Sole
What would a shoe be like without a sole? We don't really know, but definitely not a shoe. So what makes our ZAQQ sole unique? In our opinion, the sole is an integral part of the shoe and should thus contain several layers.
The base layer of our sole is made of rubber – which is, of course, 100% German-made exclusively for ZAQQ – and is available in a choice of different colours.
Rubber has many advantages and, when compared to other rival synthetic compounds such as TPU, is one of the best abrasion-resistant materials available. For you, this means your ZAQQ sole will be durable, tough and highly resistant to wear. Moreover, rubber is biodegradable, has very good shock absorption, is also very slip-resistant and much lighter than comparable materials, giving you optimum grip and protection on any type of surface. Rubber is just the perfect material, and thus our first choice for ZAQQ Barefoot Shoes.
The second sole layer, which also acts as an insole, is made from our exclusive hunting leather. This layer cushions and insulates, keeping your feet fresh and natural; and whilst it certainly feels good, it looks ultra-stylish too. Both layers blend together as one without the need for a separate insole. And last but not least, there's perfection in every detail. Just check out your ZAQQ Barefoot Shoe from underneath, and even here you'll see evidence of our design approach. Perfect functionality is assured with a design thought through to the very last detail.
Leather
All leathers are not necessarily the same. We use only exclusive 2-mm thick premium hunting leather for our ZAQQ Barefoot Shoes. Hunting leather is a special type of split leather rarely used in shoe manufacturing because it is very complicated to work, and requires very accurate, high-quality processing. For us this is a real advantage, because we can use this exclusive, high-quality organic leather source for shoe production in our own factory.
Another special feature of our hunting leather is that it can be used on both sides.
One side has a beautiful smooth surface with a natural grain and feels very comfortable next to the skin, which is why all ZAQQ Barefoot Shoes have the smooth side of the leather inside the shoe.
The other side is similar to suede leather – silky and elegant in appearance with a dense texture. This makes the leather extremely weatherproof, waterproof and easy to clean, and also conceals any minor scuffs and scratches or deep-penetrating stains. That's why our hunting leather is mostly used on the suede side for the outer areas of your new ZAQQ Barefoot Shoes.
Our 2-mm thick leather is almost unprecedented within the shoe industry. Few manufacturers can handle such strong leather because of the high-level leatherworking skills required. But the stronger the worked leather, the higher the quality of the shoes, which is why our lacing needs no extra liner, multiple leather layers or metal eyelets – ZAQQ's 2-mm hunting leather is extremely durable and requires no reinforcement.
The use of special hunting leather, and the contrast between the smooth and velvet leather textures, is what gives each pair of ZAQQ Barefoot Shoes their own unmistakable character.
Our Environment
You must surely have experienced pollution and seen its effects for yourself, and, of course, you're also aware our planet has limited resources. For us as a company, environmental protection means generating as little waste as possible and achieving sustainable production by sourcing natural renewable materials and avoiding the use of polluting chemicals. This happens naturally because we are committed to eco-lifestyles ourselves, and we communicate the same message to our employees.
What does this mean for you?
Your ZAQQ Barefoot shoes are exclusively German-manufactured, which saves us production time and unnecessary transportation costs. And it also means we can ensure no harmful or environmentally polluting substances are used in the manufacturing process. Our use of solvent-free adhesive, rubber soles and exclusive use of natural leather, shows how we put these biosustainable principles into practice.
This is also one of the reasons our employees love to work for us. And your new ZAQQ Barefoot Shoes are the direct outcome of this commitment. That makes you feel good, doesn't it?
Because we only use natural products, ZAQQ Barefoot Shoes are of course completely biodegradable and recyclable. But you should get many years of wear out of them before you have to think about that. And we're sure you'll love wearing them just as much as we love making them.