Minh Tung X26 ATS Review

This is the current top selling item of jungle footwear in Phong Nha but it's equally at home inside the house, on the beach or for minimalist running on or off road, in fact the X26 All Terrain Sandal seems to have no limit as to it's uses. It can truly be said that you could put a pair on in the morning, take a shower, run to your favourite local breakfast place, catch a bus into the National Park, walk through the jungle, swim and cross rivers, climb a mountain and descend a pothole then traverse through the cave before returning in the evening for dinner and beers at your local restaurant, just remember to take them off before you go to bed! The only downside is that they will not take a regular crampon (in case you were unfortunate enough to find a patch of snow or ice, unlikely, as even in the depths of winter the temperature rarely falls below fifteen degrees Centigrade).

X26 ATS in Dark Reddish Browm

So, what is it that makes the X26, made by Cong Ty T.N.H.H of Vietnam, so good; personally I would put this down to a combination of the design, the construction methods and materials and the weight of the sandal. Various foot widths can be accommodated by an ingenious six point buckle system.

Super Highly Flexible

A pair of size EU 43 weigh in at around 50g, helped by the 'state of the art' seamless non-stitch construction and super light-weight alloy buckle. They are made from a special material that is totally impervious to moisture, so even after complete immersion the weight of these shoes will not increase, though that of your socks might!

Grippy Sole, showing Light Reddish Brown Model

The sole unit is grippy on any surface but allows for excellent 'feel' through the shoe and the flexibility ensures maximum contact with the ground beneath. The differential between heel and toe is 4mm + or - 1mm. The tread depth at the forefoot is 2 or 3mm, that of the heel being 4mm deeper at 6 or 7mm.

Three Bar Monogrammed Buckle

The upper is constructed entirely from brown 'flex-stretch' plastic, the insole is constructed from brown 'flex-stretch' plastic, the mid sole is brown 'flex-stretch' plastic and the outsole is also constructed from brown 'flex-stretch' plastic. The three bar buckle is 'pure' alloy, nicely monogrammed with the initials MT.

Insole with Cross Patterning

Other design features of note are: The insole which is imprinted with a 'cross' pattern to (possibly) help to stabilise the foot within the sandal when descending, ascending or contouring. The open toe box, specifically introduced in this model to allow the toes to spread naturally and to speed drainage. A nice finishing touch is the fake stitching which combined with the fake overlaps give this model a stylish yet practical look.

Fake Stitching, Fake Overlaps and Open Toe

It is available in sizes up to EU 43 and in a variety of colours, Light Reddish Brown, Dark Reddish Brown, and assorted shades in between, and can be found at any local jungle supplies shop (just go into the market and turn left) at a cost of 25 000 Dong (20 000VND if you are local, are you local?)

Handy Carry Case

The shoes also come with a handy carry case, complete with the Minh Tung logo, although this may be a limited offer, 'while stocks last'.