I don’t get starstruck, but I do get excited when I meet someone who’s work I’ve admired and appreciated for years. And Phil Maffetone is one of those people.

I got my copy of Phil’s book In Fitness and In Health in 1997 and, way back then (even earlier, really), he advocated minimalism and barefoot running. Reading his books almost made me want to switch from sprinting to marathons.

So, I was thrilled when Phil responded to my email asking if he wanted to try a pair of Invisible Shoes, even more thrilled when he said yes, and ecstatic to read his review at Zero-Drop.

It starts with a sentence that could put a chill in the heart of any shoe maker:

I don’t like writing shoe reviews, because I don’t like many shoes.

But it happily and quickly leads to something we’ve heard from thousands of customers:

I slipped them on — easy enough. I walked, jumped, and ran. It was an all around pleasant surprise.

Phil is smart enough not to overdo it in a new pair of shoes, but like many who enjoy the feeling of being able to Feel The World, he couldn’t help himself and went out for a 20 minute spin.

If you don’t know Phil, you have got to check out his writing (and his music!). A true pioneer in the fitness, running and health world.

Thanks, Phil!

Here’s a quick video showing you how to measure your feet and get the correct size for your Invisible Shoes.

A major advance for barefoot sandals

We are extremely proud to introduce you to the only outsole specifically designed for barefoot running, our new FeelTrue™ outsoles.

With the help of one of the world’s top outsole manufacturers, and former lead designers from Nike and Reebok, we started with the famous Vibram Cherry material (that we’ve been happily offering since November 2009) and made these improvements:

• Contoured to fit your foot, without providing unnecessary support
• “High-abrasion” material lasts a long time
• Very flexible (great barefoot feel) while still providing strong protection
• Holds it shape better
• Slight “toe spring” keeps the sole closer to your foot
• Sized for feet from 5″ to 13″ long — many people can use the outsole without trimming! (and there’s less waste if you do)
• Elegant shape with subtle arch and heel cup
• Easily customized with just a pair of kitchen scissors
• Topsole pattern feels soft while providing traction
• Reinforced, extended, and elevated ankle holes keep lace from wearing out
• Dual-Chevron tread pattern provides traction under any condition
• Material includes some recycled stock

There are two models of our FeelTrue™ outsole:

1. 4mm thick Connect — the closest thing to barefoot. Extremely light weight (men’s US size 9 weighs ~3.7 ounces)
2. 6mm thick Contact — still a great barefoot feel, but with more protection. Slightly stiffer, but still flexible. (men’s size 9 weighs ~ 5.3 ounces)

Whether you walk, run, hike, or use your Invisible Shoes for anything else, we can’t wait for you to try Connect and Contact and let us know how much you enjoy being able to Feel The World™.

Click Here to order Invisible Shoes with FeelTrue™ outsoles