Stomp Lox is at it again. Adding to their collection of unique footwear, the company will be introducing the Trail Worm barefoot shoe. Last year, I reviewed the Stomp Lox Slack cycling shoe. I love the shoe, and it’s holding up beautifully. I should be getting a pair of the Trail Worm for review shortly. Being a fan and user of barefoot shoes, I’m looking forward to it.
Unlike traditional footwear, barefoot shoes typically have thin, highly flexible soles. They will also sport a “zero-heel-drop design, allowing your feet to feel like they are barefoot.
The goal with barefoot shoes is to build natural joint function and the primordial muscle strength in our feet, something we lose when wearing traditional footwear. I’m no podiatrist, so, don’t take my word for it… go ahead and research it yourself.
I was introduced to the “barefoot” footwear philosophy a lil’ over three years ago with LEMS Shoes. For me, after only wearing LEMS for the last three years, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my foot health. Not to mention, how good my lower back feels on long walks.
So, after hearing that Stomp Lox was doing a barefoot shoe, I was excited to get my hands on a pair. Keep checking back here for my first-look/first-impression article when they arrive.
Trail Worm Triangle Flex Sole
Stomp Lox is seeking crowdfunding to produce a unique mold for their Triangle Flex Sole. It’s an original pattern that is designed to maximize the feeling of being barefoot. The Triangle Flex Sole also allows for natural foot movement and optimal ground grip.
- Flexible movement in all directions – (forward/backward, left/right, and diagonally)
- A triangular projection pattern firmly bites into the ground
- The tribal pattern on the heel surface is designed to expel mud
Japanese Quality and Craftmanship
The new Trail Worm uses a combination of nubuck leather uppers and a smooth leather heel for added strength. There is an anti-bacterial, odor-resistant mesh lining to keep your tootsies fresh and cool. It borrows the boot-style lacing of the Slak model, so you’ll get a great fit.
Every pair is crafted in Japan and is designed for comfort. The Trail Worm features ventilation holes throughout the uppers, and a fully perforated tongue to let the heat escape. It will be available in rich brown leather with a handsome tan rubber sole.
Choose Your Insole
If you like to bikepack, the Trail Worm may be your next cycling shoe, as it’s light, packable, and ready to go anywhere. Plus, with the interchangeable insoles, you can switch between the stiffer one and the flexible one.
Use the stiffer, reinforced plastic insole for the ride to the campsite. And the flexible cork insole for around camp. Two shoes in one.
Replaceable Soles
One thing that could be considered a weak spot in the barefoot shoe world, is the ultra-thin soles. Being so thin means that they do wear out a bit quicker. Not to worry about that with the Trail Worm.
Stomp Lox offers a sole replacement service for a fee. This lets you keep and care for your broken-in and loved pair. When the soles wear thin or develop holes, simply send them into Stomp Lox for some fresh rubber.
Premium Boot Quality, Built to Last
While keeping the barefoot benefits of being flexible, lightweight, and having a natural feel, the Trail Worm is built rugged. Using high-quality, durable leather that has style enough for not only hitting the trail but also going into the city or the office.
The Trail Worm uses boot-like stitching and Side McKay construction to secure the sole to the upper. The shoes look to be made to last and will eventually have that attractive “worn leather” patina that always looks so good.
Back the Project
Stomp Lox is doing a Kickstarter here. It has 22 days left, 28 backers, and as of this writing, raised $8,023 of its $6,449 goal.
From the Kickstarter:
“It all started when ULTRA ROMANCE came to us with a question: “Could we make a barefoot shoe?” This simple idea launched the development of the new Trail Worm ULTRA ROMANCE Signature Model—a project filled with challenges from the very start.
The biggest hurdle was finding a way to combine the ultra-thin sole of a barefoot shoe with the durability and grip STOMPLOX is known for.
After countless setbacks and three years of refinement, we finally developed a custom sole mold that allows for natural foot movement while gripping the ground securely.
Now, we’re just one step away from bringing this shoe to life. To produce all eight sizes, from 24cm to 31cm, we need your support to cover the high costs of creating each sole mold.
We’re excited to be so close to completion and invite you to join us on this journey. Thank you for your warm support in helping us bring the Trail Worm to the trails!”
Check out the links below to find all of the unique, quality bike bits you want.
