4 Reasons to Choose Barefoot Shoes

Why should we care more about our feet?

Our feet carry us everywhere, yet we often neglect them. Many common issues such as back, hip, and neck pain can stem from wearing inappropriate footwear. Ill-fitting shoes can also lead to calluses, bunions (hallux valgus), Achilles tendon strain, and calf discomfort.

Be Lenka’s barefoot philosophy aims to respect natural foot anatomy, offering barefoot shoes for men, women, and children in all seasons. By supporting natural posture and movement, barefoot shoes help us care for the foundation of our body.

What are the main benefits of barefoot shoes?

Barefoot shoes imitate the feeling of walking without shoes while still protecting the foot. They differ from conventional footwear in four fundamental ways:

• Anatomic shape – A wide toe box gives toes freedom to move naturally.
• Zero-drop – There is no height difference between heel and toes, supporting proper posture and even weight distribution.
• Flexibility – Ultra-thin soles (around 4 mm) allow sensory feedback from the ground and stimulate foot muscles.
• Lightness – Without arch support or heavy padding, barefoot shoes strengthen the foot by encouraging it to work as intended.

How does posture improve with barefoot walking?

Research shows that body alignment improves when the foot rests in a natural, zero-drop position. Wearing high heels, even as little as 5 cm, can shift the body’s alignment by over 70%, causing strain on the lower back and posture correction muscles.

Barefoot shoes, by contrast, support the natural 90° body angle, reducing strain on the spine and encouraging balanced posture.

Which barefoot options are available for different lifestyles?

You don’t need to wear barefoot shoes all day to feel the benefits. Even partial use helps strengthen your feet and gives your toes freedom.

• At work: barefoot sandals, slip op sneakers or casual sneakers
• For colder days: winter boots, or urban sneakers
  

Be Lenka also developed the Barebarics brand, a new generation of barefoot sneakers that combine modern street style with barefoot principles.

How are Be Lenka barefoot shoes developed?

Creating barefoot shoes that respect natural anatomy requires years of research and testing. For example, developing minimalist flats took more than two years and involved scanning over 100 women’s feet to perfect the fit.

Key aspects of production include:

• Handcrafted in Europe and in high-tech factory in Vietnam 
• Locally sourced, high-quality materials
• Collaboration with physiotherapists, podologists, and shoe design experts
• Integration of modern technologies with traditional craftsmanship

The result: barefoot shoes that combine functionality, comfort, and durability while respecting human anatomy and natural movement.

Why go barefoot today?

Barefoot walking strengthens muscles, improves posture, and supports overall body alignment. Be Lenka and Barebarics barefoot shoes let you experience this natural movement while enjoying stylish, lightweight, and comfortable designs for every occasion.

Taking a step in barefoot shoes is about healthier movement and rediscovering the natural freedom of your feet.

Sources

• Mei, Q., et al. (2022). Toward improved understanding of foot shape, posture, and biomechanics during running. Frontiers in Physiology.
  
• Holowka, N. B., & Lieberman, D. E. (2021). Walking barefoot vs. in minimal shoes: Impact on gait and posture. Nature Scientific Reports.
  
• Sinclair, J., et al. (2023). Effects of minimalist vs. conventional footwear on gait, foot strike and posture. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.
• Kim, H., & Mei, Q. (2024). Biomechanical benefits of barefoot and minimal footwear on posture and muscle activity. ScienceDirect.