barefoot shoes

what are they

Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist or natural foot-shaped shoes, are footwear designed to mimic the experience of walking or running barefoot while still providing protection and support. Barefoot shoes promote natural foot movement, strengthen foot and lower leg muscles, and reduce the risk of common foot problems associated with traditional footwear, which often prioritizes aesthetics and short-term comfort over long-term foot health and functionality.

barefoot SHOES?

Barefoot shoes address many of the shortcomings of conventional footwear by prioritizing foot health, natural movement, and biomechanical efficiency. By allowing the foot to function as nature intended, barefoot shoes offer a more holistic approach to footwear that can benefit wearers in the long term.

Wide Toe Box

foot freedom

Barefoot shoes: Provide ample space for the toes to splay naturally, promoting balance, stability and proper alignment and reducing the risk of deformities.

Conventional shoes: Typically feature a tapered toe box, which can compress the toes, restrict movement, and lead to conditions like bunions and hammertoes. 

zero drop

natural gait

Barefoot shoes: Have a flat or nearly flat “zero-drop” sole, which keeps your feet in a neutral position and aligns your body correctly. They promote a natural way of stepping, usually landing on the middle or front part of your foot. This helps reduce the risk of impact-related injuries to your feet, knees, hips, and back by absorbing the impact more evenly across your foot.

Conventional shoes: Usually have raised heels which can throw off your body's natural alignment, causing problems like tight calf muscles, stiff ankles, and back pain. They usually cause a “heel-first” walking or running style, which can send strong impact forces through your body and may lead to discomfort or injury. 

minimal

cushion & arch support

Barefoot shoes: Provide minimal cushioning and arch support, enabling natural foot movement, proper alignment, more muscle engagement, and enhanced sensory feedback from the ground. This can boost balance, stability, strength, posture, and overall foot function.

Conventional shoes: While abundant (and often excessive) shoe cushioning can provide immediate comfort, it can also dampen sensory feedback and weaken the muscles in the feet and lower legs over time, contributing to pain, injury, and issues like overpronation and plantar fasciitis.

beautiful sole

Flexible, Thin, Lightweight

Barefoot shoes: Designed to be lightweight and flexible, allowing for unrestricted movement and better biomechanical function. By allowing your feet to feel the texture and contours of the ground beneath you, these shoes can help improve proprioception - the body's awareness of its own position and movement - which can enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Conventional shoes: Often feature rigid soles and stiff materials that limit the foot's natural range of motion, reducing sensory input and proprioception. This lack of flexibility can lead to discomfort, reduced range of motion, and may contribute to issues such as foot pain, muscle stiffness, and joint strain, increasing the risk of trips or falls.

Everyday Versatility

Whether you're running errands around town or hitting the trails for a hike, barefoot shoes are versatile enough to handle whatever the day throws at you. With their lightweight and flexible design, these shoes provide the comfort and performance you need for all your favorite activities, without sacrificing style or functionality.

  • The groundz code

    Better health is not just about what you put inside your body, but also what you wear on the outside. Groundz unites style, functionality, and versatility, fusing modern shoe design and the benefits of grounding.

  • Natural Materials

    We prioritize natural materials over synthetic alternatives wherever possible, using renewable, recyclable, and bio-based materials like wool, cork, leather, and castor bean oil.

  • Sustainability

    We focus on minimizing environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials and resource-efficient production methods. Our goal is to create footwear that’s long-lasting and serves its function while preserving our planet.