Shamma Sandal’s Chargers have been one of my favorite sandals of the last few years. Now in 2019, Shamma has made tons of new updates and design changes to this best-selling sandal.
And since I’m such a fan of Shamma’s take on huaraches/minimalist sandals, Josh sent me the current model of Chargers to put to the test—which I did by running around in Iceland!
Read through to see my thoughts on the new iteration of the Shamma Sandals Ultragrip Chargers!
Overview
Here’s what Shamma says about the Ultragrip Chargers:
What Shamma Says
Tap into your natural strength – Regain your form, balance, and movement. Chargers are light and responsive without even a trace of floppiness. Smooth on the road, and rock solid on the trail.
Hand-Crafted every time. Right in Santa Cruz, California.
[shoeDetails]
[proscons]
Shamma Sandals’ website provides the option to print sizing outlines at home for you to test out the correct size and shape for your foot. It’s a super handy feature that I wish all shoe companies would use.
Take a look around the Shamma Chargers through this photo gallery:
Sole
The new Ultra Chargers use the same 6mm Vibram Morflex pyramid sole as last year’s Chargers. Morflex is a microcellular material, which conforms to your feet over time, is flexible, but not as floppy as some other sole materials made of denser rubber, which leads to a quieter run and more “give” upon landing. Because of this whisper of comfort, you have a less jarring landing when hopping around or stepping on rocks.
This sole is a true Jack-of-all-trades. It can handle most things well and is incredibly versatile. This pyramid version is slightly more capable than the older Morflex sole used in many sandals with a tad better grip and denser composition.
Morflex is an excellent all-around sole that is great for road-running, trails, and everyday enjoyment. The sole is lightweight and the design is overall even lighter than last year’s Chargers model.
Question: Ever see someone lugging up a mountain in chunky hiking boots? Yeah … that is just not for me. When my feet are free, so am I.
So when taking long hikes in the Shammas, I almost forget I’m wearing anything, at all. After eight hour hikes in Madeira, a 12-hour detour at Mount Washington, getting lost in Acadia National Park, and 24 hours of sunlight-fueled madness in Iceland, I really would never adventure in anything but huaraches—and the Shamma Sandals Chargers provide a great balance of weight and features.
Carried over from the previous version of Chargers is the Ultragrip Footbed. This waterproof footbed is made from a specially designed Toughtek® material and has excellent grip for your feet. The Ultragrip footbed features a very subtle diamond pattern provides a large, sticky surface area for your foot, while channeling away water, dirt, and mud.
The Ultragrip uppers are tough and have held up after many miles and many adventures. It is sticky enough for wet environments, and does not distract when on dry land.
Fit and Materials
Shamma Sandals went for a radical redesign of Chargers for 2019. The overall design has the most changes since their original Jerusalem Cruiser sandals in 2014.
The most apparent change is in the anchoring straps where the webbing meets the sandals on the sides of your feet.
Previous versions of these sandals wrapped their webbing around two points on either side of the foot with the webbing exposed to the ground. While this never was an issue for me in terms of durability, it would be a weak spot in the design where something could potentially break.
The new anchor straps are now sunken into the sole like the toepost. No webbing ever touches the ground and this new design is potentially much more durable. In addition, because the straps no longer need to be anchored into the edges of the sandal, they can be moved slightly inwards, giving a more secure fit for the foot.
This Charger feels more dialed in to my foot than previous generations. Where the straps anchor is really good placement for where my feet land and there is less sway and side motion as a result, providing a more compliant and confident run cycle on roads, and more assured traction on hikes.
Aside from the anchoring points, all the buckles and webbing are revised. The center buckle is smaller and lighter, but still offers the same versatility and strength that allows you to move the straps in all directions on top of your foot for a custom fit, and there are two Velcro straps for added customization and security. The main velcro strap can be adjusted forward and back with the buckle, and the rear heel Velcro strap allows for not only a more locked in feel but comfort as you can shift your entire foot forward and back to give the toepost a sweet spot.
Like before, the velcro straps have been given little tabs to assist with tightening down and removing the straps.
Also new is a slightly smaller webbing at 5/8″ wide, down from the previous 11/16″. This new webbing is flatter and stronger, which allows for updated smaller buckled. This webbing is every bit as comfortable as the old one, while being more durable.
The final addition is a buckle adjustment tab that can be tugged to shift the central buckle to whereever is comfortable. In the last generation, you had to thread the webbing through the buckle in small increments, but this tab makes for a much easier adjustments, like changing the strap lengths of a back pack. It even features a keeper slip to keep the strap from flapping around.
These changes make this the most elegant sandal design this season with an incredible amount of customization, comfort, and durability.
The result is a running sandal without fuss. No longer will you have to run with anything out of alignment or forcing yourself to “live” with something being off about your fit or being too lazy to make complicated changes to the straps. Everything about the sandals are easy and polished.
Performance
Having previously tested out last year’s Shamma Sandals offerings in Madeira and Portugal, I decided to take the new model on a trip to somewhere more chaotic and diverse in terms of geography: Iceland!
In my travels, I usually bring a pair of Chargers with me. They are my go-to sandals for carefree fun. In Madeira, I was surprised to see a couple of hikers recognized my feet from my reviews on Birthdayshoes! We’re international!
From shopping in Reykjavik, standing under the pressure of Skógafoss, hiking to the airplane wreck of Sólheimasandur, and even the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, there was little that the new Chargers could not handle.
The Cruiser/Charger line has always been an excellent all-around sandal; they are great for just about anything—a tried and true part of the Shamma Sandals lineup. And while there are some sandals that are made for more speed and traction (Warriors) or tougher terrain (Mountain Goats), the Chargers are my favorites. Running is incredibly smooth and carefree, hiking is even more fleet-footed when compared to all the awkward hiking boots you see on the cliffsides, and the Chargers are comfortable for just kicking around with friends on the weekends.
Really, the new Chargers have so many little updates and tiny design changes that make these the best Shamma Sandals yet! While the previous design was one of my favorites, the new version is 100% better in so many ways. The sandals are lighter, more secure, comfortable, and have a better fit than ever before.
In my testing, I found the Ultra Charger was an excellent sandal for all but the nastiest trails. Having something light and flexible helps train you to be lighter with your steps and more efficient in how you use your weight. You end up more fluid, as well.
I found the Morflex sole of the Charger to be a bold surface. Even still, you can press down on individual parts of your foot for better grip and it is very difficult to slip with a sole that has so much dexterity and groundfeel. If I start to slip, I can simply emphasize a different part of my foot and, voila!, stability.
Shamma Sandals really outdid themselves with this latest update. The new anchoring points are more durable and comfortable than ever, the straps are lighter, but still just as strong, and the adjustments are easier and more customized than before. I truly appreciate that Shamma Sandals is constantly looking to update and rethink their designs and demonstrate true passion for the art of running.
Future Improvements
Shamma Sandals has always been very keen to feedback and I am happy for all the updates that have done over the years. Each iteration has added something that I wanted! From the second Velcro strap, thinner webbing, and now the new anchoring positions, they truly do not rest in their pursuits of the perfect shoe.
In future versions, I would love different webbing colorways for a splash of color and personality and a pull tab on the buckle adjustment webbing that mirrors the ones in the Velcro straps.
I would also like to see some thicker, traction-oriented soles. Perhaps a new model could provide the thickness of the sole offered by the Chargers with the traction of the Warriors (which are a thinner sole).
Summary
TL; DR: Shamma Sandals went back to their bestselling sandal and reworked nearly every aspect. The result is a sandal that exceeds all of their previous designs and is the best huarache of 2019. The new straps are more comfortable and durable, the fit is more secure and user-friendly, and all in a more customizable and lighter design.
They are excellent for runners, hikers, and daily use.
My only complaint? I end up wearing them for everything.
You can pick up a pair of Shamma Chargers from their website for right about $75.
12 replies on “2019 Shamma Sandals Ultragrip Chargers”
Thorough review, as always! I am a minimalist minimalist footwear person. I bought the original Luna Sandals (Venado) back in 2012-13, the 4mm Xero Shoes DIY kit in early 2014, and the 9mm Bedrock Sandals in summer 2016. I wear Vivobarefoot shoes for work.
I finally (2019) retired the Lunas, as the toeposts are beyond further repairs, the sole in front is worn down, and the heel is compressed and too thin. It’s interesting to check out the wear pattern, as the arch areas are barely worn.
Anyway, of the footwear I have listed, the Lunas have been my favorites. The Xero Shoes are great for running, but only that. The Bedrock Sandals, with their Gumlite soles, took a long time to become comfortable. The strap system needs adjustment more frequently than should be necessary.
Shamma Sandals, I had decided, are what is next for me. I live in Osaka, Japan, far from trails that the Warriors would be happiest on, so Chargers it will likely be. Especially welcome is that Shamma Sandals have kept prices reasonable, whereas Luna Sandals’ prices have risen in line with their popularity.
You mentioned that Vibram has tweaked the Morflex rubber, but from appearance alone, it doesn’t look different from my Luna Sandals, nor the older Chargers you have for comparison. As my Lunas wore out, so did their grip, so much so that the combination of smooth sidewalk tile and rain was dangerous.
Hi Tavis!
I also wear Vivobarefoot for work! (also cycling Carets and Prime Trotters!)
While lots of my friends have enjoyed Xeroshoes with my recommendations, their sandals are a bit too narrow for my feet.
By the way, there will be a new Bedrock Sandals review coming up (and Carets as well!)
In terms of the Morflex used in Shamma sandals, the molds they are using are a bit more pyramid shaped instead of flat squares and it feels like a slightly revised formula for just a tad more density, but that might just be my imagination.
You should hopefully be able to see the sole comparison in this attachment.
I find that Morflex is great for a lot of different situations, but if you want slightly better grip, you can try the Warriors’ Newflex sole, which is more aggressive and denser.
Since you mentioned gumlite, you might like Earthrunners as well–Shamma and Earthrunners are excellent choices for your adventures in Japan!
-Jarvis
Yes, the close-up better shows off the tread pattern. I was just reading an article about tire tread patterns for cyclocross and gravel bikes, and manufacturers really want consumers to believe it makes a difference!
Travis,
I’m sure some of it is change for the sake of change, but sometimes, the change is worthwhile. It is up to the consumer to find that value for themselves!
True, true, and true! Anyway, thanks for the friendly banter, and I’ll be sure to check out your upcoming reviews.
Aw, thanks, Tavis! (sorry I called you Travis earlier!)
We truly enjoy our community, so please stay active and enjoy the reviews!
Can you do a recap of all of the available minimalist shoes? The last wearable ones just became unwearable for me… I was wearing vivobarefoot shoes for 10+ years, but they’ve slowly made the women’s more masculine, the men’s more feminine, and discontinued everyone’s favorite models. They also promote “gender neutral” colors for kids. They’ve obviously part of the turning kids trans homosexual agenda and it is sickening.
Hello Jarvis,
Love your reviews, thank you for all of them!
My question: could you elaborate a bit more on the uppers in this sandal? I am hesitating
The reason I’m asking is I’m torn between the synthetic upper and the leather option. What would be better against sweaty feet?
Thanks !
Hi Peter!
In terms of the uppers, for the best durability and versatility, the nylon webbing is the way to go. It is very strong, while still being comfortable and soft, dries very quickly and can generally handle more situations than the leather uppers of other models.
The leather option is excellent for leisure and everyday sandals, but it does wear out more over time and is more difficult to dial in the best fit as the leather can catch on the buckles and adjustment pieces.
For sweaty feet especially, I would recommend nylon. It lasts longer, does not hold liquid or bacteria as much and is sleeker for performance-related activities.
I love wearing my ALL BROWNS in the summer, but the leather does not last forever, even with regular oil treatments; that’s just the tradeoff of leather under pressure.
I have yet to wear out any of my nylon Shamma sandals, and that includes some pairs I’ve had since 2014!
Hope that helps!
-Jarvis
Thanks for your very quick reply! OK, that’s clear. And what about the footbed(if I may)- can you compare the synthetic versus the leather footbeds?
I have a pair of sandals I made myself, the sole is rubber with a leather footbed, which is very comfortable (absorbs sweat, molds to the feets) but it can “gooey” after prolonged wear.
On the other hand, synthetic footbeds don’t absorb anything from the start….
What are your thoughts on foodbeds, please?
BTW: again my compliments to this site and all the work you put in. I’ve been a barefoot (weather permitting) and ‘minimal’ walker and runner for over 15 years; when I discovered Birthdayshoes I felt less weird 🙂
(I guess the forum on this site was taken down because of too much spam? I understand you don’t have the time to deal with all that nonsense).
Keep up the good work please!
I can’t decide between this one or Earthrunner Elementals. Any advice?
Hi Sascha!
I would say it would depend on the sole choice.
The Elementals I previously reviewed use a more aggressive Vibram Gumlite sole, while the Chargers I reviewed here use the more simple and smooth Morflex sole.
Both sandals can have either sole, so that can be a matter of preference.
I would say that given the new Shamma strap arrangement, they are more durable and comfortable for most users, however, the Earthrunners sandals do wrap around your foot a bit more, so they can be slighter more locked in when worn.
The shamma sole shape is also a little wider from top to bottom, while Earthrunners is slightly narrower.
I would say you cannot go wrong with either one.