The Bedrock Sandals Story

Dan Opalacz is the co-founder and co-owner of Bedrock Sandals, an adventure footwear company he launched in 2011 alongside Nick Pence after the pair met while serving as AmeriCorps conservation workers in Northern California. Inspired by long days restoring rivers and hiking rugged terrain, Opalacz helped transform a handmade minimalist sandal into an award-winning outdoor footwear brand known for its durability, repairability, and innovative design. Based in Missoula, Montana, Bedrock Sandals has grown from a Kickstarter startup into a globally recognized company while remaining committed to environmental stewardship through its partnership with 1% for the Planet. As co-founder, Opalacz continues to lead product innovation, company strategy, and sustainability initiatives, driven by a passion for adventure, thoughtful design, and creating gear built to last. Show notes: 00:03:45 - From Skiing to Surfing to Barefoot Running 00:07:19 - From Orthotics to Minimalist Footwear Founder 00:12:27 - Ancient Footwear Origins and Timeless Design 00:15:58 - Simplicity and Durability in Sandal Design 00:17:58 - Bedrock Sandals Durability and Grand Canyon Adventures 00:20:00 - Designing Sandals Built to Last Decades 00:22:14 - From Patagonia Repairs to Bedrock Clogs 00:24:47 - Bedrock's Clog Success and Mountain Shoe Innovation 00:27:53 - Advice for Following Through on Your Idea 00:31:16 - Acid Rain: A Growing Environmental Threat 00:36:31 - Humanity's Dominance Threatens Our Own Survival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.