Customer Stories

This story was submitted by Clara Elizondo.

The First Encounter with the “Weird Shoes”

Among the sea of shoes at the entrance of the yoga studio, I started noticing a particular type of footwear more and more frequently. With their wide shape, ultra-flexible sole, and minimalist appearance, they seemed to me like just another passing trend. “Bah, another fad that will disappear as quickly as it came,” I thought at the time.

An Unexpected Warning in Yoga Class

One day, while massaging my feet as usual before class, my yoga instructor made an unexpected comment: “Clara, your feet are not in good shape. I can see it in every class.”

That started a conversation where I explained my lifelong issues: the chronic pain caused by my “flat feet,” the tension in my arches, the constant feeling of tired feet… I had always lived with these problems without ever finding a real solution.

Inevitably, the conversation reached the key question: “What kind of shoes do you wear?” With confidence, I replied that I always chose well-known brands like Columbia or Skechers. But her response was just as firm: “You should try SAGUARO.”

Breaking the Myths of Traditional Footwear

For the first time, I truly observed those “weird shoes” at the exit of my yoga class. They seemed too low, extremely flexible, and with a lot of space for the toes. Doubts flooded my mind: “I’ll feel every rock,” “these won’t isolate me from the ground,” “they won’t provide enough support for my feet.”

But there was something more: I am a tour guide on El Caminito del Rey, an iconic hiking trail in Málaga, Spain. Every day, I walk about 16 km on boardwalks, rugged paths, and rocky terrain. I live in a village near the Gaitanes Gorge, where the terrain is just as rough. I couldn’t afford to wear inadequate footwear.

Even so, I trusted my yoga instructor and decided to give SAGUARO a chance. I bought my first pair: the Smart II - Barefoot Shoes, in pink. I still remember that they were on sale, and I paid only €33 including shipping—much cheaper than any pair of sneakers I had ever bought before.

The First Sensation When Wearing Them

As soon as I slipped my feet in, I noticed the difference. My toes had space to move naturally, without pressure or restrictions. The feeling of comfort was immediate and overwhelming.

SAGUARO completely challenged everything I had been taught about my feet:

“With your flat feet, you always need insoles with a pronounced arch, a rigid sole, and shoes that wrap around and fully support your feet.”

Against all odds, my experience proved the opposite. I didn’t need artificial support; I needed freedom of movement.

The Impact on My Daily Life

The first few weeks required some adjustment, but soon I noticed a real change. My feet felt stronger and less fatigued after long walks on El Caminito del Rey. The constant pain that had always plagued me started to disappear.

The most interesting part was seeing how my fellow tour guides began to notice my transformation. Now, several of us wear these “weird shoes” in our daily work. When visitors ask me about my shoes, I recommend them without hesitation.

From Skeptic to Barefoot Footwear Advocate

Just as my yoga instructor passed the recommendation to me, now I pass it on to others. But a word of caution: once you try SAGUARO, there’s no going back.

Fortunately, SAGUARO now offers models for every occasion—more formal, sporty, casual… There are no more excuses. For great adventures, great footwear changes.