Luna Sandals product review

Ideal for Hawaii and Other Warm-Climate Running

Runners on a dirt track, back view. Blue sky, clouds, telephone poles on the right, dried grass on both sides of the track. — Running with Runners HI Waipio into Kipapa Gulch. Photo by Shannon Chang.

In Brief

*plenty of room for wide, flat feet

*lots of air circulation reducing stink and sweat

*quick-drying; no fear of frequent showers or puddles

*longer-lasting than shoes; minimal sole forces light, quick steps

*helps flat feet get stronger by engaging arches

*reduces running injuries because the entire leg acts as a spring vs. only knees and ankles

Injury Preventer

While running in Luna Sandals I have had NO RUNNING INJURIES, unlike 30-70% (Harvard Gatte and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) of all regular runners. I have had trip-and-falls and twisted ankles, but nothing specific to running such as Achilles tenderness or knee pain. There are times my muscles are sore or my hips hurt – on long runs and in ultramarathons – but I attribute my injury-free condition to running in Lunas. I cannot land hard because the zero-drop soles are thin and cushionless. Landing without using my whole leg as a spring would hurt. It forces me to land mid-foot, beneath my body, in small steps.

Stronger Feet

used to have flat feet and weak ankles. Running in huarache-style sandals with thin soles and no arch support has strengthened my feet and ankles. My feet are still flat (I can clap with them) but my arches engage when I run. I can tell because my footprint looks normal.

Venado 2.0 vs. Mono 2.0

black huarache or running sandal with black straps — Luna Venado 2.0

Venados are thinner and noticeably lighter. Lighter shoes make it easier to maintain a constant foot turnover when the body begins to tire. I’ve worn them on road, trails, and beach.

black huarache or running sandal with black straps and pronounced tread — Luna Mono 2.0

Mono 2.0 has a noticeably thicker, heavier, treaded sole. I did notice a slightly cushier feel on road surfaces which I preferred for runs longer than eight miles. Still wearable after about a year and 500 miles, most of the tread has worn off. I rotate between the two pairs, preferring the Venados.