LUNA Sandals Leadville Pacer Review

Bottom Line

The LUNA Sandals Leadville Pacer is a minimalist sandal with standout grip. In testing, our feel felt like they were suctioned to outdoor features – even wet rocks during creek crossings. 

In addition to its class-leading traction, the Leadville Pacer allows for natural and unrestricted movement. We could flex our feet however we wanted, which wasn’t possible with other shoes we tested. Combined with their low weight, these shoes are very compelling for ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers.

However, the straps and general fit proved problematic. When walking on uneven surfaces, the toe strap dug into the space between our big and index toes. Fit-wise, there were times our toes completely hung over the edge of the shoe.

These comfort issues detracted from our overall experience, but they won’t be problems for everyone. If you can get a good fit, the Leadville Pacer is impressively capable for such a light and streamlined sandal. If you’d prefer something more substantial or everyday-friendly, check out the competition in our full camp shoes gear guide. 

How We Tested

We took the Leadville Pacer sandals on a waterfall hike, wearing them for six miles with multiple creek and stream crossings. We also wore them for daily life, taking the dog on a walk and running errands around town. Finally, they were put to bend, squeeze, twist tests to gauge their level of support (and supplement our real-world findings).

Comfort

The LUNA Leadville Pacer provides decent cushion and comfort for a minimalist shoe. The 9-millimeter thickness minimizes discomfort on rocky or uneven surfaces. It’s not the plushest shoe by any means, but it exceeded our expectations for such a streamlined design. We were also pleasantly surprised that such a strappy sandal didn’t rub or require much of a break-in period. 

However, we did experience issues with the toe strap and overall fit. Walking on level surfaces was fine, but as soon as the terrain became uneven or steep, our foot slid to the front of the shoe. This caused the toe strap to pull significantly (and painfully) between our big and index toes.

Versatility

Fit issues aside, the LUNA Leadville Pacer is a highly versatile shoe. It’s grippy enough for hiking and light enough to warrant stashing in a pack on backpacking trips. It’s also a great choice for water sports like kayaking or paddle boarding. We tend to reach for other shoes due to the toe strap issue mentioned above, but if you can nail the fit, the Leadville Pacer is a very well-rounded sandal.

Support

Though the Leadville Pacer doesn’t provide traditional support, its minimalist design promotes natural movement. The shoe is flexible and allows you to move without restriction, which is particularly noticeable when navigating obstacles like rocks or logs. It’s a very confidence-inspiring experience, although there’s less shock absorption compared to more substantial shoes with built-in support.

When put to our bend, squeeze, twist tests, the Leadville Pacer resisted squeezing at the heel but completely folded over when bent and twisted. This highlighted a lack of structure throughout. The flat footbed doesn’t offer much arch support, either. If you have existing knee or joint issues, you may want to steer clear of barefoot shoes in general (although they can help bolster joint strength over time). 

Durability

Ultralight gear often makes sacrifices to keep weight low, but the Leadville Pacer balances its priorities surprisingly well. Starting at the bottom, the Vibram outsole is very tough and long-lasting. The footbed and webbing are also high-quality and confidence-inspiring for such a minimalist design. Several reviewers note that they are quite happy with the shoes’ longevity, and we have confidence that our pair will hold up to multiple seasons of use.

Should You Buy the LUNA Sandals Leadville Pacer?

The LUNA Leadville Pacer has gained a cult-like following among minimalist runners, hikers, and backpackers. It’s well built with quality materials that hold up well over the long term, including a grippy Vibram outsole and comfortable footbed. In addition to offering standout traction, it’s impressively lightweight and packable – great for weight-conscious activities like ultralight backpacking.

If you’re looking for something with traditional arch support, this is not the shoe for you. The zero-drop design takes some getting used to and provides limited shock absorption and joint support. We also experienced some issues with the fit, leading to uncomfortable pulling from the toe strap between our big and index toes. This won’t be an issue for everyone, but it’s worth considering before making a purchase.

What Other Camp Shoes Should You Consider?

Check out more of our favorite options in our best camp shoes gear guide. The three designs below stand out as particularly strong alternatives to the Leadville Pacer.

Chaco Z/Cloud Review: At the opposite end of the spectrum from the Leadville Pacer is the Chaco Z/Cloud. This sandal provides incredible support and stability alongside class-leading durability. It’s much heavier and bulkier than the LUNA, however, which will deter many ultralight hikers and backpackers.

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Review: For solid support in a more casual package, consider the Arizona Essentials EVA. This shoe is even lighter than the LUNA (only 8 ounces per pair) and much more affordable, though it lacks the trusty Vibram grip and isn’t as durable.

Bedrock Mountain Clog Review: The Mountain Clog is another zero-drop shoe but with more substance than the Leadville Pacer. The mule style keeps the toes protected, although the suede upper isn’t as friendly for water and runs warm for summer use.