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.
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.
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The history of BÄR
Christian Bär couldn’t find any shoes that allowed him to walk and stand painlessly. This prompted him to decide: “I’ll make my own shoes then.” With his wife Hilke, he established BÄR GmbH in the German town of Bietigheim-Bissingen in 1982, producing foot-shaped shoes offering a natural fit and carefree comfort when walking and running.
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 the sons Christof and Sebastian Bär have been running the family business with innovative ideas and passion. "As a medium-sized company, we assume responsibility and work together with employees, branch operators, suppliers and customers in a sustainable, social and fair manner", emphasises Christof Bär. "At the same time, we continue to develop BÄR shoes for all the demands of daily use", adds Sebastian Bär.
This has resulted in the zippy young brand Joe Nimble joining the established BÄR portfolio. Both brands are built on the BÄR principle of uncompromising toefreedom.
Anyone can find the perfect pair of shoes in the wide range of footwear offered by BÄR and Joe Nimble – whatever their level of physical fitness, what they plan to wear their new shoes for, and their personal design preferences. While BÄR styles feature soles with light to heavy cushioning, Joe Nimble takes a minimalist approach spanning everything from the soles to the uppers.