Customer Stories

This story was sent to us via email by Emma Woodward.

From the crowded streets of Shinjuku to a volcanic mountain in Hakone, how did the Saguaro Luck I cope as an all terrain travelling shoe for a trip through Japan? 

First of all, I didn’t buy the Luck I just to go travelling in. What I really wanted was an everyday sneaker. Something I could wear day in and day out. But when packing for this trip it was hard to go past the Luck I. I was planning to pack light, and while Saguaros are physically light, it was the multi-purpose nature of the Luck I that really convinced me these would be the perfect travelling companions. I would be getting out in nature, traversing busy cities, and heading to restaurants and bars, so whatever shoes I took with me, they would need to handle it all. 

Trying Out the Luck I Before Travelling

Barefoot shoes are usually pretty comfy and don’t require much breaking in. The Luck I definitely live up to this expectation. The first day I wore them I went for a long walk with friends and didn’t have any issues. No rubbing, no blisters, no tired feet at the end of the day. 

Walking to the shops, commuting to work, and wearing the Luck I on the weekends convinced me that these really were the multi-purpose shoes I had been searching for. 

The Streets of Shinjuku 

The streets of Shinjuku in Tokyo are busy, I mean, crazy busy. I spent a lot of time lost, retracing my steps, trying to find a particular shop or the right platform at the train station. The pavement, tiles, and concrete of cities usually aren’t very forgiving on your feet, but in the Luck I this wasn’t an issue. Sure, I was tired at the end of each day, but I didn’t have the swollen feet, aching legs, and back issues that so often come with conventional shoes. 
（Shinjuku at night in Tokyo, Japan）

Standing by Sulphur Vents

On a day trip out of the city to Hakone, I spent hours standing on trains and in queues for tourist attractions. Once again I was glad that the Saguaro Luck I were the shoes that I packed. 

The Hakone area is beautiful, but getting around is hard work for your feet! From standing in endless queues with all the other tourists, to hiking up the sides of hills, it’s hard to get through a day out in this region of Japan without thinking about your footwear.

About halfway through the day, I stopped to try the famous black eggs at Owakudani. These eggs are cooked in sulphurous spring water in an active volcanic valley and are a local novelty.

At the top of a slope steaming with sulphur vents I stopped to rest and eat my black egg and realised that after a long morning standing and walking my feet weren’t tired at all. It was almost as nice a surprise as the flavour of the black egg, which, despite its unusual appearance tasted just like any normal hard-boiled egg.  
(Black eggs and sulphur vents at Owakudani in Hakone, Japan)

Searching for Soba

Kyoto was next on the list of places to visit, and when it was time to take off my shoes at a local castle, I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive. After walking all morning in the blazing sun wearing enclosed shoes I was a little worried that the smell would be overwhelming. But it wasn’t. The breathable mesh of the Luck I really does its job. 
（Outside Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan）

Now, something like the Saguaro Smart II might have been easier to slip on and off in places where shoes are taboo, but for their looks and versatility I’m glad I chose the Luck I, and I didn’t regret the extra seconds it took to securely re-tie the laces. 

After this successful trip, it was time to refuel with some delicious soba noodles. The search took me up and down streets and alleyways, and still, the noodle shop didn’t appear. After a long search I finally found the place and was glad to sit down to my bowl of soba. But my eagerness for a chair was only because I was hungry, not because my feet were sore. Thanks again Saguaro! 
(The streets of Kyoto, Japan)

Why Barefoot? And Why Saguaro?

Normally, I find myself longing to be rid of my shoes at every chance, especially in hot weather. Even with Saguaro shoes, most of the time, I’d still rather be barefoot, but in the Saguaros I’m not looking for every opportunity to be rid of them, or longing for the end of the day so I can free my feet. 

With Saguaro’s barefoot shoes, switching between shod and unshod is easy, because you don’t have the aching, hot and weary feet caused by conventional shoes. Slip your shoes on, slip them off. You’ll feel carefree. It’s like being a kid again.