27 Mile Mountain Training Run - Hemp Huaraches

Coming into Eagles Roost Aid Station

Angeles Crest 100 Training Run*

Decided to put my latest hemp-strapped huaraches to a good, tough mountain trail training test run. I fully expected to be doing repairs while on the trails, and those expectations proved accurate.

Firstly, I want to say that I am still very pleased overall with my huarache sandals. But, there is still room for lots of improvement, and I am constantly trying to find the perfect solution for a running shoe/sandal that is both effective, minimal and green.

Close-up on the new huaraches

Hemp is proving to be a fantastic material for straps. The material is soft enough to not tear into my skin. It is stronger than leather and becomes tighter when wet. Just like with the leather straps, these can be repaired on the fly with extra material around the ankle.

Close-up on the new huaraches 2

The biggest new problem I encountered is the side holes on the huaraches breaking. I am afraid that this is a problem that all my huaraches up to this point will be susceptible. The Vibram soles that I have been using are only 4mm thick!

All went well today. After 27 miles, my feet are pain free with no blisters or significant scrapes from today's run.

BFT

PS. This test puts me one step closer to making a pair of sandals entirely out of yucca that could handle the rugged terrain of one of the toughest 100 mile races in the USA.

*Photos by Christina Hennessey