barefoot shoes

Practically weightless at just a few millimeters thick. I can feel everything from tiny pebbles to the ridges on escalator stairs.

I have found that, running, walking, living barefoot – or with ultra-thin soles that protect from glass shards or other sharp objects – better connects me with my surroundings and my own sensitivities. After wearing these all summer I have noticed my feet strengthen and my balance/posture improve. Also… it’s been really fun to make my own shoes (and a lot cheaper than buying a pair at a store).

The first pair I made (4mm Vibram Cherry from a 40″ sheet I found online; hemp string).

Added some elastic I found at a thrift store (it was labelled “ballerina cord”). Incredibly comfortable but wears out relatively fast (after only two weeks of constant wear). I found some smooth, round nylon string I’m going to try next.

I’m looking around for different lacing materials and am excited to keep experimenting with various ways of tying them up. Invisibleshoe.com has some excellent tips and tricks for huarache-making. Thanks to Barefoot Ted for giving me inspiration to make my own.

That’s the knot that can wear out pretty quickly with the the black elastic. Working on figuring this out.