The science behind every step.
The barefoot philosophy is no trend to us — it rests on published research about the foot’s form, function and development. Here are the studies we lean on, gathered for anyone who wants to read for themselves. Every link goes straight to the source.
Children’s feet & development
Studies on children and adolescents: how the foot is shaped by growing up barefoot versus in shoes, and what ill-fitting footwear does to growing feet.
- How barefoot and conventional shoes affect the foot and gait characteristics in toddlers
- Are habitually barefoot children compelled to wear ill-fitting school shoes? A cross-sectional study
- Foot strike patterns differ between children and adolescents growing up barefoot vs shod
- Incorrectly fitted footwear, foot pain and foot disorders: a systematic search and narrative review
- Hallux valgus, by nature or nurture? A twin study
Form & function of the foot
The core research behind our three principles — thin flexible sole, wide toe box and zero drop: how the foot is built to work, and what happens when shoes take over.
- Form determines function: Forgotten application to the human foot?
- The foot core system: a new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function
- A comparative biomechanical analysis of habitually unshod and shod runners based on foot morphological difference
- The effects of habitual footwear use: foot shape and function in native barefoot walkers
- Applying biological design and mismatch theory to running injuries
Gait, movement & injury
Broader research on barefoot walking and minimalist footwear: balance, stability, running economy and injury risk.
- From barefoot hunter gathering to shod pavement pounding. Where to from here? A narrative review
- Minimal shoes improve stability and mobility in persons with a history of falls
- Barefoot running on grass as a potential treatment for plantar fasciitis: a prospective case series
- Comparison of minimalist footwear strategies for simulating barefoot running: a randomized study
- Effects of footwear and strike type on running economy
- Foot strike and injury rates in endurance runners: a retrospective study
- Running-related injury prevention through barefoot adaptations
The studies above are independent, peer-reviewed research — not commissioned by us. The list is updated as relevant new research is published. Curious how we turn it into shoes? Read more under About us or in our FAQ.