Our Mission
We're different. We are a young, dynamic, and passionate team wanting to get people excited about barefoot shoes.
We started with a crowdfunding campaign for our first model, the Original Mesh, in April 2019. Feelgrounds was funded within 48 hours, and five months later, the first customers received their stylish barefoot sneakers. Now, we're working hard to expand our range of models while continually striving to build better footwear.
Our mission is to make barefoot shoes available and appealing to more people.
Join the Feelgrounds movement and let's make barefoot shoes cool!
Meet the team
Environmental responsibility
At Feelgrounds, we believe that footwear manufacturing can be done responsibly. That's why we decided to use recycled materials wherever possible. Our Original Knit model, for example, is made mainly of recycled materials. Independent testing institutes, like SGS, regularly test and approve the safety of our products. All of our shoes are also 100% animal-free (vegan) and no animals were harmed in the process. We're constantly looking for new materials that fit our philosophy while not compromising on comfort, quality, or look. Our goal is to create shoes that are better for your feet and better for the environment than traditional shoes.
Product development & fair production
We are proud to present you a variety of excellent barefoot shoes. Before introducing a new Feelgrounds model to our online shop, we thoroughly test it to confirm that it meets our standards. We are also continuously working on improving our current models. Your feedback is crucial to us! If we see something that has room for improvement, we don't hesitate to take action.
Sustainability, fairness, and transparency are essential values for us. Our highly skilled manufacturing team is located in Vietnam. Treating everyone involved in Feelgrounds well is important for us. All workers are of age and benefit from social, medical, and accident insurance and receive a salary above the regional average. Our factory is part of the European BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative), whose mission is to "enhance human prosperity, use natural resources responsibly, and drive open trade globally" (BSCI). The factory is also part of Better Work Vietnam, a program that supports the implementation of practices based on core ILO labor standards (International Labour Organization). Improving worker-management relationships and promoting fair working conditions are fundamental pillars of Better Work Vietnam and values we believe in.
Feelgrounds timeline
JULY 2018
The idea for a great looking barefoot sneaker was born
After having severe knee problems, Feelgrounds founder Johannes discovered barefoot shoes. His transition to minimal footwear enabled him to address his knee problems successfully. However, Johannes was not convinced by the look of the minimal footwear options available at the time. The idea of making barefoot shoes that are both functional and stylish was born.
APRIL 2019
Feelgrounds funded within 48 hours
We developed countless prototypes until we were fully satisfied. We loved our new barefoot sneakers and were ready to present them to the world. But would the community love them, too? After eight months of hard work, sweat, and tears, we were touched by your tremendous support. Within only 48 hours, our crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo was funded. We had raised the minimum amount that would make our first big-scale production possible.
AUGUST 2019
First shoes shipped & launch online store
Finally, the time had come! At the beginning of August, we shipped out the first batch of freshly produced Feelgrounds Original Mesh, and you guys loved them. Shortly after, we moved from the crowdfunding campaign to our very own online store.
NOVEMBER 2020
Moving into our own warehouse
During the last months, we were happy to see the Feelgrounds team grow and it was finally time to take logistics into our own hands. In November, we set up our very own warehouse to offer you an even better service.
APRIL 2021
Improved sole for all sneaker models
It was time for an update! In April we released improved versions of all our sneaker models. All Feelgrounds shoes are now available with a slightly wider and even more naturally shaped sole.
February 2023
First barefoot shoes for kids
With the launch of Original Mesh Kids, Feelgrounds started a new chapter. Now we’re not only making adult feet happy, but also our little ones'.