Luna Mono Running Sandals Review

I've had the Luna Mono Mgt running sandals for a while now and feel ready to write about them after my most recent run in the rain. Despite being wet, the soles were truly non slip, I was truly impressed as I thought they'll be slippery but they were not at all.

Like I wrote before when I first received it, they were nice and soft to wear, almost no breaking in required compared to my other running sandals, the Earth runners huraches. They were also super light, great to bring them while traveling so they can double up as your running sandals.

With normal walking, I didn't mind the strap between my first web space (between big and second toe), but during the runs, I've had some minor discomfort and upon using normal or toe socks they went away.

Normal socks instead of toe socks

I found the "over the top" ankle strap very useful as it helped tighten the sandal to prevent my heel from slipping out (my right foot is slightly smaller than my left so I need to tighten the right sandal more).

I've even had my own version of running mini intervals with them. 3-4 times a week when I bring my two boys to the playground near our place I'll end up playing "big bad wolf" with most of the kids at the playground. I have to run hard to chase them and I must say the Lunas stay on my feet much better than my Havaianas slippers.

My calfs were a tiny bit sore the very first time I used them probably due to the fact they were new. I didn't have a problem with that thereafter.

The Luna Mono's have a fair ground feel and feel good to walk and run in. And they definitely don't give you black toenails. Thanks to Fred from Run Minimal  for the sandals.

Another Pair Of Running Sandals To Try- Luna Sandals

Some time last month, I was contacted by Fred from Run Minimal to try a pair Luna of running sandals. I gave my size to Fred and received the sandals in the mail today.

This is my second pair of running sandals as previously I had received a pair of Earth Runners Huraches running sandals to try as well.

First impressions were that they feel more comfy than the Earth Runners. The Luna Mono Mgt which I received felt softer for sure (compared to the leather made Earth Runners).

Well, I don't think I can ever run as far and as fast as the Tarahumara Indians even if I'm wearing sandals modelled after what they use. But I'm happy to try them.

Let me have a few runs in them before I tell you how they feel.

Here are a couple more pictures

Earth Runners Huraches/ Running Sandals Review

My Earth runners huraches

More than a year ago Mike Dally, founder of Earth Runners contacted me and asked if I was keen to review a pair of his earth sandals. I wrote back and said that I would be most happy to try a pair and mentioned that I live in Singapore.

Mike simply wrote back and asked for my size and mailing address. I requested for the Alpha X-11 mm which was a bit thicker and were more moldable. Mike added he was sending me the conductive leather laces.

The sandals were "zero drop" (same thickness between heel and the forefoot). There was a strap between the big and second toe and buckle on the outside the secure the sandal.

What was interesting was that I noticed there was a copper grounding insert flushed with the Vibram outsole. I later read that they were there to offer electrical conductivity  (or earthing). This is to offer the primal experience of walking/ running grounded to the earth. You can read more about the concept of earthing here. The copper inserts did not bother me at all while walking or running.

Copper inserts

I've waited a long time to write this as I wanted to wear the sandals in a bit before commenting. Mike Dally told me to take my time as most of the reviewers feedback was the longer they'd worn the sandals the more comfy they feel.

I first wore them mostly at home for up to a couple of hours at a time. I found that the leather straps (even though they were very soft) tend to cut into my first web space between my big and second toe. Because of this, I felt slightly more discomfort over the base of the second toe. Otherwise I had no issues at all with walking. The buckle at the side tightened without any difficulty at all.

I've began to wear them more recently as my older boy has been wanting to ride his bicycle. He can ride well but is afraid to stop as his feet can't touch the ground yet.

Lending a helping hand

So almost every single morning he's been asking to ride so I just wear my earth sandals with normal ankle socks and run alongside him steadying him when the need arises.

How does the sandal feel while running? If you've run in minimalist shoes, then you'll understand when I say they have a fair ground feel. They were nice to run in after you've broken them in and gotten used to them. They offer more than ample protection for the running that I do. If you have black toenails like me, then they will be very much appreciated since there's nothing for you to jam your toes against.

For the fashion conscious, hey look real cool with its raw genuine hurache appearance and you can wear them pretty much everywhere else.

Thanks Mike for a great pair of running sandals.

Huraches/ Running Sandals From Earth Runners

Here's what arrived in the mail for me today? Yes, A pair of running sandals from Earth Runners.

Otherwise known as huraches. Used to have a pair from Nike years ago, although those were really running shoes called Nike Air Huraches and not sandals like the pair I got today. The Tarahumara Indians will probably wear something similar to this.

Used to have a pair like this

Well, let me do a few runs in them and I'll tell you how they feel, stay tuned.

Another look at my Earth Runners