How to Make Huaraches

Ever since the publication of Christopher McDougall’s book, Born to Run, there has been an increased interest in the simple sandals worn by the Tarahumara, which he describes in his story. Called “huaraches,” the footwear of the Tarahumara are basic sandals created from the rubber tread of old tires and a bit of leather cord. Not […]

Can you run long distance in sandals? You bet!

There’s nothing I find funnier than when I’m running in my Xero Shoes sandals and someone asks, “Can you run in those?” Uh… you’re WATCHING me run in them! Well, when I tell non-runners that some people run 100k ultramarathons in huaraches, they’re incredulous. Now I don’t need to explain anything, I can just show […]

Running with the Tarahumara in Costa Rica

Want to run with the Tarahumara (the Mexican tribe featured in Chris McDougall’s bestseller, Born to Run)? Well, if you can’t make it to the Copper Canyon, or anywhere else for that matter, here’s the next best thing. Ultra runners Jonathan Sinclair and Melissa Gosse went to Costa Rica for La Ruta 100k, arguably the […]

How to wear huaraches barefoot sandals

Barefoot Sandals, Triathalons, and Speed

I got a call today from someone asking: I’m a triathlete, and I love the idea of barefoot running, or using your sandals… but how quickly can I put these on and then run with them? The time to transition between biking and running is important to me. And once they’re on, will they fall […]

Raymond's Thong Barefoot Running Sandal tying style

Raymond’s Double-Thong Running Sandal Tying Method

Raymond Mack developed this nice thong style Once you get the tension just right, you slip ’em on and off in a second. People use this tying style for everything from walking to running marathons. First, a tying tip: Lacing tips: Raymond’s Double-Thong Tying Style Since there’s exposed lace under your foot, I recommend coating […]

No toe tying huaraches by Sonja

Sonja’s No-Toe huarache running sandal

  Sonja came up with this tying style which has no toe strap or knot under your foot. You can slip these on and off in a moment. BTW, you won’t end up with a big flap in the front… that’s just what happened in the picture 😉 First, a few tying tips and notes: […]

Xero Shoes Barefoot Sandals in COLOR!

Houston, we have color! I am extremely happy and proud to announce that you can now get Xero Shoes in 4 WAY COOL colors. And to celebrate, you can also save 20% if you order by October 2nd! In addition to our Coal Black, you can now get Mocha Earth, Electric Mint, Boulder Sky, and […]

4 Reasons NOT to Run Barefoot

[This post is guest-authored by our friend Rob Raux from www.shodless.com] Being barefoot and running barefoot is a blissful and consciousness-expanding endeavor. The feedback supplied from the ground is powerful enough to force even experienced runners to try it for only a mile or so, if they make it that far. Barefoot running, however wonderful, […]

Can you run barefoot in the cold?

Barefoot in the Cold

“What should I do if it’s cold outside?” Guess what? You can still wear your sandals! Here’s how I’ve done it for 3 winters…

The little lie of barefoot running

As the barefoot running boom continues to explode, it’s important that we debunk the mythology that’s sprung up and face some facts. And perhaps the most obvious fact is this: If you run with anything between your skin and the ground, you are not barefoot runner. Let me say that again. If you wear Vibram […]