up a dry, rocky riverbed. Wow.

But that was 10k, and that was Texas. I live in Montreal, I run ultras and I get cold easy. On a good year, I don’t think I’d get more than 6 months of running in sandals, so I thought they were really neat, but honestly not something I could ever use as footwear in any trail event. Then I traveled to the Copper Canyons again.


Trail test
On an easy day after a long run in shoes, I took a couple people for a hike up El Naranjo, which is a part of the UMCB course. It was hot and I was lazy, and I didn’t feel like wearing shoes. I knew the OSO’s were solid, so I decided to wear them for the 4-5 hour walk. I couldn’t help but try a couple running stints with them on the single track going up, and I started playing around, running, in the steep gnarly downhills. They held very well, and I felt really confident.

So I thought I’d put them to a real test, the next day. I slipped them on and went for a hard run up to Guadalupe Coronado, another section of the course. The Vibram outsole is grippy and firm, and really has no less protection than rock-plated shoes. The lacing has greatly improved with non-slip strips along the heel and the top of the foot, removing any floppy sensation. The foot bed is made of a synthetic material that clings well to your foot and gradually molds to it with use, thus further increasing its comfort. There was nothing not to like. I was starting to get excited.

The next day, I decided to add a distance test. I ran the whole 20-mile loop from Urique to Los Alisos, which includes rocky road, riverbeds and single track. I was very pleased. Not only did the OSO’s deliver solid grip and confidence, but they also proved very comfortable over longer distances, even though I started to experience the same plug issue I had with the Leadville model, where the strip in-between your toes gets twisted and eventually becomes like a rope, chaffing my skin.

Other runners present on that day mentioned they had noticed significant changes in my form, for the better, and confirmed I was still moving strong after hours out on rough terrain. So, I wasn’t only feeling better, but actually running better? A little idea started to bounce around in my brain.

Maybe I could run UMCB in them.

To make sure this just wasn’t some pipe dream that would end up in bandages and crotches, I made one last test. I climbed all the way to El Naranjo again, and then I really let it rip on the downhill, a brutally fast and gnarly 10k that shoots straight down from the high plain to Urique. If I can make it out here, I thought, I can make it on race day. I took a tube of Shoe Goo and glued the plugs in place so the lace would stop twisting, then I strapped the sandals on and gave it a shot.

It was... well, here’s how it was :

No need to add, I was convinced. I felt confident that not only I could wear the OSO’s on race day, but that they would actually contribute to a strong, solid run in the hot dusty trails. I wasn’t disappointed. I finished UMCB over an hour faster than I had last year, with solid feet and a very, very wide smile.


Analysis

I have grown convinced that the OSO’s greatest advantage is that they force a certain running form on you. It would be suicidal and downright idiotic to do anything else than take quick, rapid steps in running sandals, and the way these ones are built enforce - and reward – a fast turnover. This made me stronger in climbs and prevented some of the “deconstruction” of form that comes with fatigue after running long hours on a hot day. They kept my feet free, light and dry, as opposed to running socks and shoes. All that, on the Canyon trails, made a hell of a difference.

No matter how gnarly the terrain got, I never struck or hit anything with my toes, as seems to be feared by a lot of shod runners. The only time I kicked something was with the tip of my sandal and the rock never touched my foot. As for sand or tiny pebbles getting struck in-between your foot and the sandal bed, I won’t say it never happens, but it’s never bugged me and is certainly no different than when dust and scraps seep through your trail shoes’ mesh uppers. And I found out that if you don’t strap in too tight, the little scraps will almost always come off as soon as they get in.


Conclusion

I still live in Canada and I still only have about 6 month per year to run in sandals, so I don’t know where this is going to lead. But after having run 50 miles on some of the hottest, driest and gnarliest terrain in North America, I can already tell you that they will be in my backpack every time I travel for an ultra. Anywhere.


High points

• Super-simple, minimal concept
• Vibram outsole is grippy and solid
• Protects your feet as well as rock-plated shoes
• Light, dry and free feet
• Enforces and rewards quick foot turnover

Low points

• Still nonviable for cold/winter running
• Proper adjustment takes some getting used to 

The equipment for this personal review was supplied by Luna Sandals, free of charge, without any conditions.

Review: Luna Leadville

• 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 Señor 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.

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.

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.

Field test

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.