Deliberate Life Designs: 7 mm Pursuit
On July 26, 2021 by Noelia
This is my second pair of DLD. I got the Alchemy model last year and they became one of my favorite sandals. This time, I wanted to try a thinner version, so I contacted Adam and I got them as a gift for my RV trip around the US. My opinion is my own.
I was able to test them in many different terrains and I have put at least 25 miles on them.
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Company
Deliberate Life Designs is a small company run by Adam in his bus/tiny home where he lives with his family. They travel all around the US, and just recently got a shed in Vermont to grow his business. You can follow them on Insta: @DeliberateLifeBus or read about their adventures on their website DeliberateLifeAdventure.com
They started their company in 2014 when Adam decided to make himself and his family some huaraches. Their sandals are customized and used for hardcore running, ultralight backpacking, or as every day barefoot sandals.
Materials
The straps are made with flat webbing and rock climbing slings, made of nylon. You can even send your own webbing (5/8” wide and tubular) for your customized sandals!
The sole is made of Vibram rubber and the toe strap is made of climbing cord.
The footbed can be made of 2 mm anti-slip Vibram or leather, which changes depending on what Adam finds available.
All models include a unique buckle that connects the laces and power straps to make sure you get a secure fit.
Design
The most important characteristic is that they are custom made. This is perfect if your feet are different sizes and/or shape or if your legs have a small difference in length (he can make one sandal thicker than the other). But it is also great if you have wide feet and struggle to get a sandal wide enough for you.
They are:
- Zero drop
- Flexible
- Wide in the toe box, shaped perfectly for each foot
- 7 mm stack heigh, which includes 2 mm Vibram anti-slip footbed
- Customized for your feet:
These are one of the most flexible sandals I own. The thin Vibram footbed and sole mold to my feet and allow them to move the way they want to move.
Foot Tracing
Because this is my second pair, I did not have to send my foot tracing to Adam, he already has mine, so he was able to start working on them right away!
If you have not done a foot tracing before, don’t panic! I used to think it was going to be hard, but it was actually really easy to do!
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 foot tracing to Adam via email or mail.
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 strap looser or tighter. This controls the strap around your heel: make sure you it is not pushing your foot to the front or make it too loose.
- The last adjusting point is the buckle. You can play around with it, moving it up or down the strap. This is the one that will hold your foot in place.
- 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:
Outsole:
- Black
- Brown
- White
- Tan
Footbed:
- Leather
- Red
- Black
- Blue
- Olive brown
- Gum Tan
Configuration:
- Standard (just like mine)
- Duo (strap across the toes, no toe strap)
You can 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
Performance
I put these sandals to a serious test. I took them on my RV trip around the US and hiked in Estes, the Great Canyon, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and I took them to the beach in CA. I’ve also worn them to walk my dogs in my urban neighborhood.
They are extremely flexible and mold not only to my feet but to the terrain too. Because of the power straps, they feel secure no matter where I’m hiking/walking.
I haven’t owned them for too long, but I have put 25+ miles on them, so I feel safe by saying they are designed for hardcore movements, making them perfect for your outdoor adventures.
If you are ready to get a pair of DLD, make sure you use my code MAESTRA20 to get 20% off your entire purchase!
More reviews:
Deliberate Life Design Alchemy