Your guide for the first days in barefoot shoes

We’re glad you’ve chosen a natural way to move. With Groundies, you’re giving your feet back their mobility and natural freedom of movement. To ensure your transition is a complete success and you feel comfortable right from the start, here are the most important tips to get you started.

Your guide for the first days in barefoot shoes

1. The Fit Check: Freedom of movement starts at the toes.

There should be about 11 mm of space in front of your toes. Your toes should be able to splay while walking.

All three fits strengthen your foundation and let you feel the ground. There is no right or wrong, only your personal width.

Barefoot Light Fit: Ideal for very narrow feet.

Barefoot Fit: With an anatomical toe box. Ideal for narrow to medium-width feet.

Barefoot+ Fit: With an anatomical toe box. Ideal for wide feet.

The perfect test: Try your Groundies on in the afternoon when your feet are at their full volume. Test them calmly at home on a clean floor.

2. Slow & Steady: Give your body time.

When you wear barefoot shoes for the first time, they may feel roomier than what you are used to. This is no coincidence, but our anatomical design for full toe freedom and genuine comfort. Barefoot shoes reactivate your feet. This takes getting used to. Start with short distances and increase gradually. Listen to your body.

Listen to yourself: Start with short sessions – 30 to 60 minutes in daily life or at the office is enough to begin with. Your body sets the pace.

Feel the ground: Begin on soft surfaces like grass or forest floor. The TrueSense® sole gives you the feedback that conventional shoes absorb.

Feel growth: Soreness in your calves or feet is not a warning signal, but a sign that your natural cushioning system is waking up. You are getting stronger. With every step.

1. The Fit Check: Freedom of movement starts at the toes.

2. Slow & Steady: Give your body time.

If you're wearing barefoot shoes for the first time, they may feel roomier than what you're used to. This is no coincidence, but our anatomical design for full toe freedom and real comfort. Barefoot shoes reactivate your feet. That takes getting used to. Start with short distances and increase slowly. Listen to your body.

Listen to yourself: Start with short sessions – 30 to 60 minutes in everyday life or in the office are enough to start with. Your body sets the pace.

Feel the ground: Start on soft surfaces such as grass or forest floor. The TrueSense® sole gives you the feedback that traditional shoes miss.

Feel growth: Muscle soreness in your calves or feet is not a warning signal, but rather a sign that your natural cushioning system is waking up. You become stronger. With every step.

3. Your flow of movement: Find ease.

In cushioned shoes we often land hard on our heels. Groundies invite you to find your natural flow of movement again. Shorten your stride slightly and land more gently - across the midfoot or the entire sole.

4. Strength comes from below.

Start with what you wear every day: Choose shoes that give your feet room for movement and feedback. Our flexible TrueSense® sole allows your feet to move, adapt and of course stabilize. An anatomically wide toe box allows your toes to spread out and actively support you.

The result: better balance, stronger push-offs and lasting comfort on long days. This is a simple way to start activating what is already there.

3. Your movement flow: Finding lightness.

In cushioned shoes, we often land hard on the heel. Groundies Invite yourself to rediscover your natural movement flow. Shorten your step slightly and land more gently – on the midfoot or the entire sole.

4. Strength comes from below.

Take control of
your foot health.
Strengthen your foundation.

To ease the transition phase and support long-term performance, The Rehab Mechanics tools help to strengthen your foot muscles and develop their full potential. Strong, resilient feet are the foundation for the way you move, feel and live.