FAQ's
Product & Fit
1. What are barefoot shoes?
Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic natural foot movement, featuring a zero-drop sole, wide toe box, and flexible materials.
2. Do barefoot shoes really strengthen your feet?
Yes. Research shows that walking in minimal footwear can increase the strength of intrinsic foot muscles. This can improve arch support naturally - without relying on external cushioning.
3. Can barefoot shoes help with posture or back pain?
They can. By promoting a more natural gait and better alignment from the ground up, barefoot shoes may reduce strain on the knees, hips, and lower back.
Of course, every body is different—so improvements depend on individual movement patterns.
4. How should barefoot shoes fit?
They should fit snug around the heel and mid-foot, with enough room for your toes to splay naturally.
5. Are barefoot shoes safe for people with flat feet?
Yes, and they can even be beneficial. Flat feet often result from weak arches, so strengthening foot muscles in barefoot shoes may improve stability. That said, people with pain should transition carefully and consult a professional if needed.
6. What’s the difference between barefoot shoes and minimalist
shoes?
The terms overlap. Both are thin and flexible, but true barefoot shoes have zero drop and a foot-shaped toe box. Some “minimalist” shoes still include cushioning or narrow toe designs.
7. Why do barefoot shoes have a wide toe box?
Because toes are meant to spread when you walk or run. Narrow shoes squeeze toes together, affecting balance and causing bunions or deformities. A wide toe box lets your
toes work as natural stabilizers.
8. Can barefoot shoes prevent injuries?
They can reduce certain injuries (like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or knee pain) by encouraging better form and strengthening micro muscles and ligaments in your feet over time. But they can also cause injuries if adopted too quickly, for example if you were to go for a 10k run suddenly, so we are designed our collection as lifestyle footwear for everyday use, at this stage, not for running in (maybe to catch a taxi or bus!?). Education and gradual transition are key.
9. Can barefoot shoes help with bunions?
They won’t cure bunions, but the wide toe box reduces pressure on the joint and prevents progression. Combined with strengthening exercises, they may improve comfort and slow the condition’s development.
10. Do barefoot shoes last as long as regular shoes?
This very much depends on the brand you buy from and the quality of the materials they use, however because they have fewer bulky midsole foams that compress over time, barefoot shoes often remain structurally sound for years if cared for properly compared to a traditional sneaker.
11. Are barefoot shoes good for the gym?
Absolutely. They improve stability for lifting weights, promote balance in functional training, and strengthen foot muscles. Many athletes prefer them for squats, deadlifts, and kettlebell work.
12. Do barefoot shoes run true to size?
We recommend checking our size guide as sizing can vary slightly by style. If in doubt, size up for a more natural toe spread. We make all our lasts ourselves so all of our products fit consistently in line with UK and EU size grading.
13. Can I wear barefoot shoes with orthotics?
Our shoes are designed to work without orthotics, encouraging natural foot strength.
14. Will barefoot shoes help with foot pain or posture?
This very much depends on the issue you have been experiencing and how much support/cushioning your feet have been used to prior to wearing barefoot shoes. Barefoot shoes will absolutely help with correcting posture, aligning your body and strengthening your feet. For more information and resources on this please visit our journal.
15. Are barefoot shoes suitable for kids?
Yes! Barefoot shoes are ideal for growing feet and help support natural development. Currently we start at size UK 4 which is secondary school age and upwards. We do plan to run a smaller kids collection in the future, so do get in touch if you are interested in this.
Care & Materials
How do I care for my barefoot shoes?
Spot clean with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, check the care
instructions specific to your shoe’s material.
Are your shoes vegan or sustainably made?
Our shoes are not Vegan, although if we get enough enquiries we will run a vegan collection, so do get in touch.
Our materials are as sustainable as we can make them, our uppers are plastic free and made from
Ordering & Shipping
Do you ship internationally?
Currently we only ship within the UK, please get in touch if you want us to ship internationally. Shipping fees and delivery times will vary by location.
What’s your returns policy?
We offer a 30-day return window on unworn shoes. Check our Returns Policy for full details.