Customer Stories

This story was kindly shared by our community member, mysillybarefootlife. You can follow their inspiring journey on Instagram.

Running isn’t just about hitting the pavement or conquering trails—it’s about discovering your own strength, finding freedom in movement, and building a deeper connection with the world around you.
For one runner, this journey became extraordinary with the right shoes: the Saguaro Vitality III. In just two months, these shoes carried him through 12 races, from city roads to mountain ultras.
These weren’t just shoes; they were his trusted partners in freedom, challenge, and victory. Here’s his story.

August: First Steps in Freedom

• August 28: Slipping into the Vitality III

"Slipping these on was like the first time I rode a ‘real’ bike. Excited to see where these carry me.
We still have a lot to accomplish in 2024. Thanks, Saguaro!"

This was how his adventure began. From that moment, the Vitality III became his go-to shoes for every challenge ahead. Little did he know, they’d carry him through roads, trails, and even mountain ultras.

September: From Speed to Endurance

• September 9: Crushing Goals in Calgary

His first outing with the Vitality III took him to the Dino Dash Calgary, where he smashed his goal time:

"Finally got the opportunity to race in my beautiful @saguaroshoes_official Vitality III’s, aka my ‘banana shoes.’
They’re so comfortable and feel like they were made to be on my feet."

Later that day, he tackled the Beat Beethoven Run. While the heat slowed him down, a post-race charcuterie cup and a performance by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra turned the day into a win.

• September 16: A 50K Ultra Adventure

"What a day! What a race! The elevation and those climbs were NO JOKE! Did my first ultra in my @saguaroshoes_official Vitality III’s yesterday at the #BeaverFlat50 in Saskatchewan."

The Vitality III faced rugged terrain, steep climbs, and even a few swims through muddy trails. Despite these challenges, the shoes earned compliments and carried him across the finish line in under seven hours:

"Everything else went wrong for me, but we got it done. These shoes were amazing."

• September 20: Tackling New Heights

"Another 2,000 meters of elevation in the books today at the @sinister_sports #castlealpinetrailrace.
Beautiful weather. Beautiful climbs. Beautiful views. Beautiful snacks. Beautiful volunteers.
Absolute beauty of a day!"

From rocky ascents to scenic views, the Vitality III once again proved their worth in the most demanding conditions.

• September 26: Double the Races, Double the Wins

"Two 10k races today with two first place finishes. Great day with @mumziegoat89 HAPPY HEATHER
and my @saguaroshoes_official Vitality III’s! Sick new mug too!"

Just days after conquering the trails, he took on two 10k races in one day—and won them both. The Vitality III carried him effortlessly to first place in both events, proving their versatility once again. To top it off, he celebrated with a fun new mug as a trophy for his success.

October: Into the Fall Season

• October 7: Personal Best at the Fernie Half

"The Fernie Half Marathon is an amazingly beautiful course. Today we had blue skies, leaves on the ground,
and towering mountains. I was having so much fun, I forgot to take pictures."

He shaved 12.5 minutes off his time from last year, showing that hard work—and the right shoes—really do pay off.

• October 15: A Wild Ultra Weekend

"Another silly adventure weekend in my silly barefoot life. Three races. Seventy-seven kilometers.
Tent city. High fives and fist bumps. And doggies!"

At the Grizzly Ultra, his Vitality III shoes turned heads:

"Several questions about my shoes. The @saguaroshoes_official Vitality III’s are quite the attraction. Had another fantastic run in them. And I could almost still be a foot model… ALMOST."

Performance and Honest Feedback

In just two months, the Vitality III carried him through:

• 12 races, including a 50k ultra, mountain runs, and trail races.
• 4 first-place finishes and 3 podium appearances.
• Countless miles of road and trails, all with comfort and support.

His verdict?

"They’re lightweight, comfortable, and feel like they’re part of my feet. Honestly, these shoes are amazing."

However, he also noted:

"I’ve already worn the sole a little thin. After so many races, I’m starting to feel the rocks more on the trails. I’ll keep using them for roads and mild trails until my toes poke through. But hey, they’ve been through a lot!"

Why Vitality III is the Runner’s Choice

For this runner, the Saguaro Vitality III wasn’t just a pair of shoes—it was a partner in every step of his journey:

"These shoes aren’t just gear. They’re part of the adventure. From smashing goals to conquering mountains, they’ve carried me through every high and low. I absolutely love them."

Ready to Start Your Own Adventure?

Explore the Saguaro Classic Barefoot Shoes Collection and discover how Vitality III can bring freedom, comfort, and natural movement to your running journey.