SANDAL ADJUSTING

3-IN-1 STRAP SYSTEM

Our sandals feature a 3-in-1 strap system and we ship them set-up in the diagonal-fixed set-up. This is the most all-round set-up we recommend as the standard. Some runners prefer the axial set-up for faster runs, while the diagonal-movable set-up is often used for technical trails in combination with instep straps.

DIAGONAL FIXED

AXIAL

DIAGONAL MOVABLE

FRESH-OUT-OF-THE-BOX ADJUSTMENTS

When you first try on your sandals, they most likely need to be adjusted to your feet.

The strap system consists of three loops:

  • Toe loop
  • Heel loop
  • Instep loop

Make adjustments by making the loops smaller or larger and moving strap back and forth from loop to loop. The buckle and strap are fixed in place by a small rubber lockring. You need to pull it out from behind the buckle and over the buckle in order to make any type of adjustments. Start by pushing the heel loop down to slip the sandal on. Determine where it feels tight and where it feels loose. Start with the toe loop. The buckle should be free to move sideways somewhat. Pull the strap through the side slot to adjust tension. Work around the sandal from toe loop to heel loop to instep loop, moving strap back and forth from loop to loop. Feed extra strap or pull slack through from loop to loop until you get a comfortable fit. You may need to make smaller adjustments based on how they feel while using them. When you get everything set up just right use the lockring to fix everything in place. Push the heel loop down to slip the sandal on and off.

ADJUSTING THE STRAP ANGLE

Another adjustment is the angle which the strap makes where it folds over the base of your toes. Grab the strap near the toe plug and turn it to adjust the angle and make the contact area as large and smooth as possible.

TIGHTENING

You need the right amount of tension to keep your sandals locked in place. Most people wear them fairly tight but this takes some getting used to. Work around the sandal from toe loop to heel loop to instep loop, pulling the slack through to get the right tension.

BACK AND FORTH ADJUSTMENT

You'll know you're positioned too far forward when you can feel the sandals front edge when you're running, or when you're landing on the 'thong' between your toes, which will probably feel uncomfortably between your toes. You'll need to create a bit more room in the heel loop. Start by wiggling a small length of strapping; say about half a centimeter, through the slots in the sole from the instep loop to the heel loop. You're too far back when you feel the edge of the sandal between your heel when walking. If that's the case, make the heel loop smaller and the instep- and toe loop bigger.

USING THE THOKNIA INSTEP STRAP

The Thoknia instep-strap is an additional strap that fits over the top of your foot and provides a greater degree of fixation. Use them for technical trails with steep inclines, large rocks, muddy trails, or with our amphibious sandal, the Zaros. For road running most people don't use an instep-strap, but once you start using them off-road, you often end up using them everywhere.