We usually ask our customers to fill out reviews via Google or Heureka, but there they rate the services provided, not barefoot footwear. That's why we did a small survey among them to find out why they buy barefoot shoes in the first place, what is decisive for them when buying and how satisfied they are with barefoot shoes in general. In this article, we present a summary of the most interesting things their users say about barefoot.
Barefoot shoes bring a feeling of comfort
When barefoot shoes are mentioned, more than a third of customers praise the comfort. They particularly like the wide toe space and softness of the shoe, and appreciate the light weight and the shape of the shoe, which fits their particular foot type.
- "Leguano are terribly comfortable, lightweight and I like the look."
- "Merell fits my feet perfectly. They hold my feet in place, but they are also flexible and I don't even notice that I have them on my feet. Even after 10 kilometres, my legs and feet don't hurt."
- "Ahinsa shoes are extremely comfortable, I can even wear them all day. Thanks to the strap in the instep area, they sit well on my feet in the morning (when my feet are fit). I also feel good in the evening after running all day (when my feet are perhaps a little swollen). The shoes don't squeeze anywhere."
- "Anatomic sneakers are terribly comfortable, lightweight, soft, and I love the large toe space."
The plus side of barefoot shoes is improved health
The above-mentioned comfort leads to the fact that barefoot shoes do not hurt the feet (unlike regular shoes). More than a fifth of respondents even perceived an improvement in health after switching to barefoot. On the other hand, in their feedback, some rightly point out that if one neglects proper walking technique and stamps too much on hard surfaces in barefoot shoes, foot pain can occur even in this comfortable footwear.
- "I don't have flat feet in barefoot shoes, my toes are free and I feel free myself. But if I don't wear barefoot shoes in winter, I get blisters on my feet. I don't have them in barefoot shoes."
- "Barefoot shoes are comfortable. My back and hip problems have disappeared. I walk straight. The bunions have corrected themselves and the blisters have completely disappeared."
- "Thanks to barefoot shoes, I stopped suffering from ingrown toenails, hallux pain, back pain and I think my walking technique has improved (thanks to better contact with the ground)."
- "Barefoot shoes are roomy for the toes, in general I can wear them all day and my feet don't hurt, which happened to me every day in regular shoes."
- "Thanks to barefoot shoes, I found out that the problem was not my feet, but the bad shape of the ready-made shoes I had been suffering in for my whole life (25 years). In addition, my hips stopped hurting and my toes straightened out easily."
- "I don't quite have the ideal walking style, so I would like to see more "hybrid" shoes - with plenty of room and an anatomical toe box, where the sole is higher and soft to maintain contact with the surface."
The durability of barefoot shoes is a pleasant surprise
Although there are rare complaints about the thin soles being worn through, almost a fifth of the responses praise the durability of the materials used. In addition to the quality of workmanship and the durability of individual materials (especially leather and soles), they also rate the waterproofness of the shoes positively.
- "What I appreciate most is the comfort and also the improved resistance of Ahinsa shoes thanks to a protective layer on the toe... I trip often and so far without any damage."
- "Leguano has been with me for 7 years and I don't spare them (and they still hold up). I like their immortality and the fact that they can be washed. They can handle the city, the outdoors and the water."
- "For Vivobarefoot I rate their endurance positively. Even after 6 years of almost constant wear (except in winter and bad weather), they still look the same. The sole is not punctured, they don't peel off anywhere. Very high quality workmanship."
- "With the Protetika shoes for my daughter (7 years old), I am very satisfied with the quality of the outsole and the protective layer on the toe. They are immortal. They are suitable for kindergarten as well as for the bike or balance bike."
- "I'm not satisfied with the durability of the sole. That's usually a big problem. I've discovered a durable sole in Vivobarefoot shoes and Ahinsa shoes are also great, in my opinion. In contrast, I had a terrible experience with FiveFingers - the sole didn't last 3 months and the shop's attitude was that it was just used. So I would never buy these shoes again. They were a waste of money.’
Barefoot shoes shoppers choose by appearance
Over 40% of customers choose barefoot shoes based on their appearance. Design and colour are more important to them than fit or materials. In this respect, they see a wide toe box as a necessary evil, as they do not find the 'duck look' of barefoot shoes attractive or sociable enough.
- "I buy shoes that I like. So looks are the decisive factor."
- "I like their design. The Froddo brand is not resting on its laurels and produces attractive barefoot shoes every year."
- "Leguano ballet flats are elegant, suitable for a wide foot and have nice details (lock and key)."
- "I would appreciate a wider range of colours (pastel colours) and also more possibilities to combine the colours."
- "I particularly like barefoot shoes for leisure. However, when it comes to working life, I would appreciate several real ladies' models = pretty models. It's not necessary to "look like an old woman"."
Customers pay attention to price and discount campaigns
The price of barefoot shoes is a key factor in the choice of more than a fifth of shoppers. A similar percentage say they cannot afford to buy as many barefoot shoes as they would like if the price were lower. Therefore, about half of shoppers wait for discount promotions or look for the lowest prices across retailers before making their next purchase.
- "Barefoot shoes suit me in everything so far, only the price could be more favorable. Fortunately, they make children's ones up to my size and they are cheaper."
- "As a family with a mortgage, fees, and 3 kids, we unfortunately can't afford to have such a variety of barefoot shoes (spring, summer, winter, all-season) because of the price."
- "The disadvantage of barefoot shoes is of course the higher price. But given the quality, it's not an investment for a season, but for years."
- "Of course, there could be, especially with some brands, a more favourable price, putting the whole family in barefoot shoes is a bit expensive. However, I understand that this is because barefoot shoes are produced in much smaller batches."
- "I bought the sneakers from Anatomic because I was on maternity leave and the price was the deciding factor. Even though I am already earning money (and it is better than when I was on maternity leave), I am not thrilled with the prices of most barefoot shoes in CZ. For me and my children, the price is just too high, so I buy barefoot shoes mainly for the children."
Shoppers want a clear e-shop with a wide selection and easy returns
More than two-thirds of respondents consider it crucial that the barefoot footwear e-shop is clear, provides a wide selection of goods and allows easy return of unsuitable items. We have over 30,000 pairs of barefoot shoes in Footic in stock, with easy returns via DHL (or other means). The same number of customers, on the other hand, see any advertising as completely irrelevant.
Free shipping and friendly customer support are welcome features for a pleasant barefoot purchase. Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of shoppers agreed that having a company store nearby does not play a role in their decision to make their next purchase. Similarly, loyalty discounts do not pull as much as the above mentioned discount promotions, lowest prices and speed of delivery.
- "I usually compare the prices of specific shoes and buy where they are cheapest."
- "The important thing for me is the price. I would appreciate cheaper options, even if they are not completely barefoot."
- "I'm already looking for more shoes, mainly second-hand, because of the high price, which I can't afford with my parental allowance and two children."
When it comes to looking for a specific e-shop with barefoot shoes, half of customers say they use search engines, a sixth respond to posts on social media and a seventh rely on recommendations from friends or influencers. A total of 180 customers took part in the survey with their responses and 96 detailed customer reviews were also collected. Thank you very much!