The State of Barefoot Footwear in Western Europe: A Growing Market (2025)
The barefoot shoes movement has become one of the strongest trends in Western Europe. From a discreet phenomenon ten years ago, it is now establishing itself as a healthy, durable and comfortable alternative for everyday walking.
Consumers are looking for more freedom of movement, better foot health and products that are made in Europe.
At LetzBarefoot, we closely follow this shift by offering a selection of European barefoot shoe brands that are redefining the way we walk.
1. Why barefoot shoes are gaining more and more fans in Europe
✔ Growing awareness around foot health
Wide toe box, thin sole, zero drop, natural flexibility: the benefits of barefoot shoes are now better understood and supported by physiotherapists, podiatrists and movement coaches.
✔ A quest for real comfort
Users appreciate the feeling of freedom, mobility and natural grounding. Once they switch, many find it hard to go back to conventional shoes after experiencing barefoot shoes.
✔ More responsible consumption
Most European barefoot brands focus on:
local production (Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia…)
natural or recycled materials
a reduced impact on the environment
2. Essential barefoot brands in Europe (and available at LetzBarefoot)
Here is an overview of the barefoot shoe brands we have carefully selected, each bringing its own vision, expertise and know-how.
Peerko — Czech Republic
Peerko was born in 2018 from a crowdfunding campaign that immediately found its audience. The brand works hand in hand with physiotherapists, podiatrists and designers to create barefoot shoe models that are both respectful of the anatomy of the foot and visually appealing.
Their shoes stand out for:
a modern, urban design
high-quality European manufacturing
a wide toe box + zero drop
a thin yet durable sole
Ideal for those looking for style + natural comfort with truly everyday barefoot shoes.
Shapen — Slovakia
Shapen is known for its ability to combine refined style and authentic barefoot features. This brand is aimed particularly at those who want to wear dressy or feminine barefoot shoes while maintaining their natural posture.
Key features:
dressy sandals and city styles
careful finishes, refined silhouettes
instant comfort and lightness
Perfect for professional outfits or special occasions when you want to stay in barefoot shoes.
Be Lenka — Slovakia
Be Lenka is one of the flagship brands of the European barefoot scene, with an extremely comprehensive range: sneakers, winter boots, sandals, kids’ styles, lightweight sports shoes…
Its strengths:
a wide choice of models and widths
durable materials, sometimes vegan
excellent thin & hard-wearing soles
quality European production
A versatile choice, suitable for all seasons and all styles for those who want barefoot shoes all year round.
Vivobarefoot — United Kingdom
Vivobarefoot is a pioneering brand with a global reach. It stands out for its scientific approach to natural movement and barefoot walking.
Major strengths:
ultra-thin soles designed to stimulate proprioception
recycled and durable materials
specialised models: trail, training, everyday
a philosophy focused on nature, biodiversity and movement education
Ideal for athletes, hikers and demanding walkers looking for true performance barefoot shoes.
Muris — Spain
Muris develops barefoot shoes that are simple, natural and intuitive, designed to support the foot without constraining it. They are particularly suitable for those who want a gentle transition into barefoot.
Key qualities:
remarkable flexibility
comfort from the very first steps
a minimalist design for everyday wear
An excellent balance of simplicity and comfort for starting out in minimalist shoes.
Muki Shoes — Portugal
Handcrafted in Portugal, Muki Shoes barefoot shoes prioritise natural, breathable and very supple materials.
What defines Muki:
sustainable local production
a minimalist, clean design
thin, flexible soles that suit all feet
instant comfort
Perfect for everyday walkers and people with sensitive feet looking for soft barefoot shoes.
Blusun - Germany
Blusun blends modern German style with Portuguese manufacturing expertise. The models are designed to offer lightness, breathability and flexibility, ideal for spring and summer.
Highlights:
an immediate barefoot feel
soft, breathable materials
a modern, sporty look
Perfect for warm weather and travelling in lightweight barefoot shoes.
Froddo — Croatia
Froddo is a benchmark brand in the world of children’s shoes. Their barefoot range perfectly respects the physiology of growing feet.
Key features:
responsibly sourced European leathers
thin & flexible soles
high durability for intensive use
secure, ergonomic designs
An excellent choice for nursery, school and those first steps in barefoot shoes for children.
Richter — Austria
Richter is a long-established brand in children’s footwear, with a barefoot range designed to combine security, comfort and freedom.
Its strengths:
a strong reputation for quality
supple yet stable soles
a classic, easy-to-wear kids’ look
A safe bet for families looking for barefoot shoes for children.
Antal — Slovakia
Antal offers understated, comfortable barefoot styles, perfect for everyday wear.
Their approach:
functional simplicity
a clean, urban design
flexibility and comfort from the start
An excellent choice for those just starting out with barefoot.
Blanditos by Crios — Spain
This brand specialises in shoes for babies and young children. Their ultra-flexible models are perfect for supporting free movement.
Key points:
extreme flexibility in all directions
lightweight, soft materials
a wide toe box suited to developing feet
Ideal for learning to walk while respecting natural physiology, with truly barefoot baby shoes.
3. Barefoot trends in Western Europe in 2025
✔ Barefoot becomes an everyday choice
Europeans are adopting barefoot shoes for walking, working, travelling and replacing their conventional shoes.
✔ Strong growth in the children’s segment
Parents want to avoid rigid shoes — Froddo, Blanditos, Muki and Muris are in high demand for barefoot shoes for children.
✔ Style keeps improving
Brands like Peerko, Shapen and Be Lenka show that you can have style + functionality with stylish barefoot shoes.
✔ Responsible materials take the lead
Recycled, natural, local: a key criterion for European consumers looking for durable barefoot shoes.
4. Challenges & opportunities going forward
Educating about transitioning to barefoot (gradual progress, posture).
Offering varied shapes to suit every type of foot.
Expanding the range to meet growing demand.
Maintaining local production that can keep up with market growth.
Conclusion: Europe is moving towards more natural walking
The barefoot market continues to grow thanks to European barefoot shoe brands that are committed, creative and technically advanced.
LetzBarefoot supports this shift by selecting barefoot shoes that respect foot health, European manufacturing and everyday comfort.
Walking lightly is more than a slogan: it is a new way of experiencing movement with barefoot shoes adapted to every foot.