We get it — shoes are everywhere. Chunky soles, arch supports, air bubbles, gel cushions… it's a lot. But what if less really is more when it comes to what we wear on our feet?
At PaperKrane, we’re all about going back to basics — natural movement, playful freedom, and shoes that let feet be feet. But we also love a good deep dive into the why. So today, we’re getting into the science behind barefoot shoes, and why they might just be the game-changer your feet have been waiting for.
First things first: What are barefoot shoes?
Barefoot (or minimalist) shoes are designed to mimic the natural shape and function of the foot. They’re flat (zero drop), flexible, and roomy in the toe box — all features that help your feet move the way they were literally built to move.
Imagine wearing a glove that’s too tight or too stiff — you’d lose dexterity, right? Same goes for your feet.
Your feet weren’t made for modern shoes
Each foot is a biomechanical wonder — 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to move you through the world.
Your feet are built to move, flex, grip, and balance. When they're locked into stiff, narrow, overly cushioned shoes, they lose strength and function — and that can lead to issues like poor posture, collapsed arches, and even pain in the knees, hips, and back. That’s where barefoot shoes come in — and why we stick to our Four F’s:
- Flexi – Our shoes bend, twist, and move with your feet — not against them. This flexibility allows for full range of motion and encourages muscle engagement.
- Flat – Zero drop from heel to toe keeps your posture aligned and your stride natural. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference for your joints.
- Feather Light – Clunky shoes? No thanks. Our styles are so light you might forget you’re even wearing them (but trust us, your feet will remember the comfort).
- Foot-shaped – Radical idea: shoes shaped like actual feet! With a wide toe box, our designs give your toes room to splay and grip, improving balance and stability.
But, what does Science say?
Plenty, actually.
Studies show that wearing barefoot or minimalist shoes can increase foot strength, particularly in the intrinsic muscles (the ones inside your foot). One study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that just 8 weeks of walking in minimalist shoes had measurable strengthening effects, similar to doing targeted foot exercises!
And it’s not just about strong feet — improved proprioception (aka your body’s sense of its position in space) means better movement overall, which is great for everyone from toddlers taking their first steps to adults spending all day on their feet.
So, who are barefoot shoes for?
Honestly? Everyone.
Whether you’re a parent chasing kids around, a runner looking to reconnect with your stride, or someone who’s just tired of sore feet in stiff shoes — barefoot shoes are a gentle nudge back to natural.
At PaperKrane, we design barefoot shoes with style and science in mind. Our shoes aren’t just good for your feet — they’re bold, bright, and made to move. You don’t have to pick between fun and functional. You can have both.
Ready to feel the difference?
If you’re new to barefoot shoes, it’s okay to ease in. Start with shorter wear times, build up gradually, and give your feet time to adjust. They’ve probably been wrapped up in tight shoes for years — they’ll need a bit of freedom training!
Have questions? Our team is always happy to chat sizing, fit, and transition tips. You can also explore our blog to learn more.