Built on a Simple Question: Why Does Every Shoe Hurt?
It all started 40 years ago when company founder Christian Bär was looking for a comfortable shoe for his frequently aching feet. Without further ado, he and his wife Hilke decided to set up their own company and produce high-quality shoes that would do justice to the natural shape of the foot - with 100% toe freedom!
The almost revolutionary approach was met with incomprehension in the industry and sales partners were hard to find. Undeterred, Christian Bär decides: "Then we'll sell our shoes ourselves." BÄR shoes are now available in over 20 shops across Germany, the BÄR online shop and via catalogue orders.
Christof Bär has been running the family business with innovative ideas and passion since 2013.
Core Principle
The Idea Behind the Shoe is Based on a Simple Question.
Why do feet — the most engineered structures in the human body — get treated as afterthoughts by the shoe industry? BÄR answers with anatomy, not trend.
The BÄR shoe
A last built from a tracing of a real human foot — not the conventional pointed shape that most shoes use. The result is a shoe that your foot wants to be in.
BÄR principles
Toe freedom, zero heel and flexibility create the incomparable BÄR feeling: relaxed comfort from the very first step.Toe freedom, zero heel and flexibility create the incomparable BÄR feeling: relaxed comfort from the very first step.
Toe freedom
The wide toe box is BÄR's most visible commitment. Toes are meant to spread. When they can, posture improves, fatigue reduces, and movement becomes effortless.
What's Inside
The All-In-One Shoe for Natural Movement.
No need for separate orthopaedic support units. Every BÄR has six core features built in — not added on. Quality that is felt before it is understood.
100% Toe Freedom
Zero Heel
Flexibility
Hallux Valgus Optimized
Handmade
High Quality
Who We Are and What We Stand For.
Discover BÄR's commitment to people, the planet and the craftsmanship in our shoes.
Comfort meets health
Discover how BÄR supports natural walking, and the long-term impact of giving your feet the room they were designed for.
Isn't it natural to wear comfortable shoes? BÄR thinks so. BÄR shoes comply with 100% toe freedom, but also with more modern requirements of anatomy and a natural walking experience.
Shoes as if made by feet! But what can BÄR do for your feet? We asked the same question of tens of thousands of BÄR wearers to find out about the impact of shoes on their feet and how much they feel day-to-day. The results were remarkable.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
I have very wide feet — will BÄR fit me?
BÄR shoes are designed around the natural shape of the foot, which includes a wider toe box than virtually any shoe on the Indian market. Our toe box is 8mm wider than the market standard — meaning BÄR is very likely your best fit yet.
Will barefoot shoes hurt at first if I'm used to heeled shoes?
There is a brief adjustment period as your foot returns to its natural position. Most BÄR wearers feel the difference within 1–2 weeks. We recommend wearing them for a few hours a day to start.
What's the difference between Vibram and standard sole models?
Vibram soles offer higher durability and grip — ideal for those who walk 10,000+ steps daily or on varied terrain. Standard soles are lighter and more flexible for everyday urban wear.
How is BÄR different from other barefoot brands?
BÄR combines natural movement design with premium leather craftsmanship and a smart casual aesthetic. We are a premium everyday shoe brand designed around anatomy.