Xero Shoes DIY Kit First Impressions

Rick

Barefooters
Aug 28, 2017
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10
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First off, this was a fun little project (and really easy to make)! This is my first pair of Huaraches- so I have no basis for comparison with other brands/models. My current experience with minimalist footwear is VFF KSOs, Komodo Sports, and Merrell Trail Gloves. While I've enjoyed all of those, I'm beginning to dabble in barefoot running, and have enjoyed having open feet. So enter Xero Shoes...

I just completed a 3 mile run this morning wearing my Huaraches. And I have to say, it was awesome! I experienced no rubbing, and I could tell my gait was much closer to actually being barefoot than with my VFFs or Merrells.

As for my styling, I really liked the Amuri Ventures, but they only had one color option available (which I find strange, since they have all of the lace colors in stock for the kits). I also wasn't a fan of the heel cup on the Ventures; so I decided to make my own "Ventures" using the same hardware and lacing pattern. Instead of running the laces through the holes on the sole, I made loop plugs to run through the holes and pass the laces through. I think this will help with overall durability- as ideally the plugs will give out before the rubber. I think they turned out great!
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Do you have the 4mm or 6mm? I found the 4mm significantly more flexible and floppy than the 6mm. The difference is pretty dramatic considering just an extra 2mm. I can run on course gravel just fine with the 6mm but not the 4mm which really only provides protection against cuts. For me it came down to not finding much value in the 4mm as I could only use them on surfaces I was already comfortable barefoot.
 
Do you have the 4mm or 6mm? I found the 4mm significantly more flexible and floppy than the 6mm. The difference is pretty dramatic considering just an extra 2mm. I can run on course gravel just fine with the 6mm but not the 4mm which really only provides protection against cuts. For me it came down to not finding much value in the 4mm as I could only use them on surfaces I was already comfortable barefoot.
Mine are the 6mm. I think I read on Birthday Shoes that he felt there wasn't enough of a ground feel difference between the 4mm and 6mm to warrant getting the thinner sole. I've seen folks punch holes in the 6mm soles to shave weight and add more flex- but I probably won't do that. So far, I really like how these feel; and I'm glad I went with the thicker sole.

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