The Best Original Running Shoe Reviewed - Running Sandals

running in miniamlist sandals towards the camera while sun is shining

Running sandals are an ancient and proven solution for runners of all applications. The freedom of running in sandals with the wind between one's toes is a very primal and freeing experience. It’s difficult for modern runners to realize that sandals (at least in warmer climates) were quite possibly the original running shoe. The ancient Romans utilized sandals almost exclusively and there are records going back even farther to the ancient Greeks and beyond. In North America, running sandals have been worn for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Earth Runners Sandals: The Primal Freedom of Adventure

body earth grounding connection icon and text

Running Sandals Showcase The Inherent Capabilities of Human Feet

huarache lacing comparison to seatbelt strap design

The Tarahumara of northern Mexico are world-renowned for their superhuman running. Perhaps the most famous ultramarathoners, their name literally means "Running People." The Tarahumaras can cover 100+ miles in just a few days, all while wearing traditional huarache running sandals.

The ancient huarache running sandal is composed of a thin, flexible, zero-drop sole, and a seemingly simple–yet strategically designed–lacing system to secure the foot to the sole. This style of running sandal provides protection underfoot, without impeding on the foot's natural range of motion.

Running Sandals Reawaken our Innate Sense for Efficient Form

Running in minimalist sandals increases proprioceptive awareness which helps to create sure footing. Exercising in running sandals uses less assistive technology and creates more stimulation of the body as a whole, which can lead to a more efficient and holistic workout. Modern athletic shoes for the most part cause the lower body to atrophy by preventing the natural movement of the foot and deadening proprioception.

Benefits of Running Sandals for Form & Injury Prevention

Running sandals encourage runners to rely on the body's natural shock absorption rather than thick midsoles. While every runner is different, many people notice that minimalist sandals encourage shorter strides, higher cadence, and lighter footfalls.

illustrations of feet in sandals with arrows showing how much room there is for the toes to be free and splay

Benefits can include:

• Encourages a natural midfoot or forefoot landing
• Promotes higher cadence and shorter strides
• Allows unrestricted toe splay for stability
• Improves proprioceptive feedback
• Strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the feet over time
• Eliminates heel-to-toe drop
• Reduces unnecessary shoe weight

Transitioning from Traditional Running Shoes

If you're new to minimalist footwear, transitioning gradually is essential.

Week 1-2
• Start slow. Wear Earth Runners for walking around your house, neighborhood, or on errands.
• Perform foot mobility exercises.

Week 3-4
• Begin with short runs (5-10 minutes).
• On longer runs, bring an extra pair of running shoes that you can switch to when your feet start to feel sore.

Weeks 5-8
• Slowly increase distance.
• Listen to your body.
• Allow time for muscles and tendons to adapt.

Remember:
Your cardiovascular fitness usually adapts faster than your feet and lower legs.

Ancient Running Sandals -vs- Earth Runners -vs- Running Shoes

ancient runner sandals vs earth runners sandals vs conventional running shoes die profiles showing difference in stack height

While traditional running shoes stifle & restrict natural movement causing underutilized, immobile, and weak lower extremities, a natural outcome of regularly wearing running sandals are strengthened and mobile lower extremities—including the toes, feet, ankles, and knees.

Earth Runners running sandals are inspired by the ancient Huarache running sandal design, which feature an open toe box, allowing for full range of motion of the toes and splaying of the forefoot. They feature a zero drop (completely flat from toe to heel) minimalist running sandal sole which allows for the development of normal achilles tendon length, function, and power.

Best Earth Runners Models for Running

	Primal Sandal Weight: 5.5 oz Thickness: 6.5mm base + 1.5mm tread = 8mm Sole: Vibram® Gumlite Outsole Footbed: None	Our thinnest sole delivers the closest barefoot experience with exceptional ground feel and flexibility. Best for: Experienced minimalist runners, road running, maximum ground feel
	Circadian Sandal Weight: 5.9 oz Thickness: 9mm = 7.5mm base + 1.5mm tread Sole: Vibram® Gumlite Outsole Footbed: Earth Grip	A balanced option that combines moderate cushioning, excellent traction, and a moisture-wicking Earth Grip footbed. Best for: Everyday training, mixed terrain, wet conditions
	Alpha Sandal Weight: 5.2 oz Thickness: 12mm = 10mm base + 2mm tread Sole: Vibram® Morflex Outsole Footbed: Earth Grip	Added cushioning and grip make it a great choice for technical trails and runners who prefer a little more protection underfoot. Best for: Trail running, longer distances, runners transitioning to minimalist footwear
	Atlas Sandal Weight: 6.2 oz Thickness: 15mm = 13.5mm outsole + 1.5mm footbed Sole: Vibram® Morflex Outsole Footbed: Earth Grip	Our most protective performance sandal, featuring a 15 mm Vibram® Morflex sole and Earth Grip footbed for long adventures over demanding terrain. Best for: Ultra distances, rugged terrain, hiking, maximum protection

Terrain Recommendations

Earth Runners are designed to perform across a wide variety of terrain. Whether you're logging road miles, exploring technical trails, or heading to the beach, minimalist running sandals let your feet move naturally while maintaining ground feel and flexibility.

Roads & pavement: Ideal for everyday road running. The minimalist design encourages efficient form and a lighter foot strike.
Trails: Dirt, packed gravel, and forest paths provide excellent traction and natural sensory feedback.
Rock: Vibram® outsoles offer dependable grip on dry rock and technical terrain.
Grass: A comfortable surface for easy runs, drills, strides, and recovery sessions.
Sand & beaches: Perfect for beach runs and coastal adventures, allowing unrestricted foot movement.
Wet conditions: Earth Runners dry quickly and perform well in rain, shallow stream crossings, and damp trails.

One exception: Deep mud and thick clay can reduce traction and cause debris to collect under the sandal. Like any minimalist footwear, you'll want to slow down and use extra caution in these conditions.

different terrains with running sandals and yes or no if they are compatible

Road Running

Primal or Circadian

Gravel

Circadian or Atlas

Technical Trails

Alpha or Circadian

Wet Conditions

Circadian or Primal

Backpacking & Long Adventures

Alpha or Atlas

Run with Nature

foot strike in shoes versus sandals

Discover the original running sandals designed to enhance your natural stride while reconnecting you with the Earth.

Find Your Perfect Running Sandals →

Conventional running shoes have thick, elevated, and cushioned heels which promote heel-striking. This creates more impact and damage to the knees and other biomechanics further upstream in the body. Zero-drop running sandals on the other hand, promote proper running form, healthier connective tissue and bones, along with a more efficient gait cycle.

In addition to more efficient running gait, running sandals also encourage higher cadence. The minimal upper of a running sandal–just a strap–along with the extreme flexibility of minimalist running sandal soles facilitates a healthier cadence. Compared to long running strides (low cadence), high cadence (more frequent steps) reduces stress on the body and lowers chance of injury.

bare feet with sandals tan line and splayed toes, versus barefeet with a sock tan line with overlapping toes

drawings of a minimalist sandal runner and a shod runner with a volume icon showing minimalist running is quieter than shod

Are Earth Runners just running sandals?

While Earth Runners sandals have been used to traverse long distances, from 5k's to ultra-marathon, we like to think of them as sandals that allow you to truly be free -- footwear in which you can run, walk, hike, play and adventure while remaining connected to the earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of running in minimalist sandals?
Maximum foot freedom with zero upper to limit toe extension and foot splay.
Feel the breeze between your toes
Feel the earth via a flexible and minimalist sole
Great for water use with great security and easy drainage

How do running sandals improve running form and cadence?
The heightened proprioceptive feedback results in shorter strides, increased cadence and incorporating more of a full body shock absorption system to absorb the load.

Are Earth Runners sandals good for trail running or road running?
Earth runners sandals are good for running on road or trail but more benefits from their minimalist earthing sandal capabilities can be gained from the texture of trail and better earthing capabilities on natural earth surfaces.

How do running sandals help strengthen feet and lower legs?
Running sandal outsource less of your movement to over engineered running shoes which require more mobility and strength from your feet and lower legs.

Can I run long distances in Earth Runners sandals?
It is possible to run long distances in Earth Runner sandals but this is something you have to slowly build up to. The Tarahumara are known for running ultra marathon races in this running sandal huaraches. You can too if you slowly acclimate your body to it and use the right running sandal for your environment and level of conditioning.

What models of Earth Runners are best for running?
This is a subjecting topic which depends on your level of conditioning, running distance and terrain. Most people prefer something a bit thicker, like our Cadence 17mm, for long distance running.

How do running sandals provide earthing/grounding benefits?
Earth Runners grounded running sandals feature a stainless steel ground plug and 100% SS threaded lace circuit that grounds the foot and body when on natural ground surfaces. The benefits of Running grounded include greater cardio vascular capacity via earthing blood thinning effects and enhanced recovery via reduced inflammation.

What should I look for in a good pair of running sandals?
Secure and comfortable lacing systems, good footbed and outsole traction, comfortable footbed and ideally earthing capabilities.

How much protection do running sandals offer on rough terrain?
The protection running sandals offer from the ground is dependent on the thickness and density of the sole. The upper provides essentially no protection from something hitting your foot but enhanced spatial awareness of you surroundings and your uncovered feet.

Do running sandals help prevent common running injuries?
Running sandals have the ability to facilitate increased strength and mobility of your lower body if implemented properly which can help make you more resilient to common running injuries once adapted.

What is the history of running sandals (huarache tradition)?
The Tarahumara Native American tribe based in the steep Copper Canyons of NW Mexico. Their culture has adapted and maintained huarache running sandals for traversing the precarious terrain on foot, and often run. The inherent endurance of many of their running tribe members has made them known for their world renowned running abilities in modern ultra long distance running races.

How do I choose between different Earth Runners models for running?
Choose a thickness based on your current foot strength and mobility in combination with how demanding the environments will be where you plan to use them. Choose a thickness that is just thick enough to keep you comfortable but not lazy due to excess technology underfoot.