• “Does it take long to get used to walking in leguanos? How should I start if I wanted to change to barefoot walking?”
  • “Where can I wear my leguanos?”
  • “Can I use orthodics in my leguanos?”
  • “Can I use my leguanos for running?”
  • “Do leguanos come out large or small?”
  • “My toes touch the front of the shoe; do I need to go a size up?”
  • “Do the leguanos stretch or loosen a bit over time?”
  • “Can I wear socks in my leguanos?”
  • “Are leguanos waterproof?”
  • “Can I wash my leguanos?”
  • “Are the leguanos unisex?”
  • “What are leguanos made of?”
  • “What is the sole made of?”
  • “How long does the sole last?”
  • “Where are the leguanos produced? Where does the material come from?”
  • “Are the leguanos really hand-made?”
  • “Are leguanos vegan?”

F.A.Q.

“Does it take long to get used to walking in leguanos? How should I start if I wanted to change to barefoot walking?”

Whether a transitional period is required or how long it could be varies individually. Experience tells that the vast majority of people do not need a specific transition time. Some customers have reported light muscle aches in the foot arch after the first or second day of wearing leguanos which disappeared afterwards. This is a normal reaction of muscles and muscle groups in the feet which have been dormant for years prior, but which are now being required to fulfil their original purpose. leguano’s general philosophy is that it is much easier and more advisable to transition to barefoot shoes through everyday use than through high-impact activities like running.

“Where can I wear my leguanos?”

Whether you use them at work, to commute, for a walk in the park or on the beach, in the water, for a workout or a run or just a casual day out – leguanos are suitable for any type of surface. They provide protection from the elements and even sharper or pointier objects like shells, rocks or gravel. The leguano range features lace-up, slip-on and pull-up models, as well as winter boot models. You will find a style for any occasion and season.

“Can I use orthodics in my leguanos?”

In theory you can. Please consider that the ultimate purpose of the leguanos is to strengthen your feet so that they are self-supportive instead of reliant on orthotics or shoes with maximal arch support. In very simple terms spoken – think of orthotics as your crutches which help manage and deal with a foot condition. leguano barefoot shoes address the symptoms of the condition.

“Can I use my leguanos for running?”

Yes. However, a transition from running in regular running shoes to barefoot running in leguanos should happen gradually. This is necessary to give muscles, tendons and ligaments time to adjust. Running barefoot (mid- to front-striking) requires a different technique compared to running in regular running shoes (heel striking is common). Please consult experts like a running coach if you have any in-detailed questions. leguano Australia is happy to facilitate a contact if needed.

“Do leguanos come out large or small?”

Please refer to the size chart which is a helpful guide in working out your best size. We recommend a fit in which your longest toe and the heel sit snug. The idea is that the shoe nicely contours your foot so that it can follow your foot’s every move. On average the majority of customers are one EU size down in leguanos compared to their regular footwear.

“My toes touch the front of the shoe; do I need to go a size up?”

If your toes touch the front in regular footwear, the common recommendation is to go up a size. leguano barefoot shoes, however, need to sit snug to properly contour your feet. Unless your toes feel compressed, bent or otherwise uncomfortable it is not an issue if your toes touch the front of the shoe.

“Do the leguanos stretch or loosen a bit over time?”

No, even after multiple washes the leguanos hold their form. The only exception to this rule is the Denim model which contains 70% cotton. This model can slightly stretch over time due to the larger portion of natural fabric.

“Can I wear socks in my leguanos?”

This is subject to personal preference. But the majority of our customers find that they get the best experience when they wear the leguanos barefoot.

“Are leguanos waterproof?”

Not in the sense that you could dunk your foot in a lake without it getting wet. But leguanos are water-repellend, and this function can be enhanced by spraying them with an agent. But whether leguanos get wet or not has no effect on their functionality. Again, the only exception here is the Denim model which contains larger portions of natural fabric. leguanos are deliberately not fully waterproof as that would rule out breathability.

“Can I wash my leguanos?”

Yes. All leguano models are machine washable, except for the Chester. The best temperature is 30C°. We strongly recommend not to use any fabric softener. If you wash your leguanos together with other items, we recommend placing them in a washing net (mesh bag).

“Are the leguanos unisex?”

Yes, the leguano range features several unisex models such as the Aktiv, the Sneaker or the Kosmo. 

“What are leguanos made of?”

The majority of the range is made of microfibre (combinations of polyamid, elastan, lyocell and/or polyester). Some models like the Denim (70%) include large cotton percentages. All models are breathable.

“What is the sole made of?”

The sole is identical on all leguano models. It is patented, anti-slip and non-marking and made of LIFOLIT® which is a rubber composition. It is a highly robust yet flexible material.

“How long does the sole last?”

The durability of the LIFOLIT® sole roughly equates to the one of a regular running shoe. The individual longevity depends on a number of factors including usage volume, surface, body weight, etc.

“Where are the leguanos produced? Where does the material come from?”

All leguanos are made in Germany, in a town called Buchholz in the Westerwald, a region between Cologne and Frankfurt. All materials are sourced from within Germany, as well.

“Are the leguanos really hand-made?”

The LIFOLIT® sole is machine made, everything else on the leguanos is hand-made.

“Are leguanos vegan?”

Fully vegan models in our current range are the Aktiv, the Style, the Denim Sand and the leguanitos. All other models are vegan friendly, but not 100% vegan as 0.05% of the sole material contains a processing agent which contains substances which may be of animal origin. leguano’s aim moving forward is to make more models completely vegan without compromising product quality and longevity.