Which Nallu barefoot sandal model should I choose?
Would you like to hunt down a pair of minimalist Nallu summer sandals for your feet, but aren't sure which sole thickness or footbed material is right for you? Making the right choice is key to enjoying your walk and giving your feet exactly what they need. We have prepared a clear guide to our models to help you find the ideal companion for both hot asphalt and forest trails.
Assess the condition of your feet before you choose
At Nallu, natural movement is our priority. However, we also know that returning to barefoot walking is a process. If you have spent your whole life in classic cushioned shoes with a narrow toe box, your muscles and tendons need to get used to their new freedom gradually.
Each model from our workshop is designed for a slightly different level of experience and different bodily needs. We certainly don't want to fit the whole world into one universal mold; quite the contrary. We know that every foot is different, so we would rather lend you a helping hand on your own journey toward healthy movement.
All our models, however, are united by precise craftsmanship, finely woven polyester straps with rounded edges sewn into a roll at the toes, and a black stainless steel buckle for perfectly simple adjustment.
Three levels of freedom with the Journey, Explorer, and Minimus models
We divide our sandals into three main categories according to sole thickness and the intensity of terrain perception. Each corresponds to a different stage of your barefoot journey and offers different footbed materials.
For beginners and long routes, there’s the Nallu Journey (10 mm sole)
If you are just flirting with barefoot shoes or are looking for footwear that offers great shock absorption on sharp uneven surfaces and is gentler on your feet during all-day wear, the Journey line is the right one for you. The base is a 10 mm Vibram Woodstock Morflex sole, which offers effective and comfortable shock absorption. It excellently protects your joints and your entire musculoskeletal system from hard impacts on city concrete.
In this line, you can also choose a footbed according to your exact preferences:
- The Journey Leather model offers a 2.5 mm thick footbed made of brushed natural vegetable-tanned leather directly from the Valašsko region, which is incredibly pleasant to the touch.
- If you prefer plant-based materials, Journey Hemp will thrill you with a 1.5 mm thick footbed made of 100% hemp fabric originating from the EU. Hemp absorbs and wicks away sweat excellently, dries in a flash, has natural antibacterial properties, and is naturally non-slip.
- And for those of you looking for maximum practicality, there is the Journey Ecoleather with a 1 mm synthetic leather footbed, which is very easy to maintain and wicks away sweat brilliantly.
For intermediate users, the Nallu Explorer (6 mm sole) is the clear choice
Do you already know what to expect from barefoot footwear and have your feet internalized the correct movement pattern? Then the Explorer sandals are made for you; they will move you toward more intensive terrain perception and active muscle engagement. The Explorer models rely on a 6 mm Vibram Calla Newflex sole. This represents the perfect compromise—it is flexible enough, yet still provides reasonable protection.
Similar to the Journey line, you can choose the material your foot craves here as well. The Explorer Ecoleather model is very popular, where the 6 mm sole is complemented by the most sought-after and highly practical 1 mm synthetic leather footbed. This guarantees hassle-free maintenance and great foot grip. In short, the Explorer is a universal workhorse for all types of surfaces for people whose foot muscles are already at least partially strengthened.
For experienced barefoot walkers, the Nallu Minimus (3.5 mm sole) awaits
This is the true essence of minimalism for real barefoot connoisseurs, which you previously found in our offer under the name Basic. The Minimus sandals feature an ultra-thin and maximally flexible layered rubber sole that is only 3.5 mm thick. It adapts perfectly to the foot and is complemented by a footbed with a practical non-slip pattern.
This model stimulates foot muscles the most and intensively engages the body's entire muscle chains. We recommend it to people who have already automated barefoot walking perfectly and whose feet require 100% ground contact.
Where and for how long will you head out in your sandals?
When making your final decision, ask yourself two more important questions that are closely related to the choice of sole thickness:
- Surface: The load on your joints and spine differs fundamentally depending on what you walk on. If you plan to wear the sandals primarily in the city on cobblestones and asphalt, consider the thicker Journey variant or the golden mean, the Explorer, which will reliably absorb the shock of hard ground.
- Time: The longer you keep the sandals on your feet, the more tired your feet will become. Remember that the thinner the sole (like the Minimus model), the more actively your muscles have to work. For all-day city treks, it is therefore safer to choose a slightly thicker layer that will relieve tired feet.
Find your perfect, tailor-made Nallu
Still hesitating whether to choose the comfortable hemp or leather Journey line, the universal Explorer, or the ultra-thin Minimus? Write or call us; we will be happy to discuss the condition of your feet and recommend the best solution.
And don't forget the most important thing—if you are among the 30% of people who cannot fit into standard catalog shoes due to a wide foot or a high instep, you don't have to make any compromises with us. We are happy to make each of our models exactly to your measurements. Just choose the right design in our e-shop and select custom production in the product details. Make your feet happy with sandals that were created exclusively for them.