There have been so many changes during the past year that I had to come up with this. So here’s your Where to buy barefoot shoes? Updated list!
The good news is that the overall barefoot scene has widened. A better choice is available, and you can try a number of models by various manufacturers relatively fast and easy. I think it is definitely worth the time and effort to visit an actual shop! You can save a lot of failed tries, disappointment, time, and even money. What’s more, you have a much better chance to find WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU!
Why is it best to go to a physical store?
You can read as much as you want, but all the information in the world will still not give you the best barefoot brand. Why? Because it doesn’t exist… What you CAN find out is which manufacturers/models are best for YOU in particular! All brands focus on different types of feet, and some even vary their focus across their models. Shoes may differ in length, yes – but also in shape, volume, sole thickness, ground feel etc. A real comparison is only possible if your try different shoes on in a row. That being said, even the length can be tricky to get right! Xeroshoes, for instance, tend to have several mm differences between the same size across their models. Even a new version of the same model may be sized slightly differently, like Mesa Trail II compared to the original Mesa Trail. It takes quite a research to map out which models by which manufacturers give you a good basis for ordering something new online… Not easy.
Fortunately, while the barefoot movement is gaining speed in Hungary with a visible delay in comparison to our neighbours, by now we have become a barefoot paradise 🙂 . There are two real shops where you can try on different models from various brands! One of them even sells kids’ shoes (although for now you need to pre-order them to be taken to the shop from the warehouse, but soon there will be a kids shop displaying the full stock next to the adult shop (Barefoot Point).
So what has changed?
Some shops have closed (i.e. Barefoot Guru), some have rationalised the setup by combining two stores into one, while new brand shops are appearing independently (Bratislava), and some have strongly widened their offer (Stupava). Yeah, you know how it is, for a good old Pest-dweller even Buda may seem far away 🙂 . But in reality, we are actually spoiled. We don’t even need to cross the border to get to a shop with a serious choice of barefoot shoes! Back when I started writing this blog, I had to travel as far as Brno for the same experience. And you know what? It was worth it!
So, have a good look at the updated list.I have tried to organise the information logically. Click on the menu to get instantly to what interests you most!
It is my sincere hope that this list will help many of you to explore what shopping mode fits you best. Have fun searching for shops and for shoes, and enjoy the results!
Click on the following link for the list: