The Future of BÄR Barefoot Shoes
Experience the interview live on YouTube or read the complete transcript here. The interview is about BÄR barefoot shoes and the innovative Archraiser sole:
INTERVIEW BETWEEN DR. CLAUDIA SCHULZ AND CHRISTOF BÄR:
Dr. Claudia Schulz: Today I am at BÄR Shoes in Bietigheim-Bissingen, and I am very pleased that we are meeting for another interview today, because there are many new things to report from BÄR. When I currently see all the hype surrounding barefoot shoes—barefoot shoes are being offered everywhere—it is undoubtedly a good topic, but I asked myself: BÄR is actually the protagonist and generally stands for the subject of barefoot shoes. Mr. BÄR, am I right, or how would you see it?
Christof Bär: Absolutely right! I am also pleased that you recognize this, Dr. Schulz, because it shows that the message we have been communicating externally since 1982, since our founding—“Walk as if barefoot in the sand”—is resonating. That has always been our theme since the company was founded, because the Toe freedom we provide does not constrict the toes, offering a completely natural walking experience through the zero Heel—no one is born with a Heel. So the topic is essentially already stated: In our shoes, you walk as if barefoot. What has spread throughout the market today and in recent years as barefoot shoes is something we helped establish. Since around 2010, when studies began to emerge showing that barefoot walking offers clear advantages over cushioned walking, we have been active directly in this niche. However, it has since evolved beyond its niche position, which also has disadvantages: the market now offers many products labeled as barefoot shoes that are essentially just a sock with a layer of latex underneath.
Dr. Claudia Schulz: That is exactly where you will have to explain things to me a little. I think this also concerns many people who are interested in barefoot shoes. There are certainly benefits—I do believe that—but if I ask you now what distinguishes a BÄR barefoot shoe from the broad market, perhaps you could explain that in more detail.
Christof Bär: Yes, it was very important from the outset to incorporate this into the development. Children used to wear ABS socks, and those certainly serve a purpose at home, where I do not have particularly high demands on walking or the body. But when I go outside, I need greater protection, and I also need a certain degree of stabilization for my body. Even if the soles are very thin, the foot and the shoe should behave in accordance with the body’s anatomy and biomechanics—neither working against them nor providing too little support. Accordingly, we initiated a development that we subsequently patented. This is the Archraiser, which was developed together with Dr. Norbert Becker. The Archraiser is designed to lift the arch of the foot (Arch = arch, raise = lift). You can see it here on the shoe: I can adjust it using the lacing, deciding how firm or loose I want it depending on the intended use.
Dr. Claudia Schulz: And if I tie it tighter, do I have more energy, more muscle strength, or what is the purpose?
Christof Bär: The muscles are bundled in one direction, and the difference compared with an insole is that you actively participate in the movement and thereby build yourself back up. This means you will feel the effect because muscle development occurs through exertion and supports the body itself. At the same time, you can feel an improvement throughout the entire muscular system. This also affects the strain on the back and knee, as well as the muscles and all the joints:
DISCOVER THE ARCHRAISER HIKING SHOE:
