Customer Stories

The Beginning: A Ten-Year Search

It all started with a book called Born to Run. In 2010, when I finished reading Christopher McDougall's book, a thought took root: I wanted to find shoes that felt "almost not there"—to let my feet be truly free.

Back then in Eastern Europe, however, that felt like a distant dream. Minimalist shoes were just emerging, and their prices were exclusive; online shopping was also in its infancy, with very few options available. My desire was so strong that I even tried making my own huarache sandals by modifying traditional leather folk sandals—you can imagine how determined I was.

The Encounter: A Ray of Light

In the autumn of 2020, sunlight finally broke through the gray. I discovered Saguaro.

When that brand-new, dark green treasure arrived in my hands, I knew instantly: this was it. From that moment on, I knew this would be a long, trusted companionship.

For five years, they have been more than just my running shoes—they have been my loyal companions on mountain trails and city walks. Here, I want to sincerely say thank you: thank you for creating Saguaro, and even more for keeping such wonderful products affordable and accessible for "ordinary" people like me. Without inflating prices under labels like "eco-friendly" or "high-tech," this sincerity is truly precious.

The Marks: A Story Told by Time, and Some Honest Feedback

Five years of daily wear have given me a deep understanding of my "companion." I’ve noticed that the junction where the upper material meets the rubber sole is the shoe's most vulnerable point. Over time, small holes tend to develop along this seam on both shoes.

Also, when trekking on rocky terrain, if my toes accidentally hit a stone, it’s often not the reinforced rubber toe cap that takes the impact, but the fabric area above the big toe.

I couldn’t bear to discard them just because of these few tears. Conventional stitching wouldn’t hold, but then I had an idea: I tried repairing them with black Sikaflex sealant. This DIY method worked surprisingly well, giving my Saguaros several more years of life.

(Images can be placed here with the following captions)
Image 1: The front seam, successfully "healed" with Sikaflex.

Image 2: The side, where a new seam is starting to show wear.

Image 3: The critical weak spot near the big toe.

Image 4: Full view: My Saguaros, my badges of repair.

A Hope: For Longer Companionship

I’m not sure if these wear patterns are unique to me or shared by others. I’d like to suggest that in future designs, it might be worth considering reinforcing these critical areas—such as the seam and above the big toe—with more flexible rubber or silicone. A little extra reinforcement could lead to a much longer journey together.

Closing: Gratitude and Good Wishes

Once again, thank you to the Saguaro team for bringing such a natural and freeing walking experience into my life. May your business blossom, and may all your genuine efforts return to you a hundredfold.