Barefoot starts at BÄR.
Freedom Pioneers
Original since 1982.
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BÄR Company team members in the workshop, showcasing their passion for crafting quality shoes.
Group photo of BÄR Company's dedicated shoe making team in their workshop.
A man in a blue blazer smiling, standing in a warehouse aisle with shelves full of boxes

Being free - from foot to head

BÄR shoes have been synonymous with zest for life since 1982. They are day-to-day companions for confident, independent-minded people who live life their own way. Perfect footwear for men and women who value health, well-being and comfort - without compromising on contemporary design. For people who want to concentrate on the beautiful things in life.

Group of professionals collaborating at a table in a modern office, surrounded by documents and designs.

The idea behind this footwear is based on a simple question: why aren’t shoes the same shape as feet? The answer is probably because most shoes are designed and shaped to follow the latest fads. However, even the most aesthetic design is fatal in biomechanical terms if it fails to consider functionality. The feet and toes are forced into a position which prevents them from moving naturally. 

Illustrations showcasing toe freedom, zero heel design, and shoe flexibility features
Close-up of a person drawing a footprint on paper with a black marker

 

Unfortunately, our feet usually adapt to the shoes we wear, instead of our shoes adapting to our feet. By contrast, BÄR’s philosophy follows the principle of walking naturally barefoot. Complete toefreedom, a minimal or no raised heel, and the greatest possible sole flexibility are key aspects. This enables feet to feel what it is like to move naturally in BÄR shoes.
 

Learn more about our shoes

 

"Then I'll make my
own shoes"
Christian Bär
Pioneer for shoes with toe freedom and founder of BÄR GmbH

It all started 40 years ago when company founder Christian Bär was looking for a comfortable shoe for his often painful feet. Without further ado, he decided to found a company together with his wife Hilke and produce high-quality shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot - with 100% toe freedom!

Discover exciting moments of the company's history here.

Image celebrating 40 years of BÄR shoes with a vintage casual shoe and a modern slip-on shoe
A senior couple in formal attire smiling in a contemporary retail store with shelves and modern lighting

Within the footwear industry, this virtually revolutionary approach met with incomprehension. Sales partners proved hard to find. Christian Bär remained undeterred: “We’ll sell our own shoes as well then.” Now, BÄR footwear is available from more than 23 stores throughout Germany, the BÄR online shop and a catalogue.

Since 2013, Christof Bär has been running the family business with innovative ideas and passion. “As a medium-sized company, we take responsibility and work sustainably, socially and fairly with employees, branch operators, suppliers and customers,” emphasizes Christof Bär.

Smiling man in a blue jacket and white shirt in a warehouse setting, surrounded by shelves and boxes

Company Bär

100% passion for good shoes.people with a passion for making good shoes

Group of professionals collaborating at a table in a modern office, surrounded by documents and designs.

Be free
- from foot to head

BÄR shoes have stood for a positive attitude to life since 1982. They are daily companions for people who live their own style with self-confidence and independence.

Perfect shoes for women and men who appreciate comfortable comfort without having to compromise on fashionable zeitgeist. For people who want to concentrate on the finer things in life.

Experience natural walking in a new way

BÄR shoes adapt to the shape of your foot - for a real barefoot feeling, maximum toe freedom and natural mobility with every step.

100% toe freedom
100% toe freedom
No squeezing or pressing
Zero heel
Zero heel
Toes are important sensors and give the body balance and stability
Soft, flexible materials
Soft, flexible materials
Comfort that adapts to your foot
Experience natural walking in a new way Experience natural walking in a new way
Close-up of hands tracing a foot outline on paper with a marker

The idea behind the shoe is based on a simple question

The idea behind the shoe is based on a simple question: Why is the shoe not shaped like the foot? This is probably because most shoes are designed and moulded according to fashionable ideas or ease of manufacture.

Learn more

"Then I'll just make my own shoes" - Christian Bär, founder of BÄR GmbH and pioneer of toe-free shoes

A senior couple in formal attire smiling in a contemporary retail store with shelves and modern lighting

The BÄR story

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!

Discover exciting moments in the company's history here.
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.

Smiling man in a blue jacket and white shirt in a warehouse setting, surrounded by shelves and boxes

Christof Bär has been running the family business with innovative ideas and passion since 2013.

"As a medium-sized company, we take responsibility and work sustainably, socially and fairly with employees, store operators, suppliers and customers" -Christof Bär.

Discover the diversity of BÄR:

Diagram showing a shoe with optimal damping on the left and a foot with 100% toe freedom on the right

BÄR is characterized by optimal cushioning of the sole. The natural walking feeling is thus enhanced and the 100% toe freedom ensures daily comfort in the shoe. The toes have free space and can maintain their natural position. Discover the unique running feeling!

DISCOVER BÄR SHOES