Philosophy

What are barefoot Huarache sandals?

Huarache sandals are traditional Mexican shoes that were originally worn by the Tarahumara Indians. They are known for their simple construction and minimalist design, consisting of a thin sole and leather straps. These sandals provide protection while allowing a barefoot feel, making them ideal for long distance running.

The Tarahumara, also known as the Raramuri, are known for their exceptional stamina and running ability. They use forefoot running, a technique in which the ball of the foot touches down first, which is a more natural and gentle form of movement. This running technique can also be observed in children and some indigenous peoples and is associated with fewer injuries and more efficient locomotion.

The Tarasoles barefoot sandal is a modern interpretation of the Huarache sandal, specially developed for running on hard surfaces such as asphalt. It is designed to support the advantages of forefoot running and at the same time protect the knees and joints. This project is part of a voluntary initiative dedicated to researching and promoting natural forms of movement and offering a supplement to conventional therapy for foot, joint and back problems.

Tarasoles are therefore more than just shoes; they represent a philosophy of movement and health based on the principles of natural walking.

The cushioning in barefoot sandals is minimal in order to preserve the natural walking sensation. In contrast to conventional running shoes, which are often equipped with extensive cushioning and support, barefoot sandals only offer a wafer-thin layer to absorb shocks. This promotes healthier foot mechanics as the forefoot or midfoot touches down first, which utilizes the natural “cushioning” of the foot through the ball of the foot.

We integrate materials such as cork or thin layers of Poron to provide light cushioning without compromising the connection to the floor too much. These materials provide breathable, lightweight cushioning that is suitable for a variety of surfaces while supporting freedom of movement and training of ligaments and tendons

To the barefoot online courses

We deliberately avoid hard and inflexible footbeds!

By nature, we humans are barefoot walkers. Even as a hunter-gatherer, we walked long distances through the forest barefoot or with very thin leather stockings or sandals. We picked berries and the feet were constantly stressed, so strong muscles were formed. Ligaments and tendons strengthened through the constant movement and natural training. Stiff footbeds would have the feedback of the ground condition is impeded and the associated stimulus transmission to the brain is restricted. With every step, it is our nerve pathways that transmit information like a network of roads throughout the body (proprioception). When information enters the brain, the foot position is immediately corrected so that the associated injury can be avoided.

Head and feet are optimally interconnected and do a lot of work for us in everyday life.

For this reason, we do not use inflexible soles because, although we know that our feet need protection from thorns and sharp objects, we always prefer the greatest possible flexibility.

Our soles are ideal for hard surfaces!

In this video, I present the “Naturally Connected” sole of our Tarasoles barefoot sandals, which has been specially designed for use on hard floors. While conventional barefoot shoes often only have a very thin sole to maximize ground feedback, our sandals offer the feeling of walking across a soft meadow thanks to the innovative bottom sole. The integrated Poron cushioning is extremely thin, but offers effective protection for the musculoskeletal system against impacts and shocks. The midsole made of sustainable cork latex contributes to optimum ventilation of the foot and can thus reduce perspiration on hot days. The outer material made of soft microfleece, which is produced in our own factories, ensures a comfortable feel. Finally, the Vibram sole profile guarantees excellent grip and stability on both wet and stony surfaces.

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