About
About the Mission
My mission at Annika Barefoot is to craft wide, flexible, and festive shoes. I aim to create footwear for those who crave ample room to spread their toes, exceptional and lasting quality, and, of course, a touch of magic. My mission is deeply rooted in the principles of returning to nature and natural living, where we promote a healthy lifestyle while celebrating the vibrant colors of our world. The shoes are designed to last for years and become your cherished companion on long, dreamy walks, at work, to a stylish party – wherever your adventures take you!
About the Goals and Dreams
At Annika Barefoot, my passion goes beyond just barefoot shoes. While they are our key focus, I am deeply committed to understanding the body’s functionality and promoting natural movement – just as it is with barefoot shoes. This philosophy is evident in my designs, which feature a wide fit to allow for natural toe spreading. My commitment to comfort means I will never produce narrower designs in the future – in fact, I might even expand the range to offer even more generous fits. My goal is to ensure that every shoe provides plentiful room for your toes to spread naturally and comfortably.
Looking ahead, I aspire to offer more than just shoes. I envision introducing tools that make incorporating movement into daily life easier, though this will have to wait until the warehouse is no longer in my living room – there’s simply not enough space for more than one shipment of shoes right now, and we need to keep room for the kids, too! 😉
In the future, Annika Barefoot will expand to include a variety of footwear such as winter boots, sandals, ballerinas, hiking shoes, and much more. My creativ mind is always buzzing with new ideas, and I am excited about the innovative designs and collections I have in the pipeline.
I am also deeply committed to sustainability and aim to integrate more recycled materials into my products, over time. Join me on this journey and be part of my mission to create a more sustainable and forward-thinking future!
About the Brand
At Annika Barefoot, I am dedicated to revolutionizing the shoe industry by offering barefoot shoes that embody the perfect fusion of comfort, style, and sustainability.
As a conscious brand, I prioritize environmental friendliness and sustainability at every step of the production process. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to minimizing the carbon footprint, I strive to leave a positive impact on the planet. Additionally, I find it very important to ensure fair wages and provide good working conditions for all those involved in crafting our shoes.
My commitment to quality means that each pair of Annika Barefoot shoes is meticulously crafted to last for years, reducing the need for constant replacements and minimizing waste. I believe in the power of footwear to not only support your journey to a healthier body, but also to uplift your spirit and inspire a more mindful way of living.
Join me on my journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future. With every step you take in a pair of Annika Barefoot, you’re embracing greater comfort, style, and environmental responsibility.
About the Founder
My name is Annika, and I am the founder of Annika Barefoot. I live close to Aarhus in Denmark, with my little family, consisting of my husband, Poul, and our two children, Tikki aged 6 and Hauge aged 4. Chaos and love reign at our home! Poul is my love and support. He has approached this project with an open mind and helps me with primarly the technical aspects, which he is very good at, but he is also my best sounding board and is always willing to lend an ear when everything feels like it is falling apart for me.
Designing (barefoot) shoes has been a lifelong dream for me. When I was young, I spent many hours drawing/designing shoes. Back then, high heels were the focus, as they were more aesthetic in my eyes. After the birth of my daughter in 2018, aesthetics were not super important anymore, but now my interest was more on the natural and, above all, the comfortable. Therefore, I began researching a lot about barefoot shoes and since 2018, I’ve had a lot of shoes come through the door. The market was quite small when I first started wearing barefoot shoes, making it difficult to find something that truly fit well. As a result, I had to try nearly everything available at the time to find the right pair. This has also resulted in me making shoes for both myself and my children, with various results – some successful, others less so. Sandals, sneakers, and home slippers have been made, and a new interest in hand-sewing leather has also arisen for that reason. This experience sparked a deeper desire to learn more about shoemaking, how to achieve the perfect fit, and explore the intricacies of creating shoes that are both comfortable and functional. Since primary school, I have taken a break from drawing shoes, but the interest returned four years ago when I worked at a barefoot shoe shop, where I encountered many customers who couldn’t find barefoot shoes wide enough – so there I found a gap in the market and now I’m finally well underway. At the same time, I also think there is a lack of barefoot shoes that are “a little extra,” in terms of colors and decoration and that’s my expertise! ✨