Learn how to tie my newest BFT hemp-strapped huarache running sandals.

Took this footage of a Raramuri (Tarahumara) Indian friend as he tied his sandal on while crossing over from Batopilas to Urique as part of Caballo Blanco Mas Loco Club.

While in the Copper Canyon this year, I got photos of my friend Patricio tieing his huaraches.

He was one of the few Tarahumara who ran the race with pants on instead of the traditional running costume.

This footage is from two days before the race. We all walked the first section of the course together.

Some of the walkers include Arnulfo, winner of last years race, and Scott Jurek, winner of this years race.

Having fun hanging out with our Raramuri friends.

Here's a short clip of me running down the El Prieto Trail on the last section of the Angeles Crest 100 Endurance Run course (see www.ac100.com).

I wore the huaraches on a 20 mile up and back from near Johnson Field up to the top of Sam Merrill and back, covering some of the toughest, rockiest portions of the trail, and did it unscathed.

For the second part of my test, I headed to the dam structure. The backside of Hansen Dam is a giant broken granite boulder field. It is a great place to build strength and balance while running. I tested the Tarahumara huarache sandals on this terrain and they passed. No room for mistakes here. No forgiveness. But, great for learning how to stay focused and balanced.

The Tarahumara Indians (Raramuri) of Northern Mexico are famous for their long-distance mountain running abilities. They run in seemingly simple sandals made out of old tire treads. I learned how to make and wear them. They are an excellent running shoe with ancient roots.

You can usually trust indigenous design when it comes to active footwear. These sandals and others similar have been around for 1000s of years, and I know why. They have no frills, just exactly what you need and not a bit more. Elegant design.

I took my huaraches out to Hansen Dam in Los Angeles and put them through some thorough testing today. I ran about 10 miles on the rockiest trails I could find. My 5mm thick, four ounce Vibram-rubber soled sandals worked perfectly.

You can usually trust indigenous design when it comes to active footwear. These sandals and others similar have been around for 1000s of years, and I know why. They have no frills, just exactly what you need and not a bit more. Elegant design.

What I am also finding is that nothing gets trapped under the foot. The strapping system is the very minimum, and with no straps and other excess, the stones, sand, etc., don' t stay in.