This story was kindly shared by our community member, Javier Gonzalvez. You can follow their inspiring journey on Facebook.

Discovering the Barefoot Movement

Eight months ago, I stumbled upon the barefoot movement. I didn't know what it was, but I had heard about it many times, sometimes referred to as minimalist or respectful. At first, all these terms were confusing, and I wasn't sure what they meant.

Choosing and Buying the First Pair of Saguaro Shoes

After many hours of research and seeing results, I decided to buy my first pair from Saguaro. The first difference from conventional footwear was knowing which size to choose, as measuring my feet was new to me.

Once I overcame that “fear” of getting it right, I set out to find which models would suit me. In my case, I don't usually do a specific sport, but I do go to the gym a lot. Therefore, I was looking for shoes that were comfortable, fit in my backpack, and were affordable.

First Experience with the Vitality III Model

I finally decided on the Vitality III model in gray. Luckily, the size was correct and... I was amazed by the comfort! It was like wearing gloves on my feet. The fabric of the shoes is thin and elastic, adapting perfectly to the shape of the foot. The sole is about 5mm thick, although it includes (like all models) an insole that adds more thickness for beginners. Additionally, the closure is very quick: slide your foot in, adjust the elastic, and go.

Tips for New Barefoot Users

It is very important that when you enter the barefoot world, you take great care not to go too fast. A good transition from regular footwear to these shoes is necessary, as the experience can be the opposite of what is expected. The gym is a good place to use them, as it usually has flat floors without many textures. You also don't need to worry about anything falling on your foot or hitting it, because how often has that happened with other shoes?

Recommendations for Outdoor Use

If, on the other hand, you practice outdoor sports, I would recommend either going barefoot on soft ground (dirt, grass, sand) for about 10 minutes and gradually increasing the time. Or, with the Saguaro shoes you have purchased, use them for short walks, like going shopping. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED to wear them for hours if you are a beginner, as your feet/legs may hurt, and you might not want to continue. There are many videos that explain this better.

Experience with the Relax V Model for Daily Use

After a few months of using the Vitality III at the gym, I wanted to try a model for daily wear. As the warm weather is starting, I wanted a pair that was stylish, breathable, and without laces, to easily put on and take off. That's when I found the Relax V model. I made the mistake of not measuring my feet and ordered the same size as the other pair, resulting in a need for an exchange. It often happens that one foot is a few millimeters longer than the other, which was my case. One foot fit well, but the other was too tight. Given the particularity of this model, which does not use laces, the fit had to be perfect. So I contacted customer service, and with the return/exchange platform, I was able to resolve it.

The name Relax V fits very well, as they are quite comfortable. The toes have enough space to move, and they are very quick to put on and take off.

I am looking forward to trying more summery models like the sandals that are about to be released. Summer is the best time to start being a barefoot person, and with Saguaro, you can go further on vacation as your budget will be larger.