Vivobarefoot collaborated with the Ju’/hoansi San group from Southern Africa in the design and manufacture of this sandal. Read the Vivobarefoot San-Dal II review below to find out about the unusual leather sole and fitting cautions.
Check out the Vivobarefoot san-dal II here »
Quick Summary
First Impressions
They immediately feel robust and high quality – the thick, supple Eland leather looks and feels very nice. I note the unsurprisingly tapered toe box shape, but it is Vivobarefoot, so I expected this.
This iteration of the “San-Dal” has been dubbed the San-Dal II. The main difference from the predecessor appears to be the ankle strap fastening method: the old version has a long ankle wrap. This iteration has a simpler metal button fastener with 3 options for adjustment. The straps themselves are quite a bit thicker on the new version too.
This sandal is unusual in that is ALL leather. Including the actual outer sole! It’s an interesting change of texture compared to the usual rubber soles you would expect. Proponents of grounding would naturally prefer a leather sole for connection to the earth, while for some it poses too many impracticalities (damp climates are an issue).
Fit & Sizing
The primary straps from the toe post feed through the rear ankle strap, meaning it’s simple to adjust the overall fit as the strap is continuous. The rear strap that hugs the heel is fixed and separate from the toe straps.
While long from heel to the furthest point, they still don’t fit my 27cm long foot adequately. As you can see, it’s not a length issue, but a shape issue. These are really better suited to someone with narrower splay and/or a Greek shaped toe profile. My big toe is falling off the edge as my feet are Egyptian shaped. As a result, sizing up won’t solve the problem – there is already too much space in front of the rest of my toes. Click here to find out more about toe profile shapes.
I found that the upper strap had a bit too much slack, even when on the tightest adjustment at the ankle. However, the loose straps over the foot didn’t significantly affect security. Once the ankle strap was pulled secure around the ankle, it did a good job of keeping the foot in place. These would accommodate higher volume feet – mine are average to low in volume.
Design & Construction
The Eland leather is excellent quality: thick, durable, and gives the sandals a rugged feel. A small shell detail on the outer foot strap, can be moved up and down, adding a nice decorative touch that fits with the rest of the primal vibe.
The leather sole means they will have an ok level of ground feel, despite the relatively thick soles. Note that leather soles can be slippery on wet, smooth surfaces, but grip is good on dry, natural surfaces. The sole is thick for a barefoot sandal and is difficult to flex. Due to the nature of the materials, it may become much more flexible once broken in more.
The straps are stitched into the sole using a thick ‘sinew’ style thread. For those with particularly sensitive feet, particularly between their toes, this might cause some intial discomfort. Expect a short break-in period as the leather softens and conforms to the foot.
The primary straps from the toe post feed through the rear ankle strap, meaning it’s simple to adjust the overall fit as the strap is continuous. The rear strap that hugs the heel is fixed.
With only three adjustment holes over the ankle, those with slimmer ankles may need to create an additional hole in the leather strap for optimum fit. I imagine a leather worker or cobbler would handle this easily, if you do not want to risk a DIY solution. I am on the tightest setting without having slim ankles.
Usage & Final Thoughts
Check out the Vivobarefoot san-dal II here »
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Vivobarefoot San-Dal II fit wide feet?
Unlikely a good fit for wide toe widths, unless you have a very Greek shaped toe profile. The sloping of the sole at the toe means wider splays may not be accomodated.
What weather conditions can I wear the Vivobarefoot San-Dal II in?
Stick to dry conditions – they are fully leather and the leather soles may become slippery on slicker surfaces. For UK weather, they are more usable in dry summer conditions.
Can I wear the Vivobarefoot San-Dal II on pavement?
Yes, but the leather sole will wear down faster. The ideal terrain for this type of sole and sandal is arid and natural surfaces.
What is that piece for on the strap? The little leather bit with the white shell?
It’s just decorative. It keeps in with the natural, primal style while adding some interest to the otherwise plain leather straps.
