FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page! We've gathered answers to the most common questions about our footwear and the barefoot experience. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us via our contact page where we'll be happy to help!

About Barefoot Shoes

1. What are barefoot (or minimalist) shoes? Barefoot shoes are designed to let your feet move as naturally as possible, as if you were walking barefoot. They are built around three core principles:

  • A Wide Toe Box: This allows your toes to splay and spread naturally, providing a stable base for movement.
  • A "Zero-Drop" Sole: The sole is completely flat from heel to toe, which promotes a natural posture and alignment.
  • A Thin, Flexible Sole: This allows your foot to bend and flex freely, while also letting you feel the ground beneath you, which can improve balance and sensory feedback.

2. What are the benefits of wearing barefoot shoes? As experts like those at Barefoot Brit explain, transitioning to barefoot shoes can offer numerous benefits by allowing your feet to function as nature intended. These may include:

  • Increased Foot Strength: By allowing the small muscles in your feet to work properly, you can build a stronger, more resilient foundation.
  • Improved Balance & Stability: Feeling the ground helps your brain and body make tiny adjustments, improving your proprioception (your sense of body position).
  • Better Posture & Alignment: A zero-drop sole encourages a more natural alignment through your ankles, knees, hips, and spine.
  • Reduced Risk of Injury: Stronger feet and better form can help reduce the risk of common issues like shin splints and plantar fasciitis.

3. I'm new to barefoot shoes. How should I start? Transitioning is a journey, not a race. Your feet need time to adapt and build strength.

  • Start Slowly: Begin by wearing your new shoes for just 1-2 hours a day for a short walk or around the house.
  • Listen to Your Body: It's normal to feel some new muscle sensations or mild soreness. If you feel sharp pain, take a rest day.
  • Gradually Increase Wear: Slowly increase the duration and intensity of wear over several weeks. Your patience will be rewarded with stronger, happier feet.

Sizing & Fit

4. How do I find the right size? Getting the right fit is key! Since barefoot shoes are meant to be roomy, your size might be different from your conventional shoes. Follow these steps for the best results:

  1. Place a piece of paper on a hard floor against a wall.
  2. Stand on the paper with your heel firmly against the wall.
  3. Have someone else draw a line at the tip of your longest toe.
  4. Measure the distance from the edge of the paper to the line in centimetres (cm).
  5. Add 1.0 - 1.4 cm to your measurement. This gives your toes essential wiggle room.
  6. Compare this final number to the size chart on the specific product page you're interested in, as sizing can vary between brands.

5. What if I'm between sizes? If you are between sizes, we generally recommend choosing the larger size to ensure your toes have plenty of room to splay.

Product & Care

6. How do I clean my shoes? For most of our shoes, we recommend spot cleaning with a damp cloth. If they need a deeper clean, use lukewarm water and a mild detergent, then let them air dry completely away from direct heat sources like radiators. Please avoid using a washing machine or tumble dryer unless the specific product instructions state otherwise.

7. Are your shoes vegan? We stock a wide variety of shoes, many of which are made entirely from vegan materials. Please check the "Materials" section on each product page for specific details.