LUNA USA BRUJITA BUILDER Sandals Review
Introduction to LUNA Sandals:
LUNA Sandals is a renowned brand in the barefoot footwear industry, celebrated for their high-quality, customisable sandals that cater to both comfort and style. The USA BRUJITA BUILDER sandals, gifted to me by LUNA for this review, are an exceptional example of their craftsmanship. With a range of options to personalise your pair, these sandals offer a unique blend of traditional aesthetics and modern functionality, making them a standout choice for various occasions.
Customisation and Options:
The BRUJITA sandals come with a myriad of customisation options. For the upper sole, I opted for the luxurious American Bison leather, known for its durability and premium feel. Other choices available include Caffe Mocha, Black Earth, Dark Chocolate, and Tan Suede. For the straps, I chose the Golden Sun in the slip-on style and Coral Rose in the multi-wrap style, offering both convenience and a vibrant touch of colour. The strap colour options range from Ruby Red to Moss Green, providing ample choices to suit any preference.
First Impressions and Fit:
When the sandals arrived, the premium quality was immediately apparent. The bison leather smells fantastic, exuding a natural and rich aroma. The sandals are well-crafted in the USA, reflecting a high standard of workmanship. In terms of fit, I chose my regular EU39 size, which corresponds perfectly to the LUNA size chart. Despite my wide feet, the medium width of the sandals posed no issues, as the open design allows for a comfortable fit, even if my right foot slightly overhangs the sole. The sandals’ anatomical shape ensures ample room for toe splay and natural foot function.
Comfort and Break-in Period:
Initially, the thickness of the leather strap between the toes felt a bit uncomfortable, which is unusual for barefoot shoes that typically don’t require a break-in period. However, I anticipate that the leather will soften over time, making them comfortable. The sandals strike a balance between an active and lifestyle aesthetic, making them versatile for various settings. The soles are robust enough for an active lifestyle, while the elegant straps add a fashionable touch suitable for casual outings or even more formal occasions.
Strap Adjustments and Ease of Use:
Switching between the different strap options is straightforward once you get the hang of it. The multi-wrap straps require a bit of skill to tie, but LUNA provides excellent tutorial videos that make learning the process easy. After mastering the technique, tying the sandals becomes quick and effortless. The slip-on version is particularly convenient for those rushed mornings, allowing you to simply pull them on and head out the door without any adjustments.
Performance and Durability:
The BRUJITA sandals feature a thicker sole than typical barefoot sandals, with a total stack height of 11mm, including the Bison leather upper. While this extra thickness might detract from the ground feel that barefoot enthusiasts love, it does provide better shock absorption and durability, making these sandals suitable for long-term wear. The flexibility of the sole is impressive, and despite the thickness, the sandals roll up easily without resistance.
Style and Versatility:
One of the standout features of these sandals is their unique, historical look reminiscent of Ancient Roman footwear. The multi-layered leather straps around the ankle add a stylish and sophisticated touch, making them a perfect match for both casual and dressy outfits. Whether paired with a summer dress or denim shorts, these sandals elevate any ensemble with their timeless appeal.
Potential Drawbacks:
A minor drawback of the American Bison leather is the noticeable difference in the pattern between the two sandals, likely due to being from different batches of leather. While I appreciate the natural beauty and uniqueness of each piece, some might find this variation off-putting. Additionally, the medium width might be a bit narrow for those with exceptionally wide feet, although this didn’t significantly affect my comfort.
Packaging and Presentation:
LUNA’s attention to detail extends to their packaging as well. The sandals arrived in a well-designed box featuring fun and friendly printed slogans, along with LUNA stickers and helpful visual guides on how to tie the straps. These thoughtful touches enhance the unboxing experience and reflect the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
The LUNA USA BRUJITA BUILDER sandals are a remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality. Their customisable options, premium materials, and versatile design make them a valuable addition to any wardrobe. While the thicker sole might not appeal to hardcore barefoot enthusiasts, it provides added durability and cushioning, making these sandals an excellent choice for both new-to-barefoot individuals and seasoned minimalists alike. With their stylish aesthetic and robust construction, the BRUJITA sandals are sure to become a favourite for many different occasions.
Additional Thoughts:
For those considering these sandals, I recommend thoroughly reviewing the customisation options, especially the sole thickness, to ensure they meet your preferences. Despite the minor issues with the leather pattern and width, the overall quality and versatility of the LUNA USA BRUJITA BUILDER sandals make them a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking comfortable, stylish, and durable footwear.
Where can you get them?
You can purchase LUNA direct from them, and use my code: BAREFOOTBRIT for a discount. LUNA typically send their packages DDP, which means no nasty tax surprises upon delivery into the UK.
Brit👣
