Alchemy by Deliberate Life Design
On March 12, 2021 by NoeliaIf you haven’t heard of these sandals, you’re in for a treat!
I won these sandals back in November 2020 on Instagram and I was able to wear them quite a bit before it was too cold for them. I’ve also worn them every day for a week for an outfit challenge on Insta 🙂
Use MAESTRA to get 10% off your whole purchase!
Company
This company is run by a family that lives, works, learns, and travels in a converted school bus/tiny house.
They started their company in 2014 when Adam decided to make himself and his family some huaraches. They now have 3 main designs that can be customized and used for hardcore running, ultralight backpacking, or as every day barefoot sandals.
Even though these are custom made sandals, Adam is working on creating a “ready-to-buy” collection, which will allow you to buy sandals with just a click!
These sandals are made with Vibram rubber and re-purposed rock climbing slings.
Alchemy Design
I was a little skeptical when I first heard of DLD sandals because they are thicker than what I am used to. But as soon as I received them I was immediately impressed!
Adam custom makes each sandal by hand, so you know you are getting a perfectly shaped sandal for each foot, which is great when you have wide feet or your feet differ in sizes.
These sandals remind me of my Tevas and they can be worn with any outfit. They are also designed for “long term abuse on the trails” so you know you are getting a quality sandal that will last you for years.
They are:
- Zero drop
- Flexible
- Wide in the toe box, shaped perfectly for each foot
- 12 mm stack heigh, which includes 2 mm Vibram anti-slip footbed
Materials
The straps are made with flat webbing, rock climbing slings, made of nylon. You can even send your own webbing (5/8” wide and tubular) for Pursuit or Intuition.
The sole is made of Vibram rubber and the toe strap is made of climbing cord.
All models include a unique buckle that connects the laces and power straps to make sure you get a secure fit. I cannot find a secure fit without the power straps (these are included in all models).
Foot Tracing
I find this part so intimidating! I was so nervous when I did my tracing and I wasn’t sure if I was doing it right. But it was actually really easy!
You need to:
- Stand on a piece of paper with your feet fully weighted.
- Trace your foot with a pencil or pen, always making sure it is straight up.
- Mark the location between your toes where you want the toe strap to be located .
- Write your name on it.
- Set a ruler or measuring tape on the paper and take a picture if you are sending it digitally or
- Send the paper to Adam to wherever they are in the USA at that time.
Adjusting your laces
Deliberate Life Design sandals use the basic design used for all adventure sandals. In order to adjust them, you need to:
- Wear the sandals and put your weight on them when you adjust them.
- Start with the strap from between your toes. You don’t want it too tight or it will cut your circulation. This is not the strap that holds your foot in place!
- Make the strap looser or tighter (you might have to take your sandal off to do it) on the first adjusting point.
- Move to the second adjusting point, making the trap looser or tighter.
- The last adjusting point is the buckle. You can play around with it, moving it up or down the strap.
- You might have to do this again a few times until you find the right fit for you.
It usually takes me 3 walks on 3 different days to find the right fit… I believe it is because our feet change depending on the temperature and time of day! After the 3 adjustments, I usually don’t have to touch them again.
Customizing your sandals
There are a lot of different ways you can customize your sandals!
- Outsole: Black or Brown.
- Footbed: Leather (red or black) or Vibram anti-slip footbed.
- Add a midsole for a thicker sandal.
- And the laces of course! You can choose the same color for both sandals or mismatch straps, a different color for each sandal: red, blue, yellow, grey, purple, green.
Final thoughts
Like I mentioned before, these sandals are replacing my Tevas. They have a thicker sole that do great on urban settings as well as a more rugged terrain (I hiked on a muddy trail this Spring).
For being 12 mm thick, these are extremely flexible sandals (more than other thinner sandals that I own!).
I love the purple color that I chose. I am able to wear them with dresses, jeans, or with my hiking clothes.
If you decide to get your custom sandals, use the code MAESTRA to get 10% off!
Do you want to read about the other sandals I wear for summer?