Tag Archives: barefoot sandals

GladSoles & Glasstic Water Bottle Giveaway

Posted on by GladSoles Blogger

Enter to win a pair of GladSoles Barefoot Running Sandals and a Glasstic Water Bottle by using the widget below. Contest ends next Monday July 20th, 2015 at midnight.

*USA ONLY

Glasstic Water Bottle is the break-resistant and shatterproof glass water bottle offering the purity of glass with the portability of plastic. With all the BPA worries, Glasstic is your hydration solution.

Use coupon code ‘REV15OFF’ and get 15% off any bottle purchase (excluding already discounted mulit-packs) on the Glasstic Water Bottle site or Amazon thru Dec 31, 2015

GladSoles Eco, is THE WORLD’S FIRST Eco-Friendly, custom-made-to-size sandal on the market, because it’s made from 100% Upcycled Rubber Tires. It is approximately 5.5mm thin, has a non-slip nylon footbed, and is extremely flexible. Great for all of your on and off-road adventures. It has an aggressive tread that really grips the roads and trails equally well.

Custom Sizing:
Every pair of GladSoles is completely custom-made by hand, based on tracings of your feet. Take it slowly when you trace your feet, as an accurate tracing ensures a perfect fit.

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GladSoles May Bundle Giveaway!

Posted on by alis
GladSolesVegAfri
13 May

Enter to win any pair of GladSoles minimalist sandals, 500g of africrops! Moringa Oleifera powder and a VegRunChat headband by using the widget below. Contest ends next Sunday May 26th, 2014 at midnight.

*International participants must pay shipping cost if chosen as winner.

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Whether you’re hiking the trails or just going for a walk, GladSoles will get you where you need to go in style and comfort. GladSoles come in 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm Vibram® soles. The lace is recessed into the bottom of the sole, and very easy to swap out.

Sizing:
Every pair of GladSoles is completely custom-made by hand, based on tracings of your feet. Take it slowly when you trace your feet, as an accurate tracing ensures a perfect fit.

The GladSoles Trail Specs:
Weight: 3.2 oz (per sandal, laces included, size 9)
Thickness: 8 mm
Tread: aggressive tread – durable, oil resisting, non-slip
Ground Feel: very good – slightly muted feel compared to GladSoles Original
Does it float? yes
Other: Vibram Newflex 8mm is a rubber/foam composite blend with an advanced traction pattern on the out-sole. Lightweight and overall the most comfortable sole material we offer.

Comparing the different GladSoles models:

• GladSoles Lite – As you can tell from the name, this is our lightest weight and thinnest (4mm) model. Great for the pool & beach. This model has less structure than the Original or the Trail. Best suited for those of you who really want to feel every little nook and cranny that you might encounter on and off-road. Kids really love this model.

• GladSoles Original – This is where it all started. The GladSoles Original is our most versatile sandal. It’s 6mm thin, really light weight and works well on many surfaces. Recommended for all first time, barefoot sandal wearers! This sandal has some structure to it, and will mold to your feet after you wear them around for a few days. Perfect for running, walking, hiking, casual wear – it’s a great all-around sandal.

• GladSoles Trail – This is our most secure and rugged sandal. It is 8mm thick, but will mold to your feet within a few days. Great for all of your off-road adventures. It has an aggressive tread that really grips the trails well, but will wear down a little quicker on asphalt and other man-made surfaces. The Trail model is made for all you trail runners out there, plus it’s an all-around, really comfortable everyday sandal.

Warranty:
It’s really simple. If you have an issue with your sandals, just let us know and we will fix it. We take great pride in our sandals and want to make sure that you love them as much as we do!

Shipping to all countries

Tracing Your Feet is Easy

Posted on by alis

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People think the most daunting part about ordering our custom-made sandals is the foot tracing but it’s REALLY EASY! We have a video that you can watch (see below) that demonstrates how it’s done. There is a sample tracing (click here) that you can look at to allay any fears. Or, you can just give us a call at 973-951-4404 and we’ll walk you through it.

We know that it would be easier to offer standard sizes like all the other footwear companies. But we also know that nothing compares to wearing a sandal that is made for your own two feet. Take the extra couple of minutes and trace your feet. You will be happier and your feet will thank you :)

The Details:

Tracing your feet accurately ensures that your GladSoles will fit you perfectly.

Take your time when tracing, as the more accurate your tracings are, the better fitting your sandals will be.

It’s best to stand while doing the tracings. It might be easier to have someone else do the tracing for you. I like to start at the heel and trace forward to the toes. Then I start at the heel again and trace forward around the other side of the foot. No matter how you do it, try to keep the pencil vertical as you trace.

Tracing your feet is easy. Just take your time and don’t forget to mark the space between your big & 2nd toe. See the attached picture so you can see how to do it. You can also view the instructional video here.

Scan & Email, or Regular Mail Us Your Tracings:

If you have access to a scanner, just make sure to save your scan as a PDF file (Adobe Acrobat). And, make sure that it’s set to actual size with NO scaling. You should also check to make sure that the correct paper size is selected (US Letter, 8.5 x 11 inches). Draw a ruler line on your tracings with inch marks (6 of them would be good). We need this ruler line so we can make sure that the sizing is correct when we print out your tracings on our end.

Or, if you prefer, just send us your tracings in the regular mail: GladSoles, 194 West Fairview Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079

Please DO NOT take a picture of your tracings – photos can skew the footprint, making it very difficult to produce a well-fitted sandal.

And, if you have any questions or need help with all of this, just give us a call at 973-951-4404 or email me directly at Rich @ GladSoles.com

Go ahead and trace your feet, your GladSoles will be on their way to your door very soon!

Barefoot Running Sandals Contest

Posted on by alis

GladSoles-Barefootrunningsandals copy

We are running another contest to giveaway a pair of our GladSoles barefoot running sandals. The winner of the contest can choose any pair of our sandals as a prize. The contest runs from today to Monday February 17th, 2014 @ midnight. We will announce the winner on Tuesday, February 18th, 2014. This contest is for U.S. residents only. Use the widget below to participate.

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GladSoles Barefoot Running Minimalist Sandals review
by ForkstoFeet.com

Use coupon code: ‘vegrunchat’ to get 15% off

When I first laced my sandals, I felt that they were somewhat loose; they were shifting a bit, and not staying pressed against my foot. After retying them, keeping my heel towards the back of the sandal, and pulling the laces tighter, I corrected the issue. They now stay snug against my foot, and I know that they won’t be going anywhere.

Take your time with the sandals when you first get them. Test out several tying methods, seeing which one works best for you. You may even want to do a few “test runs” before deciding which one you like best. The great thing about GladSoles is that you can always change it up later on.

The biggest concern that people have with sandals, is the ability to run in them (and rightfully so). I wasn’t sure if I would be able to maintain my pace and distance in them. But, after my first run (stats to the right), I knew that GladSoles could keep up with my demands (even during marathon training). Actually, I’ve run some pretty quick runs using my new GladSoles, and topped 13.5 mile distances. I’ve even considered using them in my upcoming marathon.

The best thing about running in barefoot sandals is that you get incredible feedback from the ground. With GladSoles, this feedback is even greater because the tread fits right up against the bottom of your feet. Unlike other sandals that I’ve tried, GladSoles are extremely flexible, allowing them to act as a second skin. So, instead of the tread smacking the pavement with every step, you hear almost nothing. You feel that you are truly barefoot. This is one of the biggest reasons why I’m loving these sandals.

Customer Service

Something we often overlook when picking a product is the quality of customer service that comes with it. I’ve been amazed at the level of engagement that I’ve received from Rich since ordering my sandals. He has been there to answer my questions, and help me through every step of the ordering process. He’s even checked in with me to see how I’m enjoying my new footwear.

I would also like to mention that the folks at GladSoles treat you like a person, not a customer. Speaking to Rich has been like talking to friend. He is very laid back and fun to talk to. Now, I understand that most of us aren’t looking to make friends when we’re ordering kicks, but it’s nice to feel like more than just “another order.”

willPower & Grace Plank Challenge

Posted on by GladSoles Blogger

Plank ChallengeWILLPOWER & GRACE PLANK CHALLENGE

 

Last week GladSoles went to the Lululemon store in Montclair to take part in the willPower & Grace Plank Challenge, arranged by the unstoppable Jenn DeLuccia.  Jenn is a teacher trainer and instructor of an incredible barefoot fitness regimen, willPower & Grace.  She’s also a Lululemon and GladSoles ambassador.   

 

Almost 100 people had shown up, ready to Plank at 9:30 on a Sunday morning of a holiday weekend, and the energy was palpable.

 

We started with a meditation led by Lululemon ambassador Joe Gandarillas, which put us in a calm, strong frame of mind.  Then Jenn took us through a willPower spinal warm-up to loosen us up.  With high fives all around we got started.   The music to accompany the challenge was one inspirational song after the other, starting with the theme from Rocky.   We had to remember to breathe. 

 

My goal was 3 minutes, I unfortunately did not get quite there but I got further than I ever have with 2:30.  Baby steps.  Rich exceeded his 3-minute goal and reached 4:25 – amazing. After that we witnessed incredible feats of physical and mental strength as people were able to stay up for 5 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes and on and on.  The final 2 people at the end of the challenge were willPower instructor Laura Fielding, and Lululemon manager Julia Detarte.  They had set themselves goals of 12 minutes, and we couldn’t believe it as 13 minutes turned into 14 minutes, and continued into 15 minutes.  Finally Laura stopped at 16 minutes, leaving Julia with the win at 16:15.  

 

The male and female winner won great gift baskets, including a $100 certificate for Lululemon gear, a membership at Equinox, and a pair of GladSoles.  All in all an excellent morning.  Congratulations to the winners, Johnny Bednarz & Julia Letarte, and to all who came out to challenge themselves!

Plank Challenge Winners

The Runninger’s Barefoot Transition

Posted on by alis

One of our Twitter followers purchased a pair of our barefoot running sandals to help his transition to going barefoot. He’s an Australian marathon, triathlon and Ironman runner with an amazing story. Visit his blog here: TheRunninger.com

Excerpt below:

…Enter Glad Soles barefoot sandals, I found them on Twitter and recently purchased some. Never has my running felt more pure or enjoyable, running barefoot without the stress of hurting your feet is a wonderful feeling and has allowed me to complete my barefoot transition. I call it Pure Zero Drop running.

GladSoles Sandals — Not Just for 5K Race Winners

Posted on by GladSoles Blogger

Maplewood NJ 5K Race –

Jennie + Rich at the 2013 Maplewood 5K Race

This Sunday I decided to venture out with Rich for his latest New Jersey 5K race.  It was the 13th annual “Maplewood in Motion” 5K Race, with proceeds going to benefit the Maplewood Lions Club charities and Rent Party – an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in Maplewood and South Orange.  It’s an event that I’ve run a few times over the years.  My first time was in 2003 — when I first decided to get on a post-babies fitness kick.  Back then I ran it in New Balance sneakers, this time in my barefoot running sandals. 

On race day it’s a good idea to get up as early as possible so that you have time to get some nutrition in your system, but stop hydrating well before the race starts (See Rich’s take on that here, in his blog post – GladSoles CEO Comes Within…).  I got up at 6am, ate, cleaned the kitchen, folded laundry, watched some tv, and took my time to get ready.

Conditions were perfect: sunny, but breezy with a little fall chill in the air.  Rich and I “represented” with our GladSoles on our feet, and our logo on our shirts.  I’m a much slower runner than Rich, so this was an opportunity for people much further back in the pack to see our running sandals in action. At the start of the race a little girl who was running in sneakers and a pretty dress asked if I was really going to run in my sandals.  At the end of the race a fellow competitor asked me about the slogan (“Make Your Feet Happy”) he’d been reading on my back during the race.   

Rich posted another excellent time of 19:59, coming in sixth place overall.  With my slow pace of 10:56 minutes a mile I finished the race in 34:05, which goes to show that you can enjoy minimal running at any pace:)

–Jennie

 

Maplewood 5K Race in Minimal Sandals

Race Winners to Receive Free Pair of GladSoles at the Newstead 5K

Posted on by alis


GladSoles, minimalist barefoot sandals maker, sponsors Newstead 5K race in South Orange, NJ

On Saturday, September 21, 2013 the 11th annual Newstead 5K race will take place in South Orange, NJ at 9am. Join the GladSoles Barefoot Sandals team and support our local public school system. And, if you are one of the top finishers, you will win a free pair of the Original GladSoles Custom-HandMade Barefoot Sandals.

This highly visible event is a hallmark for the South Orange and Maplewood community and for runners from the surrounding area. In 2012, the Newstead 5K celebrated ten years of supporting public education for the children South Orange & Maplewood.

The race rings in the start of the school year, transforming South Orange’s tranquil Newstead neighborhood into a vigorous throng of runners and walkers of all ages winding their way through the rolling, leafy streets. The energy is contagious, with lively music, colorful signature t-shirts and over 500 participants. The race features chip timing by Compuscore and a Fun Run for children. With the help of more than 40 individual and business sponsors, and 75 volunteers, the Newstead 5K raises $10,000-$15,000 annually to support all Achieve Foundation programs.

From Race Founder, Helen Dubowy:

“Each year our notable sponsors, old and new, come through to help us exceed our expectations. Last year’s sponsors included families, neighborhood ‘mom and pop’ stores and large corporations. Everyone teams up to support educational excellence and innovation for all nine of our district’s schools. The proceeds go to all of Achieve’s important programs, including Teacher Grants, volunteer tutors, technology upgrades and more. I am so proud to have witnessed the growth of this endeavor over the past 10 years. The community genuinely rallies together, because nothing is more important than educating our children.”

Barefoot in Hong Kong

Posted on by GladSoles Blogger
Hong Kong At Night
Hong Kong At Night

Earlier this month, we had the incredibly good fortune to take the trip of a lifetime to Hong Kong. My brother, sister-in-law and niece have lived there for 10 years, and we were there for a big family event. Over the next few weeks Rich and I will be posting a few blogs of our impressions of this amazing and unique place.

For our family it was a break from normality that took us out of our suburban New Jersey life and into a glittering oasis of neon, marble and glass. We flew direct from Newark. It was a15 hour flight that left on Saturday afternoon and arrived on Sunday evening. Although we’d spent less than a day in transit, because of the time difference, it felt like we’d spent an entire weekend in the air.

One of the first things I noticed on the drive into town from the airport, was a huge collection of enormous apartment blocks the scale of which I had never seen before. Hong Kong has one of the highest concentrations of people in the world, with over 18 thousand souls battling for space in every square mile. The immense edifices are home to people who used to live in boats around the various islands. They looked eery looming against the night sky.

Our hotel was smack in the middle of the Lan Kwai Fong district of Central Hong Kong, an area that hums and thrums all night long. Our home town in the U.S. shuts down for the night at around 10PM, yet the instant we arrived on buzzing Wyndham Street, we felt right at home. Hong Kong is very welcoming, and its energy is infectious!

I’ve lived in 3 countries in my life, and over the years I’ve developed the concept of “conquering” a city. To conquer a city is to learn about it, to feel at home in it, and to know where to go to get the things you need – like affordable food, laundry and a place to get your hair done. I love to wander around unfamiliar streets, getting slightly lost, and learning as I go. That night I went to bed anticipating how I would put on my GladSoles and go out and make Hong Kong mine.