A few years back, I was wandering around the Toronto International Boat Show and stumbled across a booth featuring Leguano Barefoot Shoes. I was intrigued as I watched a few people throw on a pair of the most flexible shoes I’d ever seen and walk across a bed of broken glass. Even children were trying!
I couldn’t help but stop to see what all the excitement was about. I was approached by the owner of Leguano Barefoot Shoes who proceeded to inform me of all the benefits of these unique shoes. Karl Kustor discovered these shoes while on a trip to Germany. He was so impressed with them that he felt he needed to introduce them to the North American market.
I tried on a pair of white Actives and instantly fell in love. It was the most comfortable shoe I had ever tried on. It truly felt like I was barefoot! Here are a few points that stuck out to me that I’d like to share with you.
1. Super Lightweight
The first thing I noticed was how light the shoes were. They only weigh 4-5 ounces!
2. Handmade in Germany
The shoes are hand crafted in Germany with meticulous care. It was clear that the makers of Leguano Barefoot Shoes pay attention to every detail making them a premium quality shoe.
3. Expandable Upper
The uppers are made from a fabric that Leguano calls kunert twisted which allows the shoe to expand to fit perfectly but return to its natural shape when I take them off.
4. Breathable and Quick Drying
I am someone who unfortunately lives with sweaty feet. I could tell immediately that these shoes were extremely breathable and would be a welcome relief to my hot feet. Karl also informed me that these shoes dry very quickly and that you could wear them in the water in the day and then out for dinner at night! They are moisture wicking meaning that any water or sweat that is in the shoe is drawn to the outside and not trapped on the inside.
5. Extremely Flexible Sole
The main feature of Leguano Barefoot Shoes I would have to say is their unique sole. The patented Lifolit sole looks like little bubbles and is extremely flexible. The sole is so thin that you can twist the shoes into any shape and even roll them into a tight little ball which makes them perfect for travel. The sole is slip-resistant and non-marking making these shoes a huge hit with all the avid boaters at the show. But the durable sole also protects your feet from sharp and pointy objects, hence the broken glass display.
6. The Benefits
So, let’s get to the real reason you would want to wear Leguano Barefoot Shoes. We were not born with shoes on our feet. These shoes are designed to give feet natural movement and the feeling of walking barefoot. The thin sole allows the body to be in a natural alignment, which can help to reduce pain and stiffness from the feet up to the back. They may also help to strengthen feet that have become weak from years of wearing protective shoes. Karl’s stepdaughter, who is a professional field hockey player, told me she had suffered from plantar fasciitis and lower back pain for years. That is until she discovered Leguano Barefoot Shoes. She no longer needs orthotics and is pain free. I was sold! I too had suffered for years with plantar fasciitis and had been looking for a solution. I was willing to give these shoes a go.
Fast forward 2 years and I absolutely love my Leguanos. I was a little hesitant thinking they would not benefit my feet. They took a bit of getting used to, but I now wear them everywhere. I absolutely love the feeling of walking barefoot! My feet are stronger, and I have better balance and posture.
If you would like to learn more about Leguano Barefoot Shoes check out https://leguanoshoes.com
