Hae, I'm Elias. Founder of Kjavik. I've been interested in shoes for half my life. However, when I came across the topic of barefoot shoes, I was skeptical at first. A lot of it contradicted what I thought I knew about cushioning and drop. I've always had problems with foot stability and would like to get a good half marathon time soon - the perfect time to get into the topic of barefoot shoes. I'm diving deep into scientific work and learning a lot about the biomechanical function of our feet. The number of studies and the many positive effects of minimal shoes impress me.

Muscle growth, fewer foot problems, better posture… Why isn’t this concept more widespread?

I come across warnings. I speak to people who tell me about injuries and over-exertion caused by barefoot shoes. I am also told again and again that barefoot shoes are either ugly, poor quality or overpriced. Or all of the above.

The starting signal from Kjavik is given on a trip to Iceland. 2 friends, 2 bikes, 1 tent and: barefoot shoes. After a week in the breathtaking nature of Iceland, I take 3 insights back to Germany:

1. Iceland is a damn exciting country
2. Barefoot walking offers even more than just health and sports benefits: more mindfulness. I definitely want to integrate this feeling and the changed perception of my surroundings into my everyday life in Munich.
3. I want to build a better shoe.

Back in Germany, I quickly realized: this was going to be tough. The shoe business doesn't exactly shine with big margins. There are many big players in the market with billion-dollar budgets. Returns, high stock levels, high development and tooling costs, and many SKUs are challenging for a company with limited capital. Nevertheless, I'm putting everything on the line and founding Kjavik. Embrace Discomfort.

The development of Kjavik is a process of experimentation. A small team spends days and nights developing ideas. The first prototypes are developed and discarded. The first shoes are tested and improved.

We don't want to develop a normal sneaker. We want to develop a sneaker that makes you healthier, more mindful and stronger. Whether in the gym, in everyday life, boxing, yoga or hiking - the shoe should combine aesthetics and functionality.

At the same time, our first product must also fullfill two other criteria: We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to wear beautiful barefoot shoes - at a fair price. We also plan to produce the shoe in the most environmentally friendly way possible. This is not an easy undertaking for a small brand.

But after months of work, the project succeeds. A shoe that looks exciting and still has all the advantages of a minimal shoe. A shoe that is made primarily from recycled materials. The "Kjavik Insole System" is a central component of the shoe. The insoles that are included free of charge give us different ways of wearing the shoe. No overloading if you are planning a long city trip or going jogging in barefoot shoes for the first time. Always adjust the cushioning to the current adventure.

It is a long but incredibly exciting journey.

This is how the Kjavik One is created.

We believe the human foot is a masterpiece. Our innovation lies not in "more" but in "less".

"Walking barefoot is the best thing for our feet. We built the second best."

In Icelandic culture there are strong connections to nature and a deep respect for the landscape and the elements. We incorporate this deep connection with nature into our design language and our actions. Each shoe is made from predominantly recycled materials.

Embrace Discomfort. Our shoes are a symbol of steps outside our comfort zone. We don't just want to live, we want to experience. With all our senses.

Our shoes are designed to be perfect all-rounders that can handle any adventure.

A shoe for new steps: more strength. more mindfulness. more health.