The Future of BÄR Barefoot Shoes
Experience the interview live on YouTube or read the complete interview 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 delighted that we are meeting for another interview today, because there are many new developments to report from BÄR. When I look at the current hype surrounding barefoot shoes—barefoot shoes are being offered everywhere—it is undoubtedly a good topic. But I wondered: 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 publicly since 1982, since the company was founded—“Walk as if barefoot in the sand”—has resonated. This has always been our focus since the beginning, because the Toe freedom we provide does not constrict the toes and therefore enables completely natural walking with a zero heel-to-toe drop—no one is born with a heel. So the subject is essentially summed up: in our shoes, you walk as if you were barefoot. What has spread across the market in recent years as barefoot shoes is something we essentially 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 now developed beyond a niche market, which also has disadvantages: quite a few products are being marketed as barefoot shoes even though they are essentially just socks with a layer of latex underneath.
Dr. Claudia Schulz: That is exactly where you need to clarify things for me. I think this also concerns many people who are interested in barefoot shoes. I certainly believe there are benefits, but if I ask you what distinguishes a BÄR barefoot shoe from the broad range of products available, perhaps you could explain that in more detail.
Christof Bär: Yes, that was very important from the outset during development. Children have had ABS socks for a long time, and they certainly serve a purpose at home, where I do not place particularly high demands on walking or the body. But when I go outside, I need greater protection and a certain amount of body stabilization. Even if the soles are very thin, the foot and the shoe should behave in accordance with the body's anatomy and biomechanics; they should neither work against them nor offer too little support. Accordingly, we launched a development that we later patented. This is the Archraiser, which was developed together with Dr. Norbert Becker. The Archraiser is designed to raise the arch of the foot (arch = arch, raise = lift). You can see it here on the shoe: I can adjust it using the lacing, depending on how firmly or loosely I want it, according to the intended use.
Dr. Claudia Schulz: And if I tie it more tightly, do I have more energy or more muscle strength, or what is the purpose?
Christof Bär: The muscles are aligned in one direction. The difference compared with an insole is that you actively participate in the movement and thereby build yourself back up. In other words, you will feel the effect because the muscles are strengthened through use and support the body themselves. This allows you to experience an improvement throughout the entire muscular system at the same time. This also affects the strain on the back and knees, as well as the muscles and all the joints:
DISCOVER THE ARCHRAISER HIKING SHOE:
