If you’ve read Born to Run (if not, please do so!), then you certainly remember one of the more colorful personalities in the book, Barefoot Ted. Barefoot Ted (BFT) has his own huarache sandal company called Luna Sandals drawing upon inspiration from the Tarahumara. In fact, the name “Luna” is in honor of Manuel Luna who made Ted his first pair of huaraches. I have been running in BFT’s Original Lunas for a year now, and they have become my go-to huarache for longer runs. BFT has been tweaking his designs and releasing new models, and I was recently offered the opportunity to test his latest huaraches sandal design, the “LeadCat.”
Use
There are now six different types of Luna Sandals available. The different types give you the opportunity to select the best sandal for your particular needs, and all of them offer levels of customization. BFT has targeted the LeadCat toward hardcore trail runners and those looking for a premium casual sandal.
Design
BFT named the LeadCat sole after the Leadville Trail 100, a grueling 100 mile ultra-marathon in Leadville, Colorado. These Leadville soles are made by Vibram and are 8mm thick with a relatively aggressive tread pattern. The thickness of the sole is the primary factor for determining for which terrain the huaraches are suited, and at 8mm, these will handle some of the rougher stuff found on trails. The Leadville soles are topped with a 2mm tanned leather footbed with the Luna Sandal logo stamped on the heel — enjoy the logo while you can, because it will gradually wear away with use. Over time, the leather will mold to your foot and give you an even more custom fit.
For the LeadCat, your only customization option comes with the selection of laces. You can choose from a variety of materials and associated widths. Included in the basic cost is your choice of either a leather set of laces, or braided hemp. For an additional charge, you can outfit your LeadCat with “Equus” elasticized leather laces.
My test pair had the 5/8″ Equus laces, and I found them to be excellent. They are soft against the skin, have enough grip to avoid slipping, and the elastic property eases the task of getting yourself a proper fit and still being able to slip them on and off again and again without retying them. Another huge advantage of the Equus lacing is the new countersunk design which eliminates the knot normally located on the bottom of the sole. I’ve run hundreds of miles in my Original Lunas and replaced the laces a few times, but I don’t anticipate needing replacement laces for the LeadCats for a very long time.
Walking and Running in the LeadCat Huaraches
As you can see from the photos below, my Original Lunas have seen some heavy use with hundreds of running miles logged. Notice how the leather footbed has taken the shape of my foot. The sandals tends to adhere to your foot better and therefore function like a second skin. I found the LeadCats to be equally comfortable on long runs especially during off-road use thanks to the thicker Leadville sole. Before long, they’ll be broken in resulting in an even better fit.
The Equus lacing have proven to be very comfortable worn all day casually or after a 10+ mile run. The key characteristic of them is that they have just enough elasticity to stay snug on your foot without being too tight. I also appreciate the different nylon material which goes between your toes. It is thin and flexible so you don’t get any irritation. Lacing is also much easier than other methods — just an overhand knot and you’re ready to go.
I ordered my Original Lunas with the hemp lacing, but I found them to be too rough on my skin, so I switched them out for a pair of extra long boot laces. They do the job, but they aren’t the most visually appealing. On the other hand, the Equus laces look much nicer. They look good enough to pass my wife’s test of appropriateness so I’ve been wearing my LeadCats casually everywhere I go.
Conclusions
If you’re interested in trying a pair of huaraches, check out the different models at Luna Sandals. Look to the LeadCat if you need something more rugged or you like the look of them for a casual wear. You might as well factor in the cost of the Equus laces, because they are well worth the extra money.
Ordering, Pricing, Availability
You can order your Lunas in sizes from 4 through 13, but I highly recommend getting them custom made. It doesn’t cost anything extra, and you’re guaranteed to get exactly the correct size. For huaraches, a perfect fit is key to comfort and performance. You’ll simply trace your feet on a piece of paper, scan or photograph it, and e-mail it to them when you order. Hang on to that picture for future orders!
The LeadCat sandals start at $125 (Equus lacing is an additional $10 for the 1/2″ and $15 for the 5/8″ width) and are available directly from BFT at his website. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, you can visit the Born to Run stores located in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington.
17 replies on “Luna Sandals LeadCat Review [Huaraches]”
Great review! Luna sandals makes an awesome product. I have a pair of their equus sandals, and currently they are my favourite footwear, even though it’s winter and I can’t run in them. I have a review of them here:https://birthdayshoes.com/forum/feet-and-fivefingers-accessories-and-alternatives/luna-sandal-review-the-equus/
I’ve got a pair of the Leadcats on my Christmas wish list, as I’ve been eyeing them for a whole now. The equus sandals are a little thin for heavy trails, so I think the leadcats will fit that bill perfectly! The other great thing about their premium models is that the shell cordovan leather top can be resoled. This will really extend the life of these sandals, so that you really get
your money’s worth.
I can’t wait for summer when I can wear my Luna’s again!
I bought a pair of these, the ones without the extra leather footbed (which allows running in the rain), and they have become my favorite running shoes, until it is below about 45 degrees. Interestingly, these are the best minimalist shoes for running on pavement.
I really don’t like sandals and I don’t like walking around with my feet exposed in public. I know I am a bit weird.
That being said I find these Luna sandals to be quite appealing. I have seen them in the Born to Run store in Bellevue. They feel quite nice to hold.
I just don’t think I would ever wear them because like I said I don’t like to show my exposed feet in public.
I could wear them in public with socks but socks and sandals are just a big fashion no-no.
On the other hand these could be an excellent option for something to slip on when I want to go let the dog out. I normally just go out with out shoes.
Nice review!
These sandals are BOMB! I love them. I have a pair of the Leadcats and also a pair of the Catamounts and hate to think of running in anything else! The Leadcats especially just eat up the rocky trails here in Colorado. It doesn’t get anymore minimalist than running in sandals. Since discovering Lunas I’ve pretty much left my VFFs alone. The sandals tackle rough terrain better than the toe design of VFFs. There is more surface area to spread the shock/rough feeling over. Luna makes a legit product; you won’t be disappointed!
$125 is a joke, right?
@Mark — $125 is certainly on the high side of huarache sandals out there so a purchase requires careful consideration of the alternatives. The LeadCats and all the Luna Sandals certainly set themselves apart in the quality of materials and attention to detail. My Original Lunas still have plenty of life left in them, but they’ve already proved to be a great value.
@Robert — My feet would win no beauty contests (if there were such a thing). I’ve gotten over the whole cultural stigma associated with bare feet as I’ve prioritized comfort and health above fitting in. I wore my Lunas in Denver a few weeks ago when the weather was around freezing and my feet did just fine. If it gets any colder, I’ll add the socks. It may be a fashion no-no, but for comfort and coziness it is a yes-yes!
@Mark: they do seem steep for a pair of thin sandals, but they really are worth the money. Their high-end models all feature a shell cordovan leather footbed, which is the same leather used in ultra-premium watch straps. This type of leather is the most durable cut you can find, and feels unlike anything else your foot will ever stand on. It has a soft and luxurious feel.
Couple that with being able to re-sole the sandals multiple times, and they pay for themselves a few times over. Luna charges 25 dollars to re-sole their sandals. Since it’s more than possible to get 1,000 miles on one set of soles, you can get many years worth out of these things. Next, the build quality is wonderful. The sandals are hand made, and they really put a lot of effort and pride into their products. Not to knock VFFs but you can’t get the same build quality from factory-made products for around the same price.
Their customer service is second-to-none as well. Being a small outfit they are very approachable, and respond to any questions you have by email same day. It may seem a steep price, but when you consider those points and know you are supporting a growing company in the US, it really makes sense!
I definitely have no regrets. Luna sandals rock!
So my question is when running in huaraches, don’t you get sand and grit sandwiched under your foot? Or does the molding of the sandal to your foot prevent this? I could never get into Teva (or Teva-like sandals) because of the sandpaper effect. Barefoot is much preferred. But barefeet do limit my trail mileage.
In regards to the fashion no-no. It is all in the eye of the beholder. Do what you like:)
@Lynette: The closer the sandal fits to your foot, the less debris gets sandwiched between your foot and the footbed. I run mostly on dirt roads and rarely does anything get in there that causes a problem. Most of the time it works its way out after a few strides. Sometimes I have to stop and flick a small rock out with my finger however that rarely happens. I have run on these roads barefoot, and it feels great until I get too relaxed, become less vigilant, and catch a big rock under my foot. A thin sandal makes my runs a little less stressful without compromising too much in road feel.
Seeing the photos and the construction details of these, I’m hoping that they will replace my aging Montrails with their arch support and too-narrow forefoot. I’ve been looking at other minimalist sandals but those by large manufacturers have always been too narrow, (only half of the ball of the foot makes it onto the sole), and those by small companies have had too much of a home-made look.
I’m certain, though, that I will not be taking these on the trails. I stopped doing trails in sandals years ago when my big toe kicked a cholla pup. A few hours later, while seated at a restaurant, I had my foot on the table gingerly pulling out the barbed cactus spines that the cholla pup had left behind. Each barb extracted a small hunk of flesh.
How are they when it comes to running on rocks? Can you feel them?
@Rustyspoon. It all depends on how large the rocks are. You’ll feel rocks larger than about an inch but they won’t hurt until they’re larger than that. Of course it depends also on the condition of your feet.
The whole idea of running In sandels is new to me. I know that it is something I would love to try and hopefuly love it as much as I love running in my shoes. I run for the most part on paved roads and right now am doing 8 -10 miles a day. I would love some feed back as to what would be a good model to buy?
@Ironman1: Making the jump from traditional shoes to VFFs was as big as moving from VFFs to huaraches for me. From that I mean I had to get over the mental block of wearing something even stranger on my feet. Once I cleared that hurdle, I quickly got used to open toe running — no rubbing, sweating, socks, stinky shoes! If you’re looking at a starter set of huaraches, take a look at Invisible Shoes. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, I’d go with the Original Lunas with a suede footbed and the Equus laces. These are great for paved runs — I wear a pair of Original Lunas for half-marathons.
I own 2 pairs of the Equus model. I resole my own sandals as it’s super easy to do when the rubber wears down. I have the old school knot on the bottom not the new countersunk design. I put a big glob of shoe glue on the knot, let it dry, then clamp it between two small wood blocks so it lays flat against the bottom of the sandals. Using this method I’ve never had to replace my Equus laces. Definitely WELL WORTH the $$. I was a dedicated fivefingers runner but ditched my vibrams once I started running in Luna Sandals. Buy a pair…you won’t regret it!
I wear the original lunas. Besides the price tag, I love everything about the sandal. Even that isn’t for waste, like what the Yeti said, my one encounter with customer service was really nice. The guys at Luna really help with any problems
My Lunas are my constant companion when I am allowed to wear them. I can even stealth around in them better than my trailgloves! I wear these in school a lot, and they really feel great. I slip a little on smooth floors in originals, but for road running they do wonderful. Barefoot Ted’s company truly makes awesome products.
Would these Luna Leadcats work well if I’m mostly walking on pavement?
I’m wanting to find a more durable replacement for my Xeroshoes sandals.