So I have been wearing the Unshoes for a few days now. First off I have not run any significant distances barefoot thus far. When I first started (around April of 2010) I was running around my block three times a week and started having a lot of inflammation in my feet so I just started walking barefoot and just recently started barefoot “runs” of 100 yards or less. I attended Barefoot Ken Bob's barefoot clinic in June and that has really helped me with my transition. Onto the shoes.
The sole is Vibram cherry material; the same used by the other better known huaraches; Invisible Shoes and Barefoot Ted's Luna's. I opted to go with the 4mm sole but you can also get 6mm or 10mm soles (the thicker soles increase the price). The laces are 11/16 thick (slightly under ¾ of an inch) mesh material that is very smooth. The laces come in several colors; red, red/blue, blue and black with blue dashes. There is a hook and loop lace on either side of the ankle and one continuous lace that runs from the toe hole in front, through the two ankle loops and anchors to a third loop that is located on the outside of the foot near the midsection of the sole. There is a cinch buckle to tighten or loosen the lacing there is no tying involved (there is an alternative tying method detailed here http://unshoes.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/alternative-threading-method/). The lacing under the sole is melted/glazed so that they have a layer of plastic. They are then covered with adhesive to give them extra durability.
Customers have three options in regards to sole fit. Trace your feet on paper and e-mail in a photo of the cut out, mail the traced cutouts or for a less custom fit, measure the dimensions of your feet and e-mail the dimensions. I traced my feet and mailed the cutouts and they were a perfect fit when they arrived. The Unshoes are very light as you would except with a 4mm sole, you barely feel them when you're running. As with any other footwear ground feedback is diminished but with such a thin and pliable sole the feedback is high. You know when you step on a rock or an unsecure surface. Unshoes still require you to pay attention to where your landing but provide you with enough protection when barefoot running isn't viable. They also work great for everyday and casual use and if temperatures get too cold you could always wear a pair of toe socks. I think the best part of the Unshoes is that they come pre-laced. I owned another pair of huaraches that required tying and could never get them right and they never felt secure on my feet. With the Unshoes I can just pull the lace as tight as needed and they stay on my feet really well. Additionally the lacing is very smooth and does not cause irritation. In terms of durability only time will tell but my understanding is that Vibram soles last a while and the durable lacing added with the extra measures the manufacture made to keep the lacing from wearing out under the sole indicate that they will last a good amount of time. Between the price, craftsmanship and versatility of Unshoes I think they are a great buy and would recommend them to others. http://unshoes.wordpress.com/
The sole is Vibram cherry material; the same used by the other better known huaraches; Invisible Shoes and Barefoot Ted's Luna's. I opted to go with the 4mm sole but you can also get 6mm or 10mm soles (the thicker soles increase the price). The laces are 11/16 thick (slightly under ¾ of an inch) mesh material that is very smooth. The laces come in several colors; red, red/blue, blue and black with blue dashes. There is a hook and loop lace on either side of the ankle and one continuous lace that runs from the toe hole in front, through the two ankle loops and anchors to a third loop that is located on the outside of the foot near the midsection of the sole. There is a cinch buckle to tighten or loosen the lacing there is no tying involved (there is an alternative tying method detailed here http://unshoes.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/alternative-threading-method/). The lacing under the sole is melted/glazed so that they have a layer of plastic. They are then covered with adhesive to give them extra durability.
Customers have three options in regards to sole fit. Trace your feet on paper and e-mail in a photo of the cut out, mail the traced cutouts or for a less custom fit, measure the dimensions of your feet and e-mail the dimensions. I traced my feet and mailed the cutouts and they were a perfect fit when they arrived. The Unshoes are very light as you would except with a 4mm sole, you barely feel them when you're running. As with any other footwear ground feedback is diminished but with such a thin and pliable sole the feedback is high. You know when you step on a rock or an unsecure surface. Unshoes still require you to pay attention to where your landing but provide you with enough protection when barefoot running isn't viable. They also work great for everyday and casual use and if temperatures get too cold you could always wear a pair of toe socks. I think the best part of the Unshoes is that they come pre-laced. I owned another pair of huaraches that required tying and could never get them right and they never felt secure on my feet. With the Unshoes I can just pull the lace as tight as needed and they stay on my feet really well. Additionally the lacing is very smooth and does not cause irritation. In terms of durability only time will tell but my understanding is that Vibram soles last a while and the durable lacing added with the extra measures the manufacture made to keep the lacing from wearing out under the sole indicate that they will last a good amount of time. Between the price, craftsmanship and versatility of Unshoes I think they are a great buy and would recommend them to others. http://unshoes.wordpress.com/
