Barefoot Shoe Lists – Bare Soled Girl

Join the Barefoot Mile a Day Challenge!

Caroline Black — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 08:17:00 +0000

Walk to Win Barefoot Shoes while Supporting a Great New Barefoot App and a Kids Charity

Over 20 pairs of shoes up for grabs from:

I am creating a FREE service on my website to make barefoot shoe shopping easier and more fun! But I need help from the barefoot community to get it off the ground.
With the generous support of my sponsors, I have created this exciting social media challenge that I have named the Barefoot Mile a Day. The hashtag is #barefootmileaday.

Walk one mile every day for 7 days. It can be in your town or village. It can be laps of your garden, the nearby field, the pathway around your house. Be brave, dare to show your beautiful feet to the world and benefit from increased proprioception and grounding for a whole week!
Ask your friend or children to join the barefoot mile-a-day and help spread the word about the benefits of being barefoot and of barefoot shoes! It costs €5 to enter.

Check out the dedicated feed page on my website with images from all the amazing people taking part so make sure and use the hashtag #barefootmileaday and #in your Instagram posts.

Enter Now by clicking on the Donate button below or click here for the platform where you can see all donators!

[whydonate id=”7y5kv”]

I will livestream the kick off on Instagram on the 14th of April. You can participate yourself or simply sponsor me as I walk a barefoot mile a day! And 10% of everything raised will go to the charity Sal’s Shoes as well as any excess funding. Sal’s shoes are dedicated to providing shoes to underprivileged kids who are not permitted to attend school simply because they don’t have a pair of shoes to put on their feet.
Everyone entering will go into a draw and winners will be announced in the closing ceremony.

FAQ

[WPSM_AC id=31880]

The post Join the Barefoot Mile a Day Challenge! appeared first on Bare Soled Girl.

12 Best Shoe Brands for Bunions

Caroline Black — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 11:32:18 +0000

Hello, fellow bunion owners! Bunions or hallux valgus as they are medically named are deformities of the joint connecting the big toe to the foot. This article will not discuss how to fix bunions with the right shoe or make any promises for magic cures to fix your bunion. What it will do is discuss the 12 best shoe brands out there right now to accommodate comfortably a bunion, whilst you do the restorative whole-body work to improve your feet.

The 12 Brands

Softstar Shoes Primal line are especially wide at the toe-box. They have a good selection of athletic, classy and casual footwear.
Lems offer super stylish athletic and hiking footwear.
The Drifter Leather can accommodate bunions when they are customized to fit your particular foot shape. Remeber the foot shape you want to provide is the one that will offer space at the toe-box so make sure to stretch out your toes when doing your measurements.
Bohempia offer super sustainable hemp casual sneakers and hi-tops as well as chelsea and classic boots.
Freet have comfortable wide athletic and hiking shoes.
Luks offer classy ankle boots, shoes and mocassins in pretty colours.
Sole Runner have business shoes, athletic and sport shoes, as well as ballerinas and sandals.
Feelmax shoes are sporty athletic styles as well as a great hiking boot.
BeLenka shoes are stylish, funky and colourful.
Ahinsa offer a wide selection of vegan shoes, from ballerinas to ankle boots.
Gea Soles offer handmade ballet flats and elegant dressy shoes and boots.
Tikki offer beautiful sandals and shoes.

Softstar Shoes
Bohempia
Drifter Leather
Freet
Ahinsa
Tikki
Belenka
Sole Runner
Lems
Gea Soles
Luks
Feelmax

Fixing that Bunion?

Ask yourself what purpose does a bunion serve in your body? The brain is sending protection to this area, but why?

Bunions are mainly formed as a result of the inability to supinate the bones of the foot with 1st and 5th metatarsal heads making contact with the ground. Supination is the opposite of pronation and both are necessary for a successful gait cycle. This inability to supinate the bones of the foot contributes to overpronation of the foot during the whole gait cycle and is the reason why bunions often go hand in hand with ‘flat feet’ diagnoses.

You need movement that targets the joints that need opening so that the big toe joint can open less and the foot can begin to supinate better maintaining the two points of contact with the ground (1st and 5th metatarsal heads).

Sounds simple right!

It’s not! It’s a journey, and you may never be fully freed from your bunions. But if you can already let the idea land that bunions are not foot specific, but whole-body specific, it’s a good start! Toe spacers can be helpful for relieving pressure but are an orthotic at the end of the day. Read my comprehensive review of them here.

Personally I have accepted my bunion, whilst I continue to discover why it may have formed in the first place. Good luck!!!

The post 12 Best Shoe Brands for Bunions appeared first on Bare Soled Girl.

Ahinsa Barefoot Brand Showcase

Caroline Black — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 19:13:10 +0000

Ahinsa is a 100% vegan brand that I came across last year. Their shoes are ethically produced, have a very spacious toe box, with super flexible soles AND lightweight! Shoes are made by hand and there is a decent choice of styles.

Brand Story

Ahinsa is the brainchild of Lukáš Klimpera, a Czech physiotherapist. He noticed how after successful therapy, his patients often slipped into shoes that once again damaged their locomotor system. For his patients (and for himself, too), he began to search for shoes that would enable the natural function of their feet and body, and after a lot of research and hard work, Ahinsa was born.

Lukáš states on his website “The right barefoot walking technique has many health benefits. These include the stimulation of brain centres, the activation of long muscle chains throughout the body and the so-called core muscles. It maintains the optimal range of motion of the joints …

The right barefoot walking technique can positively affect the function of the pelvic floor muscles and our way of breathing has a strong impact even on our good mood and mental state in general.
The right barefoot walking technique can prevent multiple arthrosis or vascular problems, reduce the risk of injury, improve our balance, coordination and performance …
It always depends on how we walk. Barefoot walking does not have to be good for everyone. There are situations, places and also diagnoses that refer to walking barefoot.
Nevertheless, the benefits of walking barefoot are fantastic :)”

Ahinsa Fit

Ahinsa shoes are extra wide, so will not suit a narrow foot. The toe-box is gently sloping (roman shape) and they generally run true to size. They suit a ‘bean-shaped’ foot best (see diagram below for perfect Ahinsa foot shape). Ahinsa shoes come in two versions:

Barefoot: this version allows full contact with the terrain and natural movement. Comfort: for those who want maximum comfort in natural motion; this version allows the body to function naturally, and at the same time it provides sufficient comfort, especially in the softness of the tread.

This essentially translates as: barefoot = without insole and comfort = with insole.

Styles

Ahinsa cover sporty, casual, office, winter boot and gently dressy (ballerina style).

Barefoot Brief

Ahinsa conducted an impressive test at Masaryk University. They measured foot pressures using an EME-foot scanner. The scanner images shows the plantar pressure left by barefoot soles, barefoot Ahinsa shoes and ordinary shoes. The result is impressive – the imprint of the barefoot sole and the Ahinsa shoe is almost identical!

Courtesy of Ahinsa Website

Materials

All of the materials Ahinsa use are manufactured exclusively in the European Union and are health and safety certified. They use both natural materials (such as linen and hemp) and high-end microfiber materials, which are waterproof and permeable at the same time. They use recycled soles from motorcycle tyres and a lifoprene® synthetic compound.

Sustainability

Shoes designed by physiotherapists: Ahinsa shoes are designed directly by physiotherapists. Thanks to the special shape of these shoes and chosen of suitable materials, their wearing has a positive effect not only on the health of the whole locomotor system but also on the individual organs, including the brain.
Hand production: Each and every pair of Ahinsa shoes are carefully handcrafted. See the entire process here.
High quality: Ahinsa shoes are made from the highest quality materials produced and available in the European Union. They are materials with great wear and abrasion-resistance, nonslip soles and colours that do not fade.
100% vegan: Ahinsa shoes are not made from any animal material. Neither is their production linked to the suffering of animals or humans.
Respect for nature: They have included secondary materials in production and also use pure natural materials (linen, hemp, cotton) and recycled materials.
Ethical production: They have strict ethical guidelines and treat their workers fairly. The Czech organisation NaZemi (monitor supply chains and working conditions) had this to say of Ahinsa as a company – “Ahinsa has taken an excellent route in the context of environmental and social impacts of production.”

Sizing

There is a large sizing chart to be found here. They add the required millimetres on to the end so you don’t have to. They are true to size in my opinion. The size may vary with different models. With winter shoes take the space for winter socks in consideration. With flats (or mary janes) any extra space may cause the shoe to slide.

Sundara Ankle Comfort

Website Description:

“Upper high-end CF+ (Cruelty-free high-performance material) – water-resistant, breathable leather alternative with excellent functional parameters. CF+ ultradry lining, a special material that can remove sweat and moisture away from your feet many times faster than animal skin. Lifo+ sole from innovative German compound lifoprene®.“

Specs:

Colour: Light Brown Uppers: CF+High-Performance Lining: CF+ ultradry lining Sole: 4mm Lifo+ from German innovative Lifoprene® compound Price: €142 plus shipping

What I love:

Recommended by many physiotherapists worldwide, Ahinsa knows how to make comfortable shoes. Their lining is soft and there’s no breaking in period whatsoever. This is as close to a leather appearance as I have ever seen in a vegan shoe. While the insole has some delicate support around the arch, it is a very comfortable insole and its nice to have the choice whether to use it or not depending on where you intend to go walking.

To be Improved:

I wish they fit me better! They are really designed for wider feet than mine, including higher insteps and even a wider heel.

Sundara Hemp Ankle*

Website Description:

“4D flexible: total flexibility in all directions + it adjusts to your feet after a while.

Upper heavyweight hemp canvas, ecologically grown in EU. CF+ ultradry lining for maximal comfort, also certified. Outsole Lifo+ made from German innovative compound lifoprene® with great grip, flexibility and abrasion resistance. Double layered elastic heel for maximum comfort and perfect fit.”

Ultralight and flexible model made from high-end quality EU-origin materials for your happy feet Designed and tested by physiotherapists. Ethically handmade. Delivered with yellow, beige and black laces. Any other colour of laces possible on request

Specs:

Colour: Beige Uppers: Hemp Lining: CF+ ultra-dry Sole: 4mm Vibram compound Price: €146 plus shipping *Note: These were a custom order, as the hemp styles are usually confined to shoes.

What I love:

I love that these are made from hemp. It is one of the world’s most ecological and versatile natural fibre plants – it is actually one of the first fibre plants in history. The cultivation of hemp needs no pesticides, because it grows very fast, even faster than weeds. The hemp used in these boots has been cultivated and processed in the EU.

I love that these are super comfortable with a wide toe-box and a super flexible sole.

To be improved:

I feel like these could have been designed a little better. I think a beige outsole and beige lacing would have made such a difference to their appearance. Also, I am not a fan of the walled black adhesive. However, this is just my opinion, and I’m well aware that others might prefer this aesthetic.

Bindu 2 Comfort Airnet

Website Description:

“4D flexible: total flexibility in all directions and it adjusts to your feet after a while. Upper and lining made from special AirNet® mesh with one of the most strict health safety certifications. Outsole Lifo+ made from German innovative compound lifoprene® with great grip, flexibility and abrasion resistance. Double layered elastic heel for maximum comfort and perfect fit.

Ultralight and flexible model made from high end quality EU-origin materials for your happy feet Designed and tested by physiotherapists. Ethically handmade.”

Specs:

Colour: Black Uppers: AirNet® Lining: AirNet® Sole: 4mm Vibram compound Price: €112 plus shipping

What I love:

The Bindu 2 boasts a fully breathable netting with excellent abrasion resistance, produced in the EU. The first day i wore them, it was a windy day, and I really felt the fresh air running right through them! It was a lovely feeling.These are the best Ahinsa style in terms of fit for my low volume feet – I can easily tighten them and the back end feels more snug on my heels.

To be improved:

Worn barefoot, there is a point in the stitching edging where the vamp meets the quarter (in shoe-making lingo), that scratches against my inner arch. Therefore, I only wear these with socks. Also, there is a little blue and white tag that I feel doesn’t really add to the appearance of the shoe.

Ananda Bare Ballerina

Website Description:

“Luxury upper material CF+ cruelty Free high performance material – water-resistant, breathable, high abrasion resistance, 100% vegan friendly CF + ultradry lining, a special material that can remove sweat and moisture away from your feet many times faster than animal skin. Very thin and flexible sole with great adhesion. Ideal for both everyday use and social events.“

Specs:

Colour: Black Uppers: CF+ High-Performance Lining: CF+ ultradry lining Sole: 2 mm Vibram compound Price: €110 plus shipping

What I love:

Ananda is a simple classic ballerina that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. It is well made, very comfortable, and extremely flexible.

To be improved:

This style is very bean-shaped, therefore not a good fit for my straight shaped feet. Because of this, the little information label is visible from the inside when I am wearing them. Also, the velcro strap is too long. However, for a more bean-shaped foot, with a slightly higher instep these would be a dream.

Conclusion

As a brand Ahinsa is really striving to get things right, for their customer’s feet, and for the planet. For this, I applaud them, a brand with a conscience. They have recycled options, and natural fibres in their range as well as synthetic options. They have good customer service, an English and Czech website, and a wealth of information on their ethics and business practices. I really value their transparency and whilst they are not my favourite brand in terms of aesthetic appeal, they rank highly in terms of barefoot properties and comfort. I wish them continued success!

Read my more in depth review of the Sundara Comfort Ankle boot here!

The post Ahinsa Barefoot Brand Showcase appeared first on Bare Soled Girl.

Vegan Barefoot Shoes that aren’t made of plastic!

Caroline Black — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:01:04 +0000

We all want sustainable barefoot shoe options right?

But what if our demand for vegan shoes has led to a whole other problem? You see the majority of vegan shoes on the market come from PLASTIC.

And I don’t think I need to explain the issues with that industry. So by replacing animal based raw materials with plastic based ones, we are NOT in my eyes being any more sustainable, because unlike plastic based materials, at least animal based are biodegradable. Yes, no animals were killed for fashion, but destroying their habitats with petrochemical and plastic pollution is no better.

However, I will say that recycled plastic shoes are an exception as they are taking plastic already in the environment and doing something useful with it.

So, in an effort to find what I consider to be TRUE SUSTAINABLE vegan barefoot footwear, I did some searching and have come up with this list. I have also bestowed a few of the brands listed with a BARE SOLED GIRL AWARD

The list consists of shoes made with rPET or biodegradable/compostable materials. Note that there remains in many cases an issue with the soles of shoes. Many are made from natural rubber (from plants producing latex) but more often than not, they are made from synthetic rubber. The synthetic equivalent uses manmade polymers derived from petroleum, not something we want to encourage in the fashion industry.

So without further ado, I present to you……

the first of its kind – BAREFOOT TRULY SUSTAINABLE VEGAN list. Only brands that I have researched to be truly sustainable with non plastic vegan options have made this list.

Enjoy!

Brand	Styles	Materials	Sole	Sustainability Score
Ahinsa	Bindu 2	Hemp Linen	TPE: Thermoplastic elastomers	2/2
Belenka	Eazy	Cotton Canvas	TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane	1/1
Bohempia	All Styles	Hemp Cotton Lining	Natural Rubber	3/3
Earth Runners	All Styles	Cotton GOTS dyed	EVA: Ethylene-vinyl acetate	1/1
Feelgrounds	All Styles	Recycled PET	TPE: Thermoplastic elastomers	2/2
Drifter Leather	Chelsea Foris Sandal X	Pinatex Pineapple Leather	Vibram Synthetic Rubber	2/2
Joe Nimble	GlobalToes & MotionToes Recycle	Recycled PET	Vibram Synthetic Rubber	2/2
Lems	Chukka	Organic Cotton Canvas Recycled Polyester	LemsRubber	2/2
Muki	Cloud, Onyx, Cork, Obsidian, Chelsea	Recycled, Upcycled & Organic Cotton Cork Hemp	Recycled Rubber	3/3
Vivo Barefoot	Magna, All Primus Lite, Geo Court, Geo Racer, Gobi Hemp, Scott Eco II, Ultra III Bloom, Primus Trail Winter Womens,	Recycled PET Bio-based EVA Recycled Canvas Susterra® Propanediol Sorona® Bloom Algae Biomass	Rubber Compounds	3/3
Wildlings	Griffin, Rubus, Flying Fox, Tanuki Yoru, Beaver, Dandelion, Tanuki Keshi, Drake, Jay, Bluebird, Crane	Hemp Flax Organic Cotton Stretch Washi Walnut Shells Panama Linen	Recycled Rubber & Cork	3/3
Freet	Pace	Recycled Coffee Grounds	Synthetic	2/2

And the award goes to………..drum roll…………

The post Vegan Barefoot Shoes that aren’t made of plastic! appeared first on Bare Soled Girl.

Ultimate List of Adult’s Barefoot Slippers for every Budget

Caroline Black — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 09:52:33 +0000

Courtesy of Mountain Life Media Website

I really thought there was little to no choice when it came to barefoot slippers for adults and kids. Boy… was I wrong. For ease of browsing, Non-English websites have a little * by their name, however, bear in mind many websites can be easily translated with Google Translate, so if you see something you like, don’t let language be a barrier!

Budget Priced: Under €30

2&2 Pattes*

Courtesy of 2 & 2 Pattes Facebook page

Vegetable Tanned Leather French Business

3 Petits Chats

Courtesy of 3 Petits Chats Etsy Page

Faux Leather Washable Up to size EU 39 French Business

Aiyue

Courtesy of Aiyue on Amazon

Sold on Amazon UK Synthetic

Bidiartiste

Courtesy of Bidalou Website

Faux leather uppers, leather sole Personalized Options French Business

Brodi

Courtesy of Brodi Website

Leather Sheep Wool Slovenian Business

Crocs

Courtesy of Crocs Website

Synthetic Barefoot except the clog style U.S Business

EkoTuptusie

Courtesy of EkoTuptusie Website

Non Toxic Leather Vegan Options Polish Business

Fitkicks

Courtesy of Fitkicks Website

Vegan Synthetic U.S. Business

Hemp Organic Life

Courtesy of Hemp Organic Life Etsy Page

Vegan Natural Flax Ukranian Business

Kivala*

Courtesy of Kivala Website

Chrome free Leather and suede Sheepskin Sheepwool French Business

Longbay

Courtesy of Longbay on Amazon

Vegan Synthetic U.S. Business

Love Takes Care

Courtesy of Love Takes Care Etsy Page

Vegan Organic Cotton Latvian Business

Nanga

Courtesy of Nanga Website

Vegan Options Wool and cotton Austrian Business UK shoppers can buy here

Organic Buying

Courtesy of Organic Buying Etsy Page

Vegan Options Organic Cotton Linen Wool Hemp Ukranian Business

SlipStop

Courtesy of Slip Stop Website

Vegan Synthetic French Business

Starchild

Courtesy of Starchild Facebook Page

Natural Leather and Suede UK Business

Tomar Creation

Courtesy of Tomar Creation Website

Vegetable Tanned Leather Merino Sheepwool French Business

Average Priced: Under €60

Chouballon*

Courtesy of Chouballon Website

Vegetable Tanned Leather Sheep Wool Sheepskin French Business

Ciora

Courtesy of Ciora Website

Eco tanned Leather Suede Sheepskin soft soled versions only and not suiting wide foot UK Business

Collegien

Courtesy of Collegian Website

Vegan Cotton French Business UK shoppers here

Connacht Hide and Wool

Courtesy of Connacht Hide and Wool Website

Sheepskin Irish Business

Feelmax Suomi Kenka*

Courtesy of Suomi Kenka Website

Sheepwool Finnish Business

Formreich*

Courtesy of Formreich

Non Toxic Leather Boiled Wool Sheepwool German Business

Freet

Courtesy of Freet Website

Vegan Talus Option is barefoot UK Business

Giesswien

Courtesy of Giesswien Website

Wool Cotton Lambskin Not for Wide Feet Austrian Business

Gumbies

Courtesy of Gumbies Website

Vegan Recycled Rubber Recycled PET Castor Bean UK Business

Haflinger

Courtesy of Haflinger Website

Styles except for Emil, Blizzard Credo, Grischa, Flair, Bolero Note – low arch support Wool UK Business

Joules

Adults Options: Slippet & Cabin (Women’s) Felt Mule (Men’s) Vegan Options Wool Polyester UK Business

Joy’s Kindy

Courtesy of Joy De Berker Website

Wool UK Business

Kuoni

Courtesy of Kuoni Etsy Page

Merino Wool Felted Wool Insoles with silicone dots UK Business

Minnetonka

Courtesy of Minnetonka Website

Chrissy style is barefoot but not for wide foot Suede Plush U.S. Business

Moccis

Courtesy of Moccis Website

Oeko Tex fabric Suede Wool UK Business

Pothies

Courtesy of Pothies Website

Wool UK Business

Saute Montagne*

Courtesy of Saute Montagne Facebook Page

Leather and Suede Recycled Options Sheepwool French Business

Tikki

Courtesy of Tikki Website

Chrome Free Leather Felted Wool Romanian Business

Zeazoo

Courtesy of Zeazoo Website

Vegetable Tanned Leather Bulgarian Business

Splurge: Over €60

Draper of Glastonbury

Courtesy of Draper of Glastonbury

Adult Option called Glow

Barefoot option called Glow, but not for wide feet Sheepskin New Zealand Business

Glerups

Courtesy of Glerups Website

Sheepwool Calfskin U.S. Business

Kiwi Sheepskin

Courtesy of Kiwi Sheepskin Website

Sheepskin New Zealand Business

Kyrgies

Courtesy of Kyrgies Website

Wool Chrome Free Leather U.S. Business

Mahabis

Courtesy of Mahabis Website

Recycled Wool Organic Wool Lining Canvas Leather UK Business

Manitobah Mukluks

Courtesy of Manitobah Website

Sheepskin Leather Deerskin U.S. Business

Nooks Design

Courtesy of Nooks Design Website

Lambswool Leather and suede Canadian Business

Padraig Cottage

Courtesy of Padraig Cottage Website

Wool Sheepskin Suede Store Finder has UK Sellers U.S. Business

Posh Panda

Courtesy of Posh Panda Website

Leather and Suede Hidehair Sheepskin Canadian Business

Sheepland

Courtesy of Sheepland Website

Sheepskin Slipper Boot Style is Barefoot Wool Sheepskin Suede UK Business

Softstar

Courtesy of Softstar Website

Merino wool Sheepskin Leather U.S. Business

Teepee Creepers

Courtesy of Teepee Creepers Website

Sheepskin Leather and suede U.S. Business

There you have it, plenty of options for cozy feet this Winter.

Courtesy of Fitkicks Website

Kids Options

Vegan Options U.S. Business

Funky Feet

Courtesy of Funky Feet Facebook Page

Courtesy of Tomar Creation Website

Baby Options Kids Options

Tozies

Courtesy of Cozy Warmers Website

Baby Options

Fleece Shearling Sole UK Business

Zeazoo

Courtesy of Zeazoo Website

Courtesy of Tikki Website

Kids Options

Chrome Free Leather Felted Wool Romanian Business

Splurge: Over €60

Glerups

Courtesy of Glerups Website

Baby Options Kids Options

Sheepwool Calfskin U.S. Business

Padraig Cottage

Courtesy of Padraig Cottage Website

Baby Options Kids Options

Wool Sheepskin Suede Store Finder has UK Sellers U.S. Business

Posh Panda

Courtesy of Posh Panda Website

Baby Options Kids Options

Leather and Suede Hidehair Sheepskin Canadian Business

Softstar

Courtesy of Softstar Website

Baby Options Kids Options

Merino wool Sheepskin Leather U.S. Business

And there you have it! Plenty of options to keep your little ones feet cozy this Winter. For the adult’s list please head over here!

Keep cozy folks!

The post Ultimate List of Kid’s Barefoot Slippers for every Budget appeared first on Bare Soled Girl.

10 Best Barefoot Riding Boots

Caroline Black — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 20:13:26 +0000

I have always loved riding boots. With the switch to barefoot footwear, I have been keeping my eyes open for riding boots that don’t look like wellingtons! I have my Groundies Toronto slim (see review here) which I love, but I thought it might be useful to give a roundup of boots I have researched on the web.

My Favourites

I have to say I like the look and style of the Groundies Toronto and Zaqq Qatch the most. I personally own the Groundies Toronto Slim and love them. I have yet to try the Zaqq Qatch but I love how elegant they look and have read that they are reasonably narrow on the calves, which suits me.

Groundies Toronto Wide / Toronto Slim

Website Description

A classic leather boot for maximum barefoot feeling: The Toronto is your companion throughout the winter. The versatile boot completes almost every outfit, from casual to elegant. It is manufactured in Portugal from high-quality locally sourced leather. The soft lining made of pure virgin wool keeps your feet cosy and warm. The typical GROUNDIES® barefoot sole is completely flat, thin and absolutely flexible letting you feel the ground with every step. You’ll walk healthy and natural. Love your Feet again.

GROUNDIES® Barefoot Shoe Toronto
Zero drop and neutral footbed
Wide toe box and anatomical shape
Upper: 100% cowhide leather
Breathable lining: 100% virgin wool
TrueSense® barefoot sole made of 100% LTPU: 3.3mm base with 3mm tread
Flexible, non-slip, abrasion-resistant
3 years warranty against wearing through of sole
Made in EU: sole from Germany, produced in Portugal
Shaft width for size 38/39: 39,5cm
Shaft height: 32cm (size 39)
Size tip: the sizes for this model run regularly

I have reviewed them here.

Price: €215 plus shipping

Soletype: BÄR Win sole with non-slip lug treading in TPR

Price: €229 plus shipping

Baer Shoes Leonor

Website Description

An ideal fit thanks to elegant stretch-suede elements. Become a style icon with these over-the-knee boots. Whether it is with skinny drainpipes, a dreamy dress or a rocky miniskirt – they always make a strong impression! Protective and warming in the colder season. The hand-stitched crowns on the sides are an attractive detail. Perfect for autumn and winter outfits

Outer material: Calfskin nappa leather/textile

Price: €194 plus shipping

Angles Fashion Kairos EV

Website Description (in Czech, translated with Google translate)

ANGLES FASHION KAIROS EV are from the second generation of shoes from this Czech brand. A fundamental change occurred mainly in the sole, which is completely different. It is made of special rubber, which gives the shoe perfect flexibility and at the same time significantly increases the distance that the sole can travel during its life.
The shoes are made of top quality leather and only from materials originating from the EU. The shoes have long been developed in cooperation with Tomas Bata University in Zlín on the basis of the analysis of a large sample of measured Czech legs.
Kairos is a high boot that brings warmth even to the coldest days. The comfortable and modern V8m boot allows you to shine in every day. The shoe can be supplemented with a winter insole, which guarantees a warm foot even in the greatest frosts.

Cut: wide – plenty of space for toes
Upperparts: cowhide – smooth side
Lining panels: pigskin in exposed areas.
Sole: Rubber 3 mm.
Without a raised heel, arch support or raised rigid toe.
Sizes: 37 – 42, 41+ to 46+
Weight of one shoe: in size 43+ (without insoles / with insoles): 262/284 g
Use: Urban walking shoe
Maintenance: Impregnate with Carbon Pro, for example, clean with a soft damp cloth and nourish with Renapur.
Seasons: Spring, Autumn, Winter

Price: €177 plus shipping

Vivobarefoot Ryder

Website Description

Ryder gives a nod to the classic riding boot, coupling luxury leather with a stretchy-neoprene back panel for a flattering, fitted silhouette. Reaching just below the knee, this sophisticated boot pairs perfectly with winter wardrobes and delivers all the benefits of barefoot in effortless style.

Stitched onto our hex-flex sole; tough yet flexible, the concave, hexagonal design maintains traction over wet, cold and muddy surfaces.
Wild Hide Leather, naturally scarred and durable from free-roaming cattle with a stretchy-neoprene back panel for a flattering, fitted silhouette. Created to age gracefully.
A leather and synthetic microfibre lining.
Removable Thermal Insole – 4-season protection.
In brown or black

Price: €220 plus shipping

Be Lenka Sierra

Website description

Be Lenka Sierra – Keep your feet warm and dry throughout winter with these foot-shaped Women’s long boots. Made from premium quality leather and fleece lining and flexible sole.

Material

Shoe: Leather
Lining: Fleece
Sole: TPU

Be Lenka winter barefoot are stylish, high-tech shoes which are perfectly suitable for cold weather. Made with extremely durable, premium quality leather and fleece lining which provides excellent insulation and warm dry comfort.

The wide toe box design like our entire barefoot shoe collection enables the natural and unrestricted movement of the toes, thus guaranteeing comfort even during all-day use. Barefoot shoes perfectly mimic walking barefoot, just as nature invented.

Type: Urban footwear

In brown, black or ruby

Price: €189 plus shipping

Zaqq Qatch

Website Description

“Exciting and extravagant – that’s how you could describe our new boot, QATCH. The shoe, made of butter-soft goatskin, captivates with its unique and detailed design and can be paired with almost anything. The zipper on the inside ensures that it is easy to put on and take off. Your new ZAQQ QATCH boots will be the ideal companion on cooler days, whether in the office, at a party, or on a winter walk. They can be beautifully combined with a warm coat and tight trousers, or a skirt and tights – they complement every outfit perfectly. “

Your new ZAQQ QATCH is made from these high-quality materials:

Leather upper: premium Nappa leather/suede, extra smooth
Lining: extra-thin leather which is supple and breathable/ Winter version lining: lambskin
Insole: open-pored, breathable leather
Sole: ultra-flexible, non-slip, abrasion-proof rubber
Upper: Strobel-stitched with double seams
Sole: hand-stitched to the upper
Adhesive: solvent-free adhesive bonding
Pressure-free: no metal parts such as eyelets etc.

Here’s why your new ZAQQ QATCH boots are exceptionally healthy and comfortable:

A rubber sole without a heel, supports natural posture whilst protecting joints and relieving spinal pressure;
Different last shapes and design for men’s and women’s shoes guarantees an optimum fit;
Lots of space at the front of the shoe allows plenty of room for toes and the ball of the foot;
Promotes natural movement whilst running and creates a balanced foot climate thanks to the breathable and sweat-reducing properties of high-quality natural products;
Ultra-flexible, supple leather to banish blisters and sore feet;
Incredibly lightweight at just 7oz

Price: €200 plus shipping

Rachell Kozačky Boot*

*Please note these have a design on the back, which may or may not be to everyone’s tastes. For more images, see the website.

Website Description (in Czech, translated with Google translate)

Winter full-leather boots with adjustable lacing in the back of the shoe.
Size according to specification.
Handmade custom production.

Warmed all over the surface with an artificial lamb incl. insoles.
Zip fastening.
Sole: natural 4 mm rubber

Price: €189 plus shipping

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Bring your leather shoes back to life

Caroline Black — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 18:56:25 +0000

It’s quite incredible to see the transformation of your leather shoes and sandals with a damp rag and some leather balm.

Before

After a clean with a damp rag and some balm

Once you’ve rubbed down your shoes with a damp cloth, allow to dry. Take a dry cloth and apply the balm lightly to the leather. massaging it into all the nooks and crannies. Watch the leather darken and come back to life with a beautiful earthy shine. When you’re done, the leather will be beautifully soft and supple, with a real organic look and feel. Wipe off any excess and follow up with a waterproofing spray if you intend to wear them in rainy conditions.

25g beeswax
25g cocoa butter
50g sweet almond oil (or any not-too-greasy oil such as grapeseed, olive, or canola oil)

Melt everything together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour into a 125ml jar or tin and let cool until solid for 30 minutes. And that’s it!

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