Testimonials & Customer Reviews from 2014

Our shoes are aweSOMe, but don't take our word for it...
Read testimonials and customer reviews from actual people wearing our shoes in the real world.

Go to 2015 testimonials              See the shoes! 

Our first customers are very dear to us!
Here are some of their testimonials about the initial model of SOMs from our first months of production:

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"I have been looking for US-manufactured casual shoes for quite some time. During my search, I found US-made flip-flops, running sneakers, leather dress shoes, cowboy boots, work boots, and even socks. But I was never able to locate a USA manufactured replacement for my tattered (and imported) Sketchers. Until I found Sense of Motion Footwear, which was listed on www.usalovelist.com .

After a very smooth and secure on-line ordering process, I received my SOM SP-L3's late last week, and have worn them daily since. One of the first things I noticed was that, despite their very light weight, the construction and materials are of excellent quality. The fit is superb, and the uppers are breaking in very nicely and with absolutely no discomfort. The Vibram soles are very supportive and provide solid footing without any harsh feedback (I spend a lot of time on my feet each day, so this is very much appreciated).

I value that SOMs are designed and handmade in Montrose, CO, by American craftsmen and craftswomen. The SOM innovation is apparent, and I have already received no less than 5 compliments on them from others. My friends were very surprised when I told them that SOM's are made right here in the United States, and that every purchase supports American jobs and our economy.

Bottom line, I love my SOM's and I am already looking forward to my next pair. Sense of Motion Footwear is rewriting the standard for comfortable, stylish, and responsibly-manufactured casual footwear. Get a pair and find out for yourself!"

J.E. of Knoxville, TN
December 2014

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"I love the shoes.  The only "very slight" criticism I have is that the toe box on my left shoe creased within a day of receiving them.  It's not nearly as noticeable now that they are more worn-in.  Anyway, I took the shoes on the four-day Inca trail trek and they were awesome.  There were a couple of times (torrential downpours and freezing temps) that I had to switch into heavier footwear but otherwise, they performed great and my feet were very happy.  I have attached a couple of photos from when we got to Machu Picchu.  I use these for pretty much everything -- running, hiking, crossfit, casual wear, etc.  Keep up the great work."

"If anyone asks, the shoes work just fine for olive harvesting. Here they are on an island in Greece keeping my feet happy under the load of a heavy bag of olives."

A.K. of Chattanooga, TN
December 2014

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"Thank You  -  Absolutely love the shoes!!! (Purchased at 2015 Telemark World Championship in Steamboat Springs, CO Fundraising)"

N.C. of Pittsburgh, PA
December 2014

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"I really like the shoes. I bought yellow, and kind of wish I'd gone with the dark blue, which would have been more versatile with my wardrobe. But they're very comfortable and the yellow is a fun color.

My feet require a great deal of arch support, but generally these are super comfortable. I wear them for most everyday activities, such as running errands, shopping, library, walking dogs... They're very good casual urban shoes. Haven't had to wash them yet. Probably will soon. I'll just put them in the washer. They'll be fine.People mistake them for climbing shoes, which I find amusing." 

K.C. of Denver, CO
December 2014

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"Som footwear shoes are the best minimal shoes ever! I teach fitness classes, personal training , Zumba, and Bokwa…I also trail run. My feet are happy. I have more stability and balance. These shoes rock!__I am fan. I will continue to buy som footwear. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!"

M.C. of Norwood, CO
November 2014

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"I bought them from you at the Farmers Market in Salida this summer. I use them almost daily, mostly for mt. biking in the desert. They stick well to the pedals and the soles hold up well to the pedals sharp cleats. The lack of deep lugs on the soles is important here. Also great for desert hikes.

I haven't washed them yet although they need it. If I had to put numbers on the individual categories you have in the survey they would be mostly fives with a few fours. The fit is excellent for my feet.

If there was anything else I could ask for it would be a slightly stiffer and thicker sole, again for a bit more secure interface with bike pedals. Only slightly. For hiking they are stiff enough,but could perhaps have a bit deeper and more aggressive lug for loose conditions. I don't trail run at all.

I will likely buy a second pair soon and appreciate the opportunity for input. Great shoes!  Thanks."

C.S. of Tuscon, AZ
November 2014

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"Thanks for the shoes, They are amazing, and fit really well. They make standing on a tile floor a different experience, I can feel the quality of work in floor, and the size of gravel on a driveway. Like going naked!"

J.T. of Preston, CA
November 2014

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"I am loving my shoes and the buildup is perfect. This is the closest to barefoot I've been in 35 years. Thanks! I've been spreading the word to my friends and family. Namaste."

N.B. of Colorado Springs, CO
October 2014

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"I received them on Saturday. I've been on two runs and did a crossfit style workout in them and so far they are great. I'll keep you posted and have been spreading the word."

J.P. of Salt Lake City, UT
October 2014

 

"These are excellent shoes. I have narrow feet, yet I'm not experiencing any heal slippage. The wide toe box allows you to spread your toes as you walk/run, and doing so has helped with the plantar fasciitis that I was struggling with. Thanks, SOM, for putting your hearts into producing a great shoe! (Model SP-L)"

-Anonymous
September 2014

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"I think of you regularly since I see M. T.  wearing your SOMs to our workouts.  She loves them. You have a very satisfied customer in her. As you do with me." 

B.H. of San Diago, CA
September 2014

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"First Impressions On the SP-L Rockies

The Good:

 I did a P90X3 workout in them today for the first time it involved lots of lateral and vertical jumping along with burpees. The shoes performed exceptionally well. They were extremely comfortable and my feet stayed cool. (I have heat and moisture issues in my feet) The side walls of the shoes are made of a material that seems like it will allow feet to breathe quite easily or at least allow heat to dissipate. Of special note is that they are not stiff or uncomfortable out of the box. They feel like they've been worn for several months and been broken in. I tried to imagine an exercise for which they wouldn't perform well, but based on how comfortable and light they are, I wasn't able to come up with one.

The Bad:

 Not much really. The shoestrings didn't come undone during a P90X3 cardio workout today, so I guess that that's not a concern like I had originally thought. Double knotting them of course is the easy fix if that were an issue. The immediate appearance of the shoes was interesting and I hesitate to call it "bad" because ultimately it wasn't. Once I put them on, they looked great and immediately someone in my workout group asked about them. I would say really the appearance is just an adjustment from the average shoe.

Unknowns:

How well they will hold up both in general and to the ruthless assault from moisture my feet will provide remains to be seen. No shoe I've ever bought regardless of the material has stayed without odor issues for more than 6 months unless I bathe them in powders (not very appealing). I'll keep you posted.

Overall:

I'm very excited about them both in how comfortable they were under load but also for how unique they are in every aspect. The shoes do a great job of balancing sufficient cushioning to shield you from debris yet still provide a feeling of connectedness between your foot and the ground

SOM Footwear beats the pants of minimalist shoes I've had before."

A.K. of Chattanooga, TN
August 2014

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"As the co-founder of SOM Footwear, it is a pleasure to test out the product in my own endeavors.  I want to share with you my personal experience with SP-L Rockies variety of SOM sneakers during the Grand Traverse Run or Bike. This is a newrace, set on a forty one mile course between Crested-Butte and Aspen, Colorado. The rough terrain with up and down rocky hills and water stream crossings, were a perfect place to test shoes, I couldn’t resist.

SOM Footwear is not specifically designed for running unless you are a barefoot runner and know how to run barefoot. I am a barefoot runner and have applied myself to learning this sport. I was happy to put the sneakers to the test for an 11+ hour trek on rough terrain.

They were amazing. Simply light and comfortable from start to finish! I finished the race with no blisters or red spots on any part of my feet! I noticed a funny duck sound they make after being submerged in a stream, an enhanced water evacuation feature is being worked on by the SOM footwear design as we speak.

I didn't experience hip discomfort after the race, like I usually do; I suspect it had to do with the close- to-the-earth feel that SOM Footwear provides. These sneakers were designed to reinforce your body’s inherent natural posture, which makes it effortless to move forward. I found it easy to hop and jump on uneven rocky surface trails an effort that in other types of shoes often makes you trip and fall.

These sneakers definitely provide the all-terrain stability and comfort that SOM Footwear TEAM claims.

As far as clean up, I threw the shoes insert and all, into the wash on cold and they came out looking like new.

Cleaning was so simple, I almost felt guilty."

N.B. - Montrose, CO
August 2014

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"I wore my new shoes all day yesterday.  They are so comfortable.  I love them. Thanks!"

G.W. of Norwood, CO
July 2014

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"We love our shoes."

L.C. of Norwood, CO
July 2014

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"I'm very excited to get my shoes. I wore them off the lot. I'm the lady that refused to buy any shoe till i got yours :) We went for a walk/hike upon the mountain, to check to see if there just happened to be any mushrooms, there wasn't. But.. so far the rating on my shoes is a 10. They are truly comfortable, i can't feel any weight, it feels like i just have soles on, if that makes sense. Thank you Olie for your desire to make these. i'm sure you'll do great here. Friends are asking when you will be back in Norwood? Thanks Nat. you are a awesome sales lady. I love your accent :)"

D.P. & B.P. of Norwood, CO
July 2014

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"Love, love, love my new shoes!!!"

N.H. of Norwood, CO
July 2014

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 K.F. of Norwood, CO
July 2014

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P.R. of Norwood, CO
July 2014

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