80 percent of Germans buy shoes that don't fit them. The main reason, according to the German foot report: shoes that are too narrow. So when we buy, we have no choice but to base our decision on the width of the shoe. And bang: the new pair of sneakers is - if we're honest - too long. The Kjavik One was therefore designed with a wide toe box (the front part of the shoe). The inspiration for the shape of our shoe was (you won't believe it): the human foot! This means we can wear shoes that fit in terms of both length and width. Shoes that are too long are not as harmful as shoes that are too narrow. Nevertheless, they also prevent natural foot movement. It's worth taking a step back and measuring our "real" foot size again.

Tip: Try our free 3D scan to find the perfect shoe size for your foot size.

Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, allow our feet to move almost as freely as if we were barefoot. This freedom activates the muscles , promotes healthy foot mechanics , allows us to stand upright and: dampens our feet less. Our untrained feet, our joints and our posture have to get used to this natural amount of stimulation.

When jogging, start slowly and don't try to do too much right away. The same applies when walking in barefoot shoes.

It is difficult to make general statements about how long it takes to get used to the shoes. Every body is different. It makes a difference whether your feet have been tied up in tight, cushioned sports shoes for years or whether you have often been barefoot.

If you start directly with uncushioned barefoot shoes:

• Don't wear your barefoot shoes every day, but only every 2nd day, for example
• In any case, avoid walking faster or longer distances than usual
• Also possible: Take a second pair of shoes with you

As you can see, it's pretty cumbersome. That's why we developed the Kjavik Sole System. Every customer receives 2 extra insoles free of charge.

You: can start directly & easily into the world of barefoot shoes

We: do our best to ensure that it works without risk or discomfort.

I recommend the following:

• Step 1: Start with the comfort insole. This has the most cushioning. Integrate your shoes into your everyday life. Make sure that you walk about as much as you normally do.
• Step 2: As soon as you feel ready, switch to the “Performance” insole. This has only a little cushioning.
• Step 3: For the most barefoot-like walking experience - and the widest range of benefits, go "Zero". No insoles.

The practical thing is that the shoe can still be adjusted even after you get used to it. Example: A friend uses the Performance insole when he goes on a city trip lasting several days. Another friend is a long-time endurance athlete (biathlon). Due to a knee injury, he currently likes to use the Comfort insole.

In my opinion, the goal in most cases should be to wear the Kjavik One predominantly "Zero" - without an insole.

A high high drop and cushioning lead to an unnatural gait. Sport physicians have therefore been advising for years to counteract this and keep heel impact as low as possible when running. Barefoot shoes automatically change your running style. When you wear barefoot shoes for the first time, you will intuitively walk differently.

I don't want to give too much attention to this topic here. (We all know it: it is a very strange experience to think too much about how you walk.) Nevertheless, it makes sense to pause for a moment and pay conscious attention to how we walk and what posture we adopt.

Here are 3 quick ideas:

1. Try taking shorter steps . Due to excessively cushioned soles, toe spring & heels in conventional shoes, we have become accustomed to unnaturally long strides.
2. Consciously stand upright . Your head, spine and pelvis form a vertical line. By eliminating a shoe heel, you can stand and walk even more upright.
3. Make sure your foot movement is natural : land with your heel carefully. Minimize the "heel strike" and roll your foot instead. When you lift your foot, use your toes to push off (to a certain extent). A good mental bridge: try to walk quietly, without a loud impact from your feet. If it feels more natural for you to land on your midfoot or forefoot, that's great too. There is no right or wrong here.

But don't make it more complicated than it is: In my experience, the body masters the return to a natural running feeling pretty quickly.

We at Kjavik are certain: your best coach is your body feeling . Without wanting to sound too philosophical here (after all, this is still about barefoot shoes): During the time I spent experimenting with barefoot shoes, I also learned a lot about myself. Among other things: how important it is to listen to yourself. Use the feedback your body gives you. Barefoot shoes should never hurt or cause pain. Not even at the beginning. If you feel like running for long periods on concrete roads is not good for you, then use the comfort insole or wear cushioned shoes for a change. On the other hand, you don't have to slow yourself down unnecessarily: If you feel like wearing the shoe without an insole, then you don't have to stick rigidly to a 6-week adjustment period.

Have you gotten used to walking in barefoot shoes? Cool! A possible next step: running in barefoot shoes.

Here, more than ever, it is important to take it slow. When you run, half a ton of weight can quickly be placed on your joints. Make sure you start at a slow "zone 1" pace (slow, non-strenuous running. You can have a conversation without straining at all). Run a maximum of one kilometer . Then you can gradually increase your pace.

My recommendation & opinion: If you run often or have the goal of running a half marathon / marathon / ultra marathon, then there is nothing wrong with owning several shoes. Logically, you will always achieve your best times in running shoes with a carbon plate, which give your feet an unnatural advantage. For complementary training sessions with a natural running feel , you can't go past your barefoot shoes .

Here is a small excerpt from my half marathon training:

• Long Run & Recovery Run: cushioned shoes (in my opinion the only reason for their existence)
• Speed/Interval Workout: Carbon Plate Raceday Shoe
• In all other cases: Kjavik One

For those interested, I can recommend the book “Born to Run”.
People with well-trained feet run faster. But that's not all: their running technique is also better. When you wear shoes, the heel of your foot often hits the ground first, whereas when you run barefoot, the pressure is on the midfoot or even the forefoot. This running style is usually superior and better for us and our sporting goals.

Now you are ready to take the step. I often see that people overstain their bodies at the beginning. Start slowly, adjust the shoe to your needs, be patient and enjoy the process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.