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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. 

The idea behind this footwear is based on a simple question: why aren’t shoes the same shape as feet? The answer is probably because most shoes are designed and shaped to follow the latest fads. However, even the most aesthetic design is fatal in biomechanical terms if it fails to consider functionality. The feet and toes are forced into a position which prevents them from moving naturally. 

 

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.
 

Learn more about our shoes

 

"Then I'll make my
own shoes"
Christian Bär
Pioneer for shoes with toe freedom and founder of BÄR GmbH

It all started 40 years ago when company founder Christian Bär was looking for a comfortable shoe for his often painful feet. Without further ado, he decided to found a company together with his wife Hilke and produce high-quality shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot - with 100% toe freedom!

Discover exciting moments of the company's history here.

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.


Discover the diversity of BÄR and Joe Nimble:

BÄR and Joe Nimble are characterized by optimal cushioning of the sole. The natural walking feeling is thus enhanced and the 100% toe freedom ensures daily comfort in the shoe. The toes have free space and can maintain their natural position. Discover the unique running feeling!

DISCOVER BÄR SHOES DISCOVER JOE NIMBLE

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.