Shamma Sandals Review: Handmade Barefoot Sandals for Running, Hiking & Everyday Wear
This in-depth Shamma Sandals review covers all the styles, sole and strap options, and why they’re one of the best minimalist sandal brands around.
If you’re looking for barefoot sandals that can keep up with your active lifestyle—but still look good around town—Shamma Sandals should be on your radar. Handmade in Santa Cruz, California, these minimalist sandals are lightweight, durable, and fully adjustable to your feet. Whether you’re trail running, heading to the beach, or just want a more natural alternative to flip-flops, Shamma has a style for you.
In this review, I’m sharing what makes Shamma stand out and breaking down the different sandal models I’ve tested.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, read our full disclosure.
Brand Overview: Shamma Sandals
Shamma Sandals was founded by Josh Styles, an avid runner who still tests all the models on the trails and roads near their workshop in Santa Cruz. From day one, the brand has been focused on performance; every pair is designed to move with your foot and let it function naturally.
Shamma offers several sandal styles: a classic huarache design (common in the minimalist running world), a toe-loop style, and a flip-flop-inspired model with a back strap for a more secure fit.
Vibram Outsoles
All Shamma sandals are built on Vibram outsoles, which come in a variety of thicknesses and lug patterns to suit different needs. Vibram soles are known for their durability and ability to offer long-lasting performance while still maintaining flexibility. You can go super minimalist with the 6mm Warriors, or opt for more cushion and grip with the 13mm Ibex, which includes 4mm lugs for better traction on rugged terrain. I’ve worn Shamma sandals for years, and they were a game-changer in transitioning away from stiff, overbuilt hiking sandals (Chacos, I’m looking at you).
The Leather Footbed
One of my favorite Shamma upgrades is the leather footbed. It’s a 2mm layer of soft, premium leather that adds comfort without compromising ground feel. It’s not slippery like some leather footbeds can be, and it molds to your feet over time. If you’re planning to be in water a lot, I’d skip it—but mine have gotten wet here and there, and they’ve held up just fine.
Repairable
Shamma’s modular design means each part of the sandal—sole, straps, footbed—can be replaced if needed. So instead of tossing your sandals when one piece wears out, you can repair and refresh them. I’ve had mine for several years and haven’t needed any replacements yet, but if you’re logging high mileage and you’ve been seeing some hard wear, it’s nice to know you’ve got options.
How They Feel to Wear
Shamma Sandals feel secure and comfortable right out of the box, with no rubbing or chafing in my experience. With a quick strap adjustment, they hug your feet like a second skin. I know some people experience discomfort with straps or footbeds from other brands, but Shamma consistently seems to have fewer issues in those areas—so if you’re sensitive to hotspots, these are a great option.
And despite the simple strap design, they stay firmly in place. If you’re planning to run or want extra hold on uneven terrain, you can always add the Power Strap to your Elites for even more security.
You can see how Shamma stacks up next to some other popular minimalist sandals in this post on the best barefoot hiking sandals.
Coupon Code
You can use code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off at Shamma Sandals.
Now, let’s get on with the individual styles in this Shamma Sandals Review!
Shamma Sandals Review
Shamma Elite Sandals: The OGs
These are the first Shamma Sandals I ever owned, and I’ve been testing them since 2021. I’ve worn them hiking, for everyday errands, and often take them on trips with me. They were the only shoes I brought on a two week trip to Costa Rica (not on purpose, somehow my other shoes didn’t make it in my bag), but they performed perfectly from rainforest to beach.
The Elite series is Shamma’s original huarache-style sandal built for running and hiking. They use a tri-glide and Velcro tabs for easy, secure adjustments with three separate adjustment zones. You can even add a power strap for extra security when running or hiking.
These are minimalist sandals at heart, but you can customize them with a range of sole thicknesses, footbed materials, and strap configurations. My go-to is the Elite Maximus with a 9mm stack height and a leather footbed—it’s a nice sweet spot of ground feel and comfort. The Vibram Newflex sole has a zigzag tread that I’ve found is just enough for hiking dirt trails, and the rubber/EVA blend provides a nice amount of cushion and bounce.
If you’re looking for a do-it-all barefoot sandal, the Elite line is a great place to start. The leather footbed adds a touch of softness underfoot and molds beautifully to your feet over time. And if you’re tired of all of the black sandals, the Elite Maximus now comes in the Tan Sahara colorway.
Cruzers: Simple sandals for Adults & Kids
The Cruzers are another huarache style sandal, and they’re one of the most affordable barefoot sandal options out there, starting at just $60. They’re a stripped-down version of the Elite series, making them ideal for everyday sandals, beach shoes, or lightweight camp footwear.
Built on a 6mm Vibram Morflex sole coupled with Shamma’s UltraGrip footbed, they offer light cushioning without any lugs. The soft nylon straps are available in black, green, blue, and red. Despite the minimal design, the Cruzers have two adjustment points for a dialed-in fit.
If you’re after a simple, barefoot-friendly sandal for yourself—or your kids—these are a fantastic, budget-friendly choice.
TrailStars: Toe Loop Sandals
The TrailStars are a barefoot answer to popular toe-loop sandals like the Chaco Z2. I’ve worn them for light hikes, camping, and everyday wear—they’re versatile, easy to adjust, and super comfortable.
The toe-loop strap system is easy to adjust, and gives me a secure fit without any rubbing or pressure points. The straps themselves stand out for how soft they are; they’re made from Toray® Ultrasuede. If you tend to dislike sandals with straps that go in between the toes because you feel like the strap is too thick or pulls back, these can be a good option because the strap is laying flat between your toes, and it’s just going over your toe.
I especially love the tan leather version, which feels polished enough to wear around town without screaming “hardcore hiker.”
Pacific Avenue: Leather Flip-flop replacement
If you’re on the hunt for a barefoot flip-flop alternative, the Pacific Avenue sandals are a huge upgrade. These slip-ons feel like a minimalist version of Rainbow Sandals, with the added bonus of a secure heel strap to keep them in place.
They’re available in 9mm, 12mm or 15mm Vibram soles, and the leather straps and footbed add a premium feel. These are great for the beach, around town, or casual days when you want something easy to slide on. They come in tan, dark brown, and black, and like all Shamma sandals, they’re handmade and fully repairable.
Watch a video of the Pacific Avenue sandals review here.
Numa: Slip-on sandals
For those looking for hands-free sandal, the elastic straps of the Numa make them easy to slide on. I love these for the beach days when my hands are full, and I don’t want to have to drop everything when I reach the parking lot to slip on my sandals. These come in 5 different sole options, so you have a ton of choice!
Watch a video review of the Numa Sandals here.
Fit & Sizing
Shamma Sandals fit true to size and use unisex (men’s) sizing. For reference, I wear a Shamma size 6 based on my 23.3cm foot length, which corresponds to a women’s 7. The brand offers a printable size guide so you can be confident in your fit before ordering.
Thanks to the fully adjustable straps, Shamma sandals accommodate a wide range of foot volumes and widths, from narrow to wide. Once you dial in the fit, you’re good to go.
Shipping and Returns
Most Shamma Sandals are made to order, with an estimated production time of 8 to 10 business days before they ship. If you’re hoping to get them quickly, just keep in mind that production plus shipping typically means about a two-week turnaround from order to delivery.
Shamma offers free U.S. shipping (2–5 business days) on orders over $10, and also provides faster paid shipping options, including USPS Priority and UPS 2-Day. International shipping is available, with duties and taxes calculated at checkout for smoother delivery.
They also offer a 30-Day Worry-Free Guarantee, which lets you test out your sandals and return or exchange them if they’re not the right fit. Just make sure you don’t modify them—trimming laces or altering the sole (like on the TrailStar or Numa models) will void your eligibility for a return or exchange.
Custom Barefoot Sandals
One of the perks of Shamma being handmade in the U.S. is that they offer customization options. You can keep it simple—like mixing and matching sole types, strap colors, or footbeds—or go more in-depth when you’re dealing with a specific need. A few of the customizations on these barefoot sandals include extra-large sizes, split sizing, a custom sole shape to better match your foot, or even different stack heights to accommodate for leg length differences. It’s a great option if you’ve struggled to find sandals that fit just right off the shelf.
Final Thoughts
Shamma Sandals has carved out a niche for people who want performance and freedom of movement in a lightweight, minimalist sandal. I love that you can customize the sole thickness, choose your favorite strap style, and even repair them down the line instead of replacing them.
I hope this Shamma Sandals review gives you an overall understand of the brand, and which styles, straps or footbeds are the best options for you. Whether you’re training for a trail race or strolling a beachside boardwalk, there’s a Shamma sandal that fits the bill.
Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off
