Customer Stories

This story was sent to us via email by Ana Patrao.

For years, life had put her dream on hold. As a single mother raising a six-year-old boy with autism, her days were filled with challenges, leaving little room for personal aspirations. But this year, she and her best friend decided to turn the page and take on a new challenge: walking from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. It wasn’t just a journey—it was a mission of purpose, strength, and healing.

Her motivation ran deeper than the kilometers ahead. She wanted to raise funds to afford a treatment for her son, who is non-verbal. To achieve this, she started a fundraiser and promised to complete the 240-kilometer pilgrimage in six days.

"This challenge wasn’t just for me," she shared,
"It was for my son, for hope, and for everything I needed to prove to myself."

Finding the Right Companion

Preparing for such a journey required careful planning. One of her biggest concerns was finding the right shoes.

"I’ve always had trouble finding shoes that allow my feet
to be free and comfortable," she explained.

After much research and advice, she chose her trusted Saguaro barefoot shoes.
She knew this decision would make or break her experience.

“I realized that if I were to walk an average of 40 kilometers a day,
I needed shoes that wouldn’t hold me back.
My Saguaros gave me exactly what I needed: freedom and comfort.”

Seven Days of Strength

Over seven days, she walked nearly 10 hours daily, through forests, roads, and mud. The journey was physically demanding, yet deeply rewarding.

"It was a pleasant surprise—the relief I felt from
taking my Saguaro barefoot shoes with me," she said.

While others around her struggled with blisters and pain, she experienced something extraordinary.

"Everyone we met had blisters, but I walked
the entire way with just one tiny bubble."

Each step brought her closer not just to Santiago, but also to herself.

"This path wasn’t just about walking—it was about healing.
It helped me recover from a toxic relationship
and find the faith and strength I needed to face life’s difficulties."

Rediscovering Nature’s Beauty

The pilgrimage also reconnected her with the beauty of the world around her.

"Nature is so close to us, yet we often forget
how beautiful our world is.
Walking through these landscapes
reminded me to be grateful for everything we have,"
she reflected.

Her barefoot journey wasn’t just about the destination; it was about grounding herself in the present.

"Connecting to the earth is connecting to yourself.
All animals are barefoot, and the closest we can be to being grounded
is to wear shoes that protect us but also keep us connected to Mother Earth."

A Heartfelt Thank You

At the end of her journey, she looked back with gratitude—not only for the experience but also for the shoes that made it possible.

"Thank you, Saguaro, for your designs and for giving everyone the opportunity to connect.
So many brands make barefoot shoes unaffordable, but you’ve made them accessible for everyone."

Her Saguaros, which had already served her for two years, proved to be the perfect companion for this life-changing experience.

"I hope they’ll last for many more walks in nature," she said with a smile.

This was more than just a physical journey—it was a spiritual one. It was about healing wounds, reconnecting with nature, and finding strength in the face of adversity. And step by step, her Saguaros carried her through, reminding her that sometimes, the right shoes can help you find your way back to yourself.