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Testimonials & Customer Reviews Continued

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.

 Back to 2014 testimonials                                    To more 2015 testimonials

 SOM minimalist shoes active at archSOM minimalist shoes casual dog walkingSOM Minimalist shoes hikingSOM Minimalist shoes travel

"I received my shoes today, love em. Very well made, comfortable and super light.

Best wishes,
"

P.K. of Fircrest, WA
August 2015

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American made sneakers by SOM Footwear.

"New Shoes! S.O.M. (Sense of motion) , light as a feather ! Comfy as slippers, great performance ! Made in Montrose, CO. Love em !"

B.K. Owner, OPUS Hut, Ophir, CO
August 2015

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"I want to thank you both. Baxter and I ran into a bear today in the woods. I ran faster then I have in years and I was wearing my SOMs. :)"

C.C. of Norwood, CO
July 2015

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American made sneakers by SOM Footwear.American made sneakers by SOM Footwear.

"I wanted to send these pics to you... I climbed Mt. Garfield near Grand Junction in my SOMs because I'm hiking Handies Peak next week and I wanted to see how they'd do on a steep hike. (The trail goes straight up the spine of the ridge in the pic) My feet were happy, especially on the way down when normally my toes are jammed into the front of my shoes and killing me. Yay SOM!"

UPDATE

"I wore my SOMs to climb Handies Peak yesterday and was pleased with how they did on the trail. I loved how lightweight they are and how my toes aren't jammed into the front of my shoes on the descent. They were a little slippy on the hard rock with loose gravel (what shoe isn't?), but after receiving your response to my last e-mail, I'm curious to see what the new finish is like.My son wore his Chacos, another unconventional choice. I think they slipped on the loose gravel more than my shoes. Plus, he ended up with rocks in his shoes on the way down.

I'm sending you a photo of my SOMs and a Palisade peach on Handies Peak, two of my favorite Western Slope products. Normally, I get intermittent pain in my hips, especially after a long hike, but I haven't had pain in months. I don't know whether it's due to the warm summer weather, my SOM footwear or the Pilates I've been doing. I suspect it's a combination of all three.
I'll be ready for a new pair in a few months!"

P.S. of Grand Junction, CO
July 2015

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American made sneakers by SOM Footwear.

"I wear my SOM shoes for everything! Even planting some trees at the farm this spring."

B.K. of Calgary, Alberta
July 2015

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"Happy Birthday !!

I love my SOM shoes, and it's nice to see the improvements you're making and the different designs that are now available.

Here's to many more years of success!"

S.M. of Nucla, CO
July 2015

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"Hey - I love these sneakers!"

A.F. of Stafford Springs, CT
July 2015

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"Thank you for the Awesome 2 pairs of shoes.... They are like no other. And now you have a lifetime customer. I have to fly back to Japan to return to the tour and family. But I'll send a picture of me jamming with them on stage you can use if you want to. I've already got my next pairs picked out.....do you ship to Japan?"

W.S. of Newark, D.E.
July 2015

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Your shoes are working out well for me.  No heel rubbing at all.  

Using a thick sock, I have been wearing them regularly for working outside--mowing the lawn, putting down bark mulch, trimming bushes, etc.

I have enjoyed your postings, especially the video of Olie sewing the soles on the shoes--amazing.  Congratulations on your 1st anniversary!  Hope things are going well for you!

Once again, you have outstanding customer service--
thank you for following up.
"

P.G. of Dover, MA
July 2015

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"Fantastic!  I work up to 14 hour shifts in the pharmacy and these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned."

M.H. of Ballwin, MO
July 2015

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"Thanks for your email… I am absolutely enjoying my CAM-L shoe… The firmer sole is perfect for taijiquan weapons practice (that is typically held on  an asphalt and/or concrete outdoor surface)…

The quality of materials/design/ construction, wide toe-box, zero drop sole and secure lacing have been a delight during both my daily taijiquan practice and casual wear.

I look forward to the purchase of a second pair in the near future…. i am considering the alternative sole (not as firm) to increase the kinesthetic input into my feet/ life experience  with my next pair… (The firmer sole really has served me well on more unforgiving surfaces like asphalt and concrete)….  

If you have any suggestions on sole options, I’d sure be open to any information you could provide… Thank you for creating such a good shoe!

I am appreciative of your follow-up email, Nathalie,  and wish you all well!"

E.M. of San Diego, CA
June 2015

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"My replacement shoes arrived Wednesday. We picked them up on our way to play music. I put them on and they fit and I decided to wear them. They felt a little odd at first walking in them. But two hours of standing on pavement with much foot tapping (we play old-time music) and I didn't think of my feet once. Then two more hours playing at a Cafe, sitting down but still with active tapping feet and I came home feeling like I'd worn my old "regular" shoes instead of new ones. The next day included a 1 1/2 hr walk in town (sidewalks and pavement), heavier socks. The shoes and my feet did fine. I LOVE the roomy toe box. They were worth the wait. Happy Summer,"

S.R. of Cooks, MI
June 2015

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American made sneakers by SOM Footwear.

"I hiked Rough Canyon in the Bangs Canyon Recreation Area off LIttle Park Road southwest of Grand Junction this past Monday with a girlfriend. "Rough" is right!! I used my paisley Nag-iisa shoes just because they are so cute. They did great, even though I never intended them for hiking, and certainly not for bushwhacking and bouldering on a hike.

We started the hike at 8:25AM, thank goodness, because it got hot, and we had a lot of shade in the canyon. I had no idea what I was getting into, not being a frequent hiker. We wanted to reach the falls, but the trail kept disappearing! So frustrating. Her dog, Tryggur, an Icelandic Sheepdog, who I now think is mostly mountain goat, had no trouble at all, and lucky for him, there were lots of ponds to cool off in. It was really beautiful and so quiet and peaceful. We didn't see any other hikers until we were on our way out.

We reached a spillover point that seemed like the end of the Rough Canyon trail. I clambered up a boulder field which was kind of scary. Got half-way up and decided it would not lead us to the Tabeguache Trail, and no way could Tryggur make it, nimble as he is. So, we turned around and headed back the same way. We were out for about 2 hours and 40 minutes, and I was whupped. My quads were sore the next day.

My NAG-lisa's held up well, although stickers did find their way inside and into my socks. But I had no knee pain, which is amazing considering how I had to use my legs over rocks, ledges, and unsteady footing, sometimes stretching my legs to get up onto a ledge or whatever. It was fun, but exhausting.

I hope all is well with you. Stay in touch - I think of you often."

S.L.P of Grand Junction, CO
June 2015
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"Hello again, SoM team. I'm just getting back to you guys to let you know the insole has molded back into place around my foot. After a few hours, it got better, after a week, it was completely gone.

Your shoes are amazing and have become my go to shoe for daily wear. The USA made pulled me in, but the quality will keep me around.

I almost can't wear my other sneakers or work shoes anymore without noticing the discomfort. All that being said, my two cents for improvement, as we can all strive to be better:

1) I find that getting the laces nice and snug enough to hold my foot from sliding but not too tight to get lace bite is a bit tricky sometimes, and I often lace and relace about twice every time I put them on. After they get locked in right, they're amazing and don't loosen up. My suggestion would be perhaps adding a very small and light strip of padding on the foot side of the tongue where the laces will be tied. Nothing big or bulky, just a little buffer to help combat lace bite and make lace up time faster. "

A note from the SOM Team: We used to use a heavier mesh but we just recently started to favor the lighter mesh made in USA. On your next pair you may request that heavier mesh and we'll be happy to do it for you.

"2) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make a heavy duty shoe that can be worn around shops and etc. I own and operate a small repair company for small engines and home appliances which puts me on my feet all day. I've been wearing my SoMs to work simply because they are so dang comfortable, but I'm wary to get oil and grime all over them, as they are also my recreation footwear favorite. If I had a set of "armored" soms that I wouldn't be scared of abusing on a day in day out basis, I'd be set."

A note from the SOM Team: We've taken note of your request. There are alternatives on the market, like Oshatoes, that might be a short term solution.

"That's all I have. As long as you folks stay USA Made, I'll be coming back for more. From a very satisfied customer,

Thanks for your time,"

C.C. of Walker, LA
June 2015

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"Thanks very much,  The great shoes arrived and I am very pleased. 

They fit just right and feel wonderful!!

You should be very successful with this product line,"

G.H. of Saint Simons Island, GA
June 2015

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American made sneakers by SOM Footwear.

"I received my SOM', and when I put them on it was instant love.  I finally found the toe freedom I've been searching for!  I've tried so many different brands of running and hiking shoes, and either they were too big, or too tight on my outer toes.  I have Five Fingers, and they are ok, but not great for long distances or all situations.  These are the perfect length, and my toes are all FREE!  Yay!  So far I've worn them hiking, to brunch, a concert, and to work, and they look and feel great everywhere!  And it feels good to know I am supporting a local company.  I've gotten compliments on them also.  I will definitely recommend these to everyone.  I will send you guys a picture from our beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park (where I live).  Thanks again!"

B.B. of Peninsula, OH
June 2015
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"I enjoyed wearing the shoes yesterday.  The wider toe-box is just what I need for my developing hammertoes.  I've used orthotics for years and was happy to see they fit nicely in the SOM shoes while still giving me a sense of the nice flexibility of the sole.

I see additional SOM shoes in my future."

C.P. of Bowie, MD
May 2015

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"The yellow is a very cool color. I could wear them, but I couldn't rock them. Colorado sun indeed, we could use some of it today. Oh, and thanks for tracking down a pair of red laces. I appreciate it.

Wonderful doing business with you. I will spread the word."

E.T. of Anchorage, AK
May 2015

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"Thank you for all your work in trying to make me a special pair of SOM Footwear that will work for me. So far, I'd say you have succeeded! With a thick sock, I have had no heel rubbing.

Thank you so much again and best of luck in your endeavor! You deserve much success.

Best regards and thank you,"

P.G. of Dover, MA
May 2015

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"I absolutely love my pair of Som's!

They fit great and help me walk in a more balanced fashion.

They are super cute too with pants or long skirts as they remind me of a manga character. Thanks so much!" 

V.M. of Cedar Creek, TX
May 2015

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"Thanks so much for the $5 refund!  I am pretty sure this was for referring my mom to you.  She really liked my new shoes, so I encouraged her to try them on to determine her size and she ordered the dressier leather style.  I will continue to tell everyone about your shoes.  I really thought I was going to need surgery because even with the correct toes, I had constant knifing pain in my foot.  Thanks to your shoes, this pain is finally reduced for the first time in well over a year.  Also I know your husband designed these shoes to help his back pain and I am having less back and neck pain as well from the shoes!  I don't know how to thank you enough for the shoes and for the wonderful service. Thanks again!

Kind regards,"

R.H. of Madison, WI
May 2015

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I got my shoes and I love em! Thanks!

Cheers!

J.K of Duluth, MN
May 2015

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Love your philosophy about shoes, your outfit is tremendous and growing stronger by the day. Exchanged pair of SP-L3 shoes arrived Saturday morning via US Priority Mail... the half size up is just what I needed. I love these shoes!

Thank you,
A satisfied customer

M.R. of Portland, OR
May 2015

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":-) Customer Service, Environment, Other, Selection, Quality, Wait Time
It was such a pleasure to meet you both today! I liked you immediately, and LOVE your shoes! I can't wait to show my friends, esp. one in Michigan. You are filling a niche, and I love your whole business ethic. It must feel gratifying to do what you love and do it so well. Wish I lived closer so I could come to work for you someday!

Thanks for making these great shoes which help me enjoy walking and hiking again.

And, I adore your SO-ME custom line. So looking forward to getting my blue paisley pair! Thanks again for your friendly, personal attention today! "

S.P. of Grand Junction, CO
April 2015

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"I ordered 2 pairs of your fantastic shoes to make sure of my size. These shoes feel great walking NYC!"

D.H. of New York City, NY
April 2015

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American Made Shoes by SOM Footwear American made sneakers by SOM Footwear. American Made Shoes by SOM Footwear

"I wanted to show the shoes in "action". (I understand Bill is blurred). Incredibly, Bill (63) has jumped rope as much as 10,000 times... normally 2500 times! He loves the weight, flexibility and comfort of his new SOM shoes!"

J.A. & B.W. of Detroit, MI
March 2015

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"As a SOM Footwear employee, I have had my pair of SP-L3’s for about a month now- and I have NOT been taking it easy on them!

I use my SOMs for just about everything. They are my go-to casual shoe (I wear them for running errands around town, chasing the dogs around the backyard, bicycle commuting and to social events). They are so comfortable and natural feeling that I’ve also been wearing them for weightlifting (I love the zero drop), road running, trail running, and light/moderate hikes. When I can’t wear my SP-L3’s (while snowboarding, or when I’m on my road bike for example) I look forward to wearing them as an apres shoe when I get back! Nothing feels better after a crazy pow day than trading out my boots for my SOMs!

At first I was a bit skeptical if SOM Footwear was a good fit for me. I absolutely loved the fact that they are made in Montrose, CO where I live, and there was something about the simplicity and active/outdoorsy style of the SP-L3 that intrigued me. But at 5’ 1”, I have pretty small feet and I was worried that the “roomy” toe box wasn’t what I needed. Needless to say, all I had to do was try on the shoe and I was hooked from there!

Until I tried on my first pair of SOMs, I had never realized that the shoes I had been wearing for the past 20 something years were totally unnatural in shape (if you can’t wiggle your toes in your shoes, they probably aren’t foot shaped) and very overbuilt. I’ve always been a fan of lightweight shoes (my previous go to casual shoe was actually a water shoe!) so I was really stoked to find such a natural shoe to wear year round! The zero drop and roomy toe box have got to be the best thing to ever happen to my feet- these shoes really do mimic the feeling of being barefoot, with slipper like comfort!

This past weekend I put my SP-L3’s to the test at Arches & Canyonlands National Parks. While my companion struggled with the decision of keeping his sneakers on or switching to hiking boots at almost every trailhead or viewpoint, I was able to wear the same pair of shoes for everything. I even wore them on the Wlight trail in Canyonlands, which had about 1600 ft of elevation change over 6 miles. The shoes were excellent on every surface I encountered (mostly sand and slickrock, with a large portion of the trail requiring scrambling down and then back up a canyon wall).

After experiencing this level of comfort and high quality American craftsmanship, it’s hard to wear anything else!

American Made Shoes by SOM Footwear

T.K. of Montrose, CO
March 2015

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"Thank you again! I love my shoes!"

B.K. of Calgary, Alberta
February 2015

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"I received the SOM footwear yesterday.  Except for going to bed, they have been on my feet as soon as I got them out of the box.  They fit and feel GREAT."

G.B. of Aurora, CO
January 2015

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"I have worn your footwear for a little over a month, and can say with certainty, that you have produced a quality line of shoes that are truly foot healthy. I have enjoyed running and walking in them, and also have been sporting them at work. Very good design, which allows natural foot function. You can be sure that I will continue to tell active people about your footwear. Thank you very much, from a satisfied customer and podiatrist!"

R.M. of Scappoose, OR
January 2015

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