Business Daily The growth of barefoot shoes
12 snips
Sep 23, 2025 Barefoot shoes are making waves beyond just runners, drawing attention for their comfort and health benefits. A Birmingham event showcases this growing trend, highlighting features like a thin sole and wide toe box. The market is booming, with brands like Happy Little Souls transitioning from kids' footwear to adult lines. Customers report reduced knee pain and increased comfort, while experts discuss the science behind the movement. With fashion's influence and a passionate community, the barefoot movement seems to have solid staying power.
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Try-On Event Shows Immediate Appeal
- Shoppers at a Birmingham try-on event found barefoot shoes comfortable and noticeably different from regular shoes.
- Many attendees had come to test the fit, feel, and range of minimalist designs across ages.
Three Key Design Features
- Barefoot shoes are defined by a thin flexible sole, a wide toe box, and zero rise to mimic natural foot movement.
- That design diversity spans sandals to walking boots and even glove-like models.
Retailer Grew With Customer Demand
- Kate Harrington recounted starting Happy Little Souls in 2010 selling mostly children's barefoot shoes and expanding as customers tried them.
- She described customers shifting to barefoot shoes for everyday life, refusing to return to narrow dress shoes after experiencing comfort.
