Shoe anatomy
Anatomy of a barefoot shoe
On every product page you'll see specs: sole thickness, weight, materials. This page explains what they mean and why they matter for barefoot shoes.
Parts of the shoe
Glossary of terms
Stack height
The total thickness between your foot and the ground — outsole plus insole. Lower stack means more ground feel (proprioception). Most barefoot shoes sit at 6–15 mm, versus 25–35 mm in conventional trainers.
On the product page: "Sole thickness — X mm (Y mm with insole)". Smaller = more ground feel.
Zero drop
The height difference between heel and toes. Zero means heel and toes are at the same level — exactly like walking barefoot. Conventional shoes carry 8–12 mm of drop, which shortens the Achilles tendon and tilts the body forward over time.
All barefoot shoes in our store are zero drop. It's not listed separately because it's a given.
Toe box
The width of the front part of the shoe where your toes sit. A wide toe box lets toes splay naturally and stabilise the body. A narrow box contributes to bunions, hammer toes, and cramps over time.
Covered in the product description. When trying a shoe: you should have enough room inside to move all toes freely.
Sole flexibility
The ability of the sole to bend with your foot. A stiff sole blocks natural foot movement and weakens muscles. A flexible sole lets the foot work as nature designed — bending, twisting, absorbing impact.
Not a numeric value in specs. Test: can you fold the shoe in half with your hand? If yes — it's flexible.
Upper
The part of the shoe that wraps your foot. The material determines breathability, water resistance, and weight. Mesh — maximum breathability, not waterproof. Leather — durable and water resistant, less breathable. Synthetic — a balance between the two.
On the product page: "Upper" under materials. The specific material (BottleYarn, leather, etc.) is listed there.
Insole
The inner lining inside the shoe your foot stands on. In barefoot shoes it's intentionally thin — 3–4 mm. Many models have a removable insole: you can take it out for even more ground feel or swap in an orthopaedic one. Some models have none at all.
On the product page: "Insole — removable" is listed in specs where applicable. Sole thickness is shown both with and without the insole.
Barefoot shoe vs. conventional shoe
| Feature | Barefoot shoe | Conventional shoe |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 6 – 15 mm | 25 – 35 mm |
| Zero drop | 0 mm | 8 – 12 mm |
| Toe box | Wide | Narrow |
| Sole flexibility | High | Low |
Now that you know what to look for —
Every product shows all the specs described above.