March 2025
BÄR Shoes Expands Distribution in Germany
BÄR, the pioneer of shoes with 100% toe freedom, is continuing to expand its sales team. By appointing additional sales representatives, the company is strengthening its presence in Germany and sending a clear signal of further growth. The family-run company has long since grown beyond being solely a comfort-shoe manufacturer and has further developed its brand image. From ballerinas and barefoot shoes to sneakers, hiking shoes, and performance shoes, BÄR covers many segments in every collection.
For the state of Bavaria, the shoe manufacturer has recruited the experienced sales representative Michael Müller. Müller brings impressive expertise gained from more than twelve years of professional experience. He is deeply rooted in the regional specialist retail landscape. “Michael Müller stands for professional and committed customer service. His experience and market intuition make him a strong partner for our company,” says Managing Director Christof Bär. “I am delighted to be part of BÄR’s sales team and to unlock the brand’s growth potential in Bavaria,” Müller adds.
Northern and eastern Germany are also covered. North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Saxony-Anhalt are strategically important states for bringing BÄR shoes to an even broader customer base.
New Opportunities for Sales Representatives in Unassigned Regions
The family-run company’s goal is to expand its sales network across all of Germany. “Our shoes stand for comfort and the highest quality—qualities that are more in demand on the market than ever. We look forward to welcoming additional partners who want to share this added value with the world,” says Christof Bär. Another steadily growing sales channel is online marketplaces. BÄR shoes have recently become available at Shop Apotheke.
About BÄR: For more than 40 years, the family-run company has manufactured shoes with toe freedom, zero heel drop, and flexibility, all in the highest quality of craftsmanship. The BÄR brand covers many segments in every collection—from classic barefoot shoes and street shoes to hiking and performance shoes. BÄR shoes are available at 21 BÄR stores, in the company’s online shop, through traditional mail order, and via Amazon, Decathlon, and Otto. In addition, BÄR is represented in 40 specialist retailers and exports to more than 20 countries. 100 employees work at the company headquarters in Bietigheim-Bissingen, while 400 other permanent employees manufacture the shoes at the company’s own factory in India.
February 2025
BÄR Shoes Autumn/Winter 2024/25
Coolness and Glamour!
In BÄR’s new autumn/winter collection, 100% toe freedom, quality, ergonomics, and style merge into an unparalleled wearing experience. Every pair of shoes is crafted with the utmost care to provide optimal comfort and long-lasting quality.
This season’s trend colors are setting the tone: from classic shades to the spectacular comeback of black. These are complemented by neutral gray, creating the perfect balance between elegance and versatility. BÄR relies on soft, luxurious leathers that caress the feet while providing optimal support.
Barefoot Shoes in the Spotlight
Sporty themes are complemented by finer, chic styles, with a clear focus on barefoot shoes. The collection celebrates coolness and glamour, featuring confident and elegant designs. From fashionable booties and ankle boots to casual lace-up shoes and ballerinas, BÄR offers a wide range of styles for every taste and occasion.
About BÄR:
For more than 40 years, the family-run company has manufactured shoes with toe freedom, zero heel drop, and flexibility, all in the highest quality of craftsmanship. What began in 1982 with a revolutionary idea from Christian Bär has been continued since 2013 by his sons Christof and Sebastian Bär with innovative ideas and passion. BÄR shoes are available at 21 BÄR stores, in the online shop, through traditional mail order, and via Amazon, Decathlon, and Otto. 130 employees work at the company headquarters in Bietigheim-Bissingen, while 400 other permanent employees manufacture the shoes at the company’s own factory in India.
January 2025
BÄR Receives Patent for Revolutionary “Firmoflex®” Sole Technology in Hiking Shoes
BÄR GmbH, a medium-sized family-run company and specialist in foot-shaped shoes, has received an important patent for its innovative sole technology. Registered under the name “Firmoflex®,” the technology combines stability and flexibility in a unique way and enables a natural walking experience—even under the highest loads in hiking.
The patented “Firmoflex®” sole uses stiffening elements that provide the foot with stable guidance from the heel. The forefoot is stabilized laterally while remaining flexible lengthwise, supporting a natural rolling motion. Thanks to this innovation, the foot can perform its anatomical function: stability and secure footing are combined with natural freedom of movement, creating a barefoot feel even in robust hiking shoes.
“With Firmoflex®, we are closing the gap between stability and flexibility, which is particularly important in hiking shoes,” explains Christof Bär, Managing Partner of BÄR GmbH. “Our shoes stabilize the foot under high loads while still providing toe freedom and a natural rolling motion. This means fatigue-free walking like barefoot walking—even on demanding hiking trails.”
The innovative sole technology enables hikers to walk safely even on difficult terrain while enjoying the comfort of a foot-shaped shoe. Another unique feature: in terms of innovative strength, the patented Firmoflex® technology surpasses established standards set by major brands in the hiking-shoe segment.
“Our aim was to develop a hiking shoe that combines maximum functionality with the comfort and natural movement of walking barefoot. The fact that we have achieved this and that it has now also been patented underscores the innovative strength of our medium-sized company,” Christof Bär continues.
BÄR sees great potential in Firmoflex® technology and is therefore also exploring ways to make the patent available to other manufacturers under license. In this way, the company aims to help advance the entire hiking-shoe market in terms of foot comfort.
This technology will also be used in BÄR sports shoes in the future—so there is still plenty to look forward to!
With its new sole technology, BÄR GmbH reinforces its position as a leading provider of foot-shaped shoes distinguished by quality, comfort, and technical innovation. The company thus remains true to its credo: developing shoes that support the foot’s natural movement—for a healthy and comfortable walking experience.
About BÄR GmbH
For more than 40 years, BÄR GmbH has stood for foot-shaped shoes focused on comfort, functionality, and toe freedom. With an omnichannel distribution model, the company combines tradition with modern sales channels and offers its customers the highest quality and outstanding service.
