I decided to try Panta sandals on the recommendation of my reader. I knew about this brand, but I haven’t had a chance to try them yet. There are so many brands of barefoot sandals that it’s hard to opt for just one. But OMG, I didn’ know what I was missing here. Those sandals are AMAZING!
Panta Sandals is a small European brand of minimalist running sandals based in the Netherlands. There are only two people running this company. Roald, the founder and innovation director of Panta Sandals and Bram, who joined Roald in 2017.
Panta Sandals were named after cheeky little Greek God Pan. A God of the mountains, forests and fields. If you are interested in the whole story of Pan, you will be able to read it on the small card that will come with your package of sandals.
Panta Sandals are packed very minimally, with sustainability in their mind and with no plastic. But this is not all. You will always get a personal and kind note inside the package written by hand, especially for you. I find this as a very nice and friendly gesture.
Disclaimer: I got Samos, Zaros, some Pantakis sandals, socks and T-shirt as a gift in exchange for the review, and I bought Lykaios, Parnosas and one pair of Pantakis sandals myself. All opinions expressed here are my own and I don’t receive any compensation if you choose to buy some for yourself.
♥ Get 10% discount on Panta Sandals with code PANTABAREFOOTUNIVERSE ♥
1. General
- Brand: Panta Sandals
- Model: Lykaios, Parnosas, Samos, Zaros, Pantakis
- Colour: Black
- Tested on: me (medium-wide feet, 26.3 cm long and 10 cm wide (10.3 cm between metatarsal heads), low instep, skinny ankles with narrow heel, fin-shaped foot) and on husband and kids – see my how to measure guide and foot type
| Made in EU | Adult | Vegan, leather | Custom Options | Ship to EU |
2. Material characteristics
2.1 Upper
Panta sandals are available in five different models for adults and one model for kids. The models differ from each other depending on the purpose of use and therefore have different compositions and thicknesses of the soles.
My first pair of Panta sandals was their Samos model, with a microfiber footbed. The model is the softest of all Panta models and is best suited for harder surfaces such as e.g. for walking and running on the road. A similar model is Kamenis, but I haven’t tried it yet.
This model also offers you a bit of cushion, so it is also suitable for those who are not ready for really thin soles yet.
Lykaios is a model with a leather upper and a trail sole. It is one of the thinnest Panta models and also of the most versatile models. This dark brown leather color in the picture is the “limited edition” color of summer 2021. The standard leather color is lighter.
Parnosas is the thinnest Panta model. The sole is the same as in the Lykaios model, but with microfiber footbed. Microfiber tolerates wet better than leather, so this model is also suitable for wet conditions. However, this model does not offer such a good grip as e.g. the Zaros model which is designed specifically for this. Parnosas is also one of the very versatile models.
Zaros is their most robust model, designed specifically for wet and muddy conditions. The sole has a good grip, as well as the upper part of the sole. Sandals have an extremely good grip in the wet, but if you plan to wear sandals only in hot and dry weather, those little bumps on the footbed can be less comfortable then microfibre footbed for example. For dry conditions, I recommend the Lykaios or Parnosas model.
Pantakis is a kids’ model of Panta sandals and is actually a scaled-down version of the Parnosas model. The only difference is in the color of Panta sign on the laces.
A detailed comparison of all sandals can be found in this table on their website.
All their models are made from high quality materials and you can expect only the best. The strap is made of soft material, on which a blue Panta logo is sewn. It is available in black, and for the Lykaios and Parnosas model, you can also choose the gray strap.
Because the strap is made of a single piece, you can adjust it as desired and loosen or tighten as needed. You’ll only need to make the adjustment once or twice (the strap may get a little looser when the sole moulds to your feet). After that you just slip them on. As easy as it can be.
To fix the strap, use a small rubber ring that you place around the buckle.
If you have a lot of extra strap left a small elastic will help you to keep the strap in its place.
Inside part of the heel strap have an added special anti-slip layer which helps to keep the strap in its place.
2.2 Sole
Panta sandals are available with five different soles. Each model is designed for different terrains to meet the needs of all users. To make your decision easier, you can order free samples of materials here.
The Samos and Kamenis models are their “Road Racers” sandals, which means they are best suited for walking on hard surfaces such as asphalt. They also have less profile on the sole than their Trail sandals. If you plan to wear sandals on harder surfaces, these sandals will give you the most comfort.
For more demanding terrains and off-road, I advise you to choose one of their “Trail Blazers” or the multi-purpose Zaros model.
Lykaios, Parnosas & Pantakis Samos & Kamenis Zaros
Panta sandals are one of the lightest, most flexible and softest sandals I have ever tried. The flexibility is fantastic in both directions and the feel of the ground is great. The most compact sandal is their Zaros model, which also took the most time to mould to my foot, but is still very flexible in comparison to sandals from other brands.
Sole needs some time to mould to your feet, but this usually happens really fast (like a couple of hours). Then the feeling on the foot is even better and the sandals really work as one with the foot.
Also, watch a video to see all the models up close.
3. Sizing information
3.1 Length
Panta sandals are available in sizes 37-47 for adults and in sizes 32-36 for children. There is only one model available for kids, five for adults, and different color combinations.
When the child outgrows the size, it is also possible to buy only a new sole Pantakis next size, which is much more affordable than buying a new pair of sandals.
With Panta Samos sandals, I wear a standard size 42. The shape of the sole matches my foot shape well and the hole between the toes is almost in the right place.
The sandals fit me well, but on long walks I found that I could try to adapt the sandals even better to my foot, so for the next models (Zaros, Lykaios), I moved the hole a little back and slightly changed the shape of the sole.
You can order such a custom adjustment for an additional 15€. Since my kids have long toes too, I moved the hole back in the kids models as well.
3.2. Toebox shape & width
Panta Sandals are available in standard and custom sizes. So there is no fear that they won’t match your foot shape well. They will fit you perfectly. Just choose a custom size if a regular size doesn’t fit you well. Also pay attention to the position of the hole between your toes.
3.3. Fit around the instep, heel and ankle
Sandals are made from just one piece of a strap and you can fully adjust them to fit your foot. Just play a little bit with tightening or loosing heel, instep and toe strap.
Once you have found the perfect position, you are done. You don’t have to adjust sandals anymore. Each time you put them on, you just slip your foot in the sandals.
Panta sandals feature a 3-in-1 strap system. When you receive them they will be set-up in a diagonal fixed set-up. But you can wear any other style too.
You can see all the set-ups in the photo below. The 4th set-up on my photo is a Diagonal movable set-up using their Thoknia instep strap.
For everyday use I find diagonal set-up perfect for me, but for more intense activities an option with an instep strap is a great choice too.
It also makes sense to change the strap position if your foot rotates in the sandal.
All about different set-up options and how to make adjustments you will find in the guide you will get in your package.
Thoknia Instep straps are sold separately as a pair and I advise you that you remember how they were set-up when you received them. You have all the instructions written on the package too.
4. Comfort
I must say that Panta Sandals are one of the most comfortable thong strap sandals. I have never felt any rubbing anywhere. The strap is soft from the beginning you put them on.
I only found the Panta brand logo a little bit ticklish at the beginning, but soon I didn’t feel it at all. Also the strap has become even softer than it was when I got them.
I can say that my son and daughter never complained about any rubbing. They are happy to wear them.
5. How and when to wear them?
Sandals are declared as sport running sandals, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t wear them while walking 🙂 I’m not a runner, so I just tested them for walking of just occasional running after kids 😉
I find Samos model fabolous for walking on harder surfaces. This model gives you just a little bit of softness to make walking on the road more pleasurable.
I also tested them in the water and they didn’t cause me troubles. For the best grip in wet conditions I recommend you to choose their Zaros model.
Sandals with a thong strap also ensure proper big toe movement on uneven surfaces and with lateral movements.
They are definitely something what you can wear with your sport clothes or even at home around the house. Panta sandals also sell organic cotton T-shirts with their logo, which are available in two colors. You can see the spotted ecru color in the photo below.
If you want to extend the season of sandals, you also have the option to buy their Piloi socks. I tested the sandals in this form until October, when I also wore them at 13°C. That’s when I started to feel chill in my toes, but I have to point out that I wasn’t moving intensely in them (just moving around the house).
6. Price & where to buy
Panta Sandals can be bought directly from Panta Sandals website. The price for most models is € 79. The price for the Lykaios model is € 89, kids’ models are € 49. The price for customisation is 15 €.
Get 10% discount on Panta Sandals with code PANTABAREFOOTUNIVERSE.
7. Shipping info
Panta Sandals are located in the Netherlands, EU. They ship only to the EU. Shipping is free of charge and sandals usually arrive in around a week from your order. Sometimes even sooner.
8. Where are they made?
Panta Sandals is a small company runned by only 2 people located in Netherland in EU and all their sandals are handmade.
They take great care about sustainability and the materials they use. This is why they use only high-quality material and sandals are be packed in an envelope with no plastic used. With their personal message to you everything makes them even more special and unique.
Also, they make cards and print the artwork on the envelope on their own. Isn’t that great? 🙂
9. To sum up
Panta Sandals were an instant love for me. The brand convinced me immediately with their high quality materials, excellent workmanship, customizable options, a personal approach, their story behind the brand and with caring about sustainability.
I won’t blame you if you would like to own every model they sell.
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