Shamma Sandals Pacific Avenue Sandal Review
The Pacific Avenue blends true barefoot function with a refined everyday look. Premium leather, secure straps, and a flexible 9mm Vibram sole, the Shamma Pacific Avenue is casual wear perfection, balancing minimalism and style.
Finally, a barefoot sandal for everyone (Yes, really)
I’ve been wearing minimalist sandals for over a decade — Xero, LUNA, Earth Runners, Shamma, Gladsoles — you name it. One of the things that’s always stood out (or sometimes stuck out, awkwardly) is how hard it is to find "barefoot shoes" and "barefoot sandals" that work well in terms of function, and have a look and design that can be enjoyed by both the die hard minimalist runners out there and your everyday sandal lover.
Enter the Shamma Pacific Avenue: a leather slip-on minimalist sandal that avoids looking like the shoe of a “barefoot weirdo,” (even though I am) while still being different from conventional footwear.
Somehow, the Pacific Avenue sandals pull this dance off. For me, these huaraches-like sandals, sandals that at a glance could pass as Rainbow flip-flops, nail the aesthetic and function balance better than almost anything I’ve worn.
... these huaraches-like sandals, sandals that at a glance could pass as Rainbow flip-flops, nail the aesthetic and function balance better than almost anything I’ve worn.
The minimalist footwear design dilemma
Minimalist footwear walks a design tightrope, something Justin has talked about at length. A minimalist shoe or sandal aims to:
- Provide barefoot functionality: Zero-drop, wide toe box, flexible sole, natural movement, lightweight, etc. This is primary.
- And! Be visually neutral enough to wear in public without drawing confused stares.
- But also! Be visually distinct enough to stand apart from mass-market, over-engineered shoes.
In other words, we want our barefoot shoes to blend in enough to be socially acceptable, and stand out enough in subtle design cues that they still feel like something special.
(Okay, okay even if all you want is for your barefoot footwear to blend in, the manufacturers want your footwear to stand out — that is, in a good way so that people notice the footwear, ask you about them, and spread the word.)
Quite the challenge, right?
And if the barefoot shoes are too weird? Lots of people clock the shoes immediately. “Something is off.”
Too conventional? Like someone trying to pretend like someone else, the footwear loses its "barefoot soul," becoming a copy of the very ideas they’re supposed to be pushing against. For example, I say, "These sandals look like Tevas," a lot in some reviews. It is not a knock against Tevas, but everyone knows what Tevas are and there are expectations to them. Minimalism is not among those expectations.
The Pacific Avenue sandal from Shamma finds the sweet spot. It feels purpose-built, clean, and elevated, like a sandal made by someone who actually understands feet, like a sandal made by someone who also cares about how it looks worn with jeans or shorts.
Let's get into the details.
What is the Pacific Avenue?
- Zero-drop footbed
- Soft leather upper and footbed
- Elastic comfort straps
- Slip-on design
- Secure for most activities
- Lightweight at only 4.7 oz per sandal (M9)
- 9mm Vibram Newflex "Maximus" sole (or 12mm Morflex/Newflex hybrid "Alpha") (See the Definitive Guide to Vibram Rubber)
- Recraftable and resoleable
- Price: $129.95 — note that Shamma gifted my pair for review. Also note: Exclusive BirthdayShoes discount for subscribers at the end
- Available at ShammaSandals.com — this is not an affiliate link. Free sandals aside, BirthdayShoes gets zero revenue from Shamma!
What all these facts fail to say? The Shamma Pacific Avenue is the easiest minimalist sandal I’ve ever worn, and one of the best-looking ones too.
Sandal style meets function
The first thing I noticed: the Pacific Avenue sandal?
It looks great.
The sandals avoid screaming, “high speed huarache.” The Pacific Avenue looks different from your typical clunky flip-flop. The sandals bring good looks that stand out as stylish, especially in this tan leather color. And on looking closer and wearing them around you realize:
The Pacific Avenue is something different.
The wide leather forefoot strap is low-profile yet substantial, cushy and thick. The elastic top strap (did you notice it?) is subtle and hidden from most angles. And the stitching, leather grain, and shape all suggest care and craftsmanship. This is the nicest and softest leather I have ever experienced on a shoe or sandal too. It is so smooth and comfortable, while also having a beautiful natural texture to it.
The Pacific Avenue is the type of sandal you could wear to a summer BBQ, a casual dinner, or really anything you want, and no one would bat an eye. And if another minimalist nerd spots them? You’ll probably get a knowing nod.
The Pacific Avenue sandal sole
My pair of Pacific Avenue uses the 9mm “Maximus” sole built with Vibram Newflex rubber. Vibram Newflex rubber is a soling material Shamma has been using across multiple models for yearse and for good reason.
Newflex strikes a solid balance between durability, traction, and flexibility. While it clocks in at 8–9mm in actual thickness, it doesn’t feel blocky or clunky underfoot. Thanks to the way it flexes and moves with you, the sensation is closer to wearing something in the 5–6mm range, especially with the secure fit of the sandal keeping your foot centered and stable.
The chevron-shaped tread pattern on the bottom of the sole deserves mention. This pattern is aggressive enough to bite into loose terrain, though not so deep that it feels grabby on flat surfaces. It performs well on mixed terrain, from sidewalks to dusty trails, and gives me more confidence on uneven ground than something flatter (like Vibram Morflex — see the Guide).
Even with its added thickness compared to something like Vibram Morflex, the Newflex is remarkably pliable. I can still flex my toes downward naturally and it bends the sole downward. Failing this simple test is a dealbreaker for me for any sandal claiming to be minimalist (I.e. Bedrock and Lems, while offering sandals people love, fail this test. Even beefier LUNAs fail this test).
The Pacific Avenue's responsiveness and tactile feedback are excellent, especially considering this is Shamma’s thickest sandal iteration sporting the Vibram Newflex.
Newflex also holds up well long term. I’ve got lots of experience with it on other models and found it to resist wear impressively across both road and trail.
For what the Pacific Avenue is designed to do (urban and light trail wear, high flexibility, all-day comfort), Newflex is an ideal match. It’s grippy, reliable, and still one of the best sole materials out there for minimalist sandals that need to feel substantial without sacrificing freedom of movement.
Pacific Avenue sandals ground feel
You know me. I am going to choose the absolute minimalist option, whenever possible.
Shamma offers a 12mm thick version of the Pacific Avenue (in Brown and Dark Brown, more on this in a moment). I wanted the 9mm Newflex sole for max ground feel. The 9mms have just enough thickness to buffer from harsh pavement while they still let you feel the world beneath you. To the eye, 9mm may look like it is on the thicker side, but if you land on a rock irresponsibly, you WILL feel it and likely regret it. This is because Newflex has threads on top of a base, rather than a flat lug design, so the lugs stand out to a measurement of 9mm, but the sole remains flexible and with good ground feel.
If you want a bit more cushion, the Brown and Dark Brown versions come with a 12mm Morflex/Newflex hybrid sole that is called the "Alpha" sole from Shamma Sandals. This sole is more substantial and thicker, if that is to your liking. I have covered the Alpha sole in my prior review of the TrailStars Alpha, so feel free to take a look and decide for yourself which is right for you.
Both options keep things flat, flexible (relatively speaking), and zero-drop.
Shamma Pacific Avenue vs. TrailStars Maximus LE
Now let’s put these side-by-side with something like the TrailStars Maximus LE, which I’ve also worn extensively. The Trailstars Maximus are my favorite sandal of all time. I wear them so much that I have a permanent tan line of their unique zig-zag straps on my feet.
The TrailStars are phenomenal in terms of foot lockdown and control. They are the sandals I grab for anything and everything over the last year or so. They’re built for function, and while that’s awesome, you feel that function in the look.
Yes, I love that look, but it is clear that this is a sandal for all kinds of adventures. Not everyone is going to be a fan of the zig zag straps on the top of the foot and the toe loop look, even though they are excellent for all kinds of activities.
The Pacific Avenue falls outside the adventure sandals category. They focus on being the most comfortable, easiest-to-wear barefoot slip-on sandal, one with decidedly more style than the TrailStars.
Now, the top straps are thicker and more substantial on the Pacific Avenue, so they bring a strong sense of security, even while the Pacific Avenue straps cover less total surface area than the TrailStars. The toe loop of the Trailstars can make a big difference on a more technical surface. However, the Pacific Avenues are great for hiking and running all the same. The elastic straps have a bit of give and the Pacfic Avenue does not provide maximum surface area security, like the Trailstars Maximus, but they are great for more leisure road running or trails.
Both sandals have the same choices of soles: 9mm "Maximus" Vibram Newflex and 12mm "Alpha" Newflex Morflex hybrid.
Pacific Avenue materials and design
The Shamma Pacific Avenue may look minimal on the outside, but its strap system is thoughtfully engineered for comfort, simplicity, and barefoot integrity. Rather than overcomplicating things with techy components or plastic hardware, Shamma uses natural materials where they matter, adds stretch where it helps, and keeps the fit dialed in and dependable.
The standout here is the wide, aniline-dyed leather forefoot strap, which provides the main structure and contact across the top of the foot. It’s soft, pliable, and conforms to your foot shape over time, offering that classic leather feel without the stiffness you sometimes get out of the box.
Hidden within that top strap is a discreet elastic segment that allows a bit of stretch when sliding your foot in. This makes the sandal easier to put on and take off, while still pulling the strap snug once your foot is in place. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, especially if you’re wearing these for casual, all-day use. The strap is not so elastic as to contribute too much to a loose fit. The straps are just stretchy enough to give a little bit of comfort and assist with fit, while they avoid detracting too much from the security.
This is a very delicate balance that the Pacific Avenue nails. I can take these for a run at cruising speed but hard banks or cutting will require slowing down. Yes, you can run in them (or hike) if you want even if the Pacific Avenue sandals are designed to be lifestyle sandals.
Between your toes, you’ll find a thin, soft webbing toe post. This is a break from the leather you find in many stiff flip-flops. The webbing is smooth and flexible, with enough give to avoid chafing but enough structure to keep the foot from drifting laterally. If you’re sensitive to toe posts, this one’s among the least intrusive I’ve worn. I barely even notice it.
At the rear, the heel strap is made of leather and secured with Velcro, allowing for micro-adjustments in tension. This is key for dialing in a secure, walk-all-day fit without needing to constantly readjust. The Velcro itself is slim and well-integrated, consistent with the Pacific Avenue sandal’s clean aesthetic, avoiding attention (compared to big plastic buckles or dangling tabs).
Pacific Avenue fit, feel, and use
The Pacific Avenue sandals feel great without any break in. The leather is soft and the elastic heel strap gives just enough tension to keep them on without digging in.
With the security of the straps over the top of the foot, the huaraches-like posts on either side of the ankle, and that all-important heel strap, there is no flip-flop motion in the Shamma Pacific Avenue sandals.
The combination offers enough lateral support for road running and light trail trail use even though your foot will slide more in these than it would in something like the TrailStars or Warriors.
The Pacific Avenue straps are Y-shaped and provide security on both sides of your feet, but because the Pacific Avenue lacks a customizable buckle (like the Shamma Sandals Numa line or the Shamma Sandals Cruzers), they remain more lifestyle oriented. On a whim, I can enjoy them on an easy run or light trails.
One thing to note is that while the Cruzers and Numa have more customization for the fit in the form of an adjustable buckle, the thicker leather straps of the Pacific Avenue provide a more comfortable and snug fit, balancing things out.
What I love about the Pacific Avenue is that they may be the most lifestyle-oriented sandals from Shamma. Still, they are Shamma Sandals, a brand built on prioritizing function. Shamma has a produc here that is functional while still looking so good.
Sizing the Pacific Avenue
If you're looking to pick up a pair, Shamma's website has templates for you to print out and get the right size. These templates are reliable and will let you know the exact way your foot will fit on all of their sandals.
Feet come in all shapes and sizes and it is great to be able to see all your piggies fit within a line, or you can make considerations to go a size up to ensure any stand-out toes are well taken care of.
Shamma Pacific Avenue sandals durability and long-term use
Now you know that the sole is Vibram Newflex (Maximus sole). In my experience, this material has proven to be a reliable and long-lasting sole with an excellent tread that is smooth enough for roads and with lugs that can handle all kinds of trails. As you wear your Pacific Avenue sandals, the leather uppers of the sandals will mold to your foot over time and develop a patina.
For me, the original tan color was quite light, but over time, the sandal has darkened with wonderful patina with lots of character and a look of a well-loved sandal that has many more adventures ahead of them.
Regular leather conditioning will further extend the life of the sandal though it is not necessary. I have punished prior Shamma Sandals through rain and mud and abused the leather, but they still held up over many years.
As with many Shamma models, the entire strap system is modular and replaceable. If the leather stretches over time or the elastic or Velcro wears out, you can repair or replace the components without tossing the whole sandal.
Final verdict
The Shamma Pacific Avenue fills a crucial and long-empty niche in the minimalist world:
This is a sandal everyone will want to wear out. It’s minimalist without being too direct, stylish without selling out; it is a balance sandals haven’t quite nailed—until now.
If you want a sandal that plays nice with your natural gait and your everyday wardrobe, this one’s it.
I believe that a non-barefoot, non-minimalist-oriented person could buy these just for the looks, staying for the design and comfort, becoming a minimalist sandal (and shoe) convert along the way. For a sandal that does a lot, has great materials, design, AND can be considered attractive — the Pacific Avenue feels like a triumph.
If you want to get a pair, you'll find them at ShammaSandals.com. You can get 10% off using the exclusive BirthdayShoes 10% off coupon, available only to subscribers at the bottom of this review. (You'll need to login if you're viewing this on the website — code should show up instantly to email subscribers.)
Let me know if you want a follow-up wear test after a few months, or a deeper dive comparing this to other sandals in the future!
Finally, Justin is in the earlier stages of trying out a pair of these too. What he tells me (and having previewed this review before publishing), is that he already loves these sandals. "They'll think I'm exaggerating, but these could be the best casual-wear minimalist sandals ever made." He plans to throw some photos of him wearing these on summer vacation in the coming days, so come back.
