What Barefoot Footwear Is and How We Approach It at FARE

What “barefoot” means

The English term barefoot literally means walking without shoes. Barefoot footwear is designed to mimic natural barefoot movement as closely as possible – the way the human foot was naturally built to move.

How barefoot footwear works

The foot is a complex system of muscles, tendons, bones and nerve endings. When it has enough space and freedom, it functions naturally and distributes weight evenly. Barefoot footwear respects this principle: it protects the foot while allowing it to feel and react to the ground.

• Room for the toes – the toe box respects the natural shape of the foot.
• Zero drop (no raised heel) – supports natural posture and walking.
• Thin and flexible sole – allows sensitive ground contact.
• No artificial arch support – the foot works naturally.
• Low weight – footwear does not interfere with movement.

Why barefoot makes sense for children and adults

Children

Children’s feet are still developing. Barefoot footwear helps provide space for the toes, supports natural muscle activity and improves sensory feedback from the ground – all of which contribute to the healthy development of the arch and natural movement.

Adults

For adults, barefoot footwear often helps restore a more natural walking style, improve stability and increase awareness of the terrain. Thanks to appropriate construction, barefoot shoes can be comfortable for everyday use both in the city and outdoors.

Barefoot our way: FARE BARE, FARE MID-WIDE and FARE FIRST

At FARE, footwear has been developed and manufactured in Valašské Klobouky for decades. We have been focusing on barefoot footwear since 2018. We do not see barefoot as a single universal model – it is a system that allows you to choose the right combination of shape, width and sole type according to the needs of the foot and the environment.

FARE BARE – true barefoot

The FARE BARE line is designed for those who want the most natural walking experience: extremely flexible construction, zero drop, generous toe space and excellent ground feel.

FARE MID-WIDE – balanced barefoot

FARE MID-WIDE represents a balanced transition between traditional and barefoot footwear. It respects the anatomy of the foot, offers more space than conventional shoes, while maintaining a more elegant silhouette – making it a great option for those who are just starting with barefoot footwear.

FARE FIRST – my first shoes for the smallest

For the youngest children we developed the FARE FIRST line – “my first shoes”. It is designed with maximum respect for the development of children's feet and the needs of their first independent steps: focusing on comfort, stability, toe space and natural movement.

Different widths, different soles, different styles

Every foot is different – which is why we offer multiple solutions. In our collection you will find models for very wide feet as well as narrower, elegant fits, along with different types of soles: for the city, indoor use, first steps, outdoor terrain or winter conditions.

Thanks to this approach, barefoot footwear at FARE can be chosen by children, women and men – whether you are looking for the maximum barefoot experience or a comfortable compromise for everyday wear.

Summary: what characterizes barefoot footwear

• wide toe box and freedom for the toes
• thin, flexible and low sole
• zero drop (no raised heel)
• natural ground contact
• lightness and comfort

FARE: development and production in Valašské Klobouky

Development, testing and manufacturing take place within FARE. Thanks to our own production facilities we have full control over construction, materials and quality – allowing us to continuously refine our footwear according to the real needs of customers.