FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to the questions we are frequently asked. If your question is not listed, simply send us an email or call us.

Barefoot shoes in general

Feet are highly sensitive tactile organs. Feel what it's like to run on natural surfaces again. Feel the dew of the fresh spring meadow under your feet or walk barefoot in the sand again. Strengthen your muscles, prevent varicose veins, stimulate your metabolism. Walk barefoot as much and as often as possible. If you are afraid of injury, wear barefoot shoes and you will be better protected but walk as if you were running barefoot. 

 


In the event of injuries or serious illnesses to the musculoskeletal system, walking barefoot can lead to overuse injuries. In such cases, barefoot activities should only be undertaken with a doctor's permission and under the supervision of a knowledgeable physiotherapist. Joggers should start slowly and give the muscles, tendons and ligaments 15 - 18 weeks to get used to (protected) barefoot running.

Certainly not, but our feet are no longer used to this due to constantly wearing shoes. Most shoes change your gait dramatically. Due to heel elevation and cushioning, the foot rests on the heel and not in the forefoot-midfoot area. The knee is often “locked” and the impact forces affect the foot, knee, hip and back. The step becomes too long and the gait changes. In principle, every step is like a small jump, but this is not possible in almost all conventional shoes, which can lead to atrophy of many of the muscles in the foot and poor posture. Walking barefoot should always be started carefully; a walk of 15 - 30 minutes several times a week on soft floors would be an ideal start. All barefoot shoes have a protective function. An excessive switch from conventional shoes to barefoot shoes will never make sense. Please also note our training tips.

Walking barefoot strengthens the muscles in your feet, corrects your posture and relieves stress on your joints.

You not only can, you should, as functional training in particular undergoes enormous optimization through the improved ground input. Many well-known personal trainers and therapists use barefoot shoes themselves. Unfortunately, club owners occasionally exercise their house rules and ban the models because of the alleged danger posed by falling dumbbells or similar.

From the therapy area, we can report that it makes sense to carry out climbing exercises with very soft soles because the foot muscles are extremely challenged. We know from customer information that some of our customers actively climb in barefoot shoes. However, in this case we lack the expertise.

You have to start from the beginning by retraining your posture and correcting your usual running technique. You will then gradually strengthen your leg muscles, as well as your lower leg tendons and ligaments. Your arch will also gradually adapt and will soon serve as natural protection. Posture: Chest out, head up and looking towards the horizon. To help, try moving your ears as far away from your shoulders as possible (but don't overextend them!). Gait: Take light, short steps. You should land flat-footed with your weight on the ball of your foot. The ball of the foot is the hard part of the foot directly behind the big toe. Jump up and down on the spot a few times to find it. When you land with the front of your foot, you use your arch and the muscles and tendons of your foot to naturally absorb the impact. Good running technique enhances this effect. (Study by Daniel Lieberman)

Many customers with this problem report that the thin upper material brings them relief.

In these cases, orthopedists often recommend moderate barefoot walking to strengthen the foot muscles. The barefoot shoes are optimal protection against injuries.

Wearing barefoot shoes regularly can strengthen the foot muscles and optimize the arch of the foot. The changed posture can also strengthen the back muscles and the straightening of the body by shifting the body's center of gravity away from the heel can lead to a further improvement in well-being.

This depends on many factors such as running style and body weight. We recommend short units of 15 - 20 minutes on soft ground in the form of ABC runs and regenerative runs. If it “runs” without any problems, please increase the size and test harder reasons. We have feedback from customers who complete marathons in barefoot shoes. This is possible, but requires a perfect forefoot running style. We recommend shorter units and urge you to take into account the changed posture and the associated different muscular strain. Please also keep in mind that the lack of heel strike puts strain on the Achilles tendon in its original form. However, this can be shortened by wearing shoes with high heels for a long time. Please give yourself and your body time.

Order

Of course you can order 2 different sizes. However, it is easier for you if you can measure your foot size beforehand, because then you will get the right shoe for you straight away.
 
This also saves you the hassle of packaging and return transport. Please note that the credit for the returned shoes will ultimately take a few days. Of course, you cannot use this money during this time.
 
We have provided a video for measuring your feet. Here you can clearly see how easy it is to quickly and accurately measure your feet. You can find the video at the following link:

No, you can currently only order our shoes online. This has the advantage for you that we save costs and effort and can therefore offer you the best possible price.

Unfortunately, there is currently no opportunity to try our shoes on site. You are welcome to order several shoes to choose from and if they don't fit or you don't like them, you can exchange them free of charge within Germany within 30 days.

There are several ways you can get your new ones ZAQQ shoes come. In addition to your phone, you can easily order the shoes in our online shop. Here you can see all the colors and information about the individual models at a glance.

Since we produce barefoot shoes by hand, the production costs are of course significantly higher than with other manufacturers of barefoot shoes. So that we can work efficiently, we prepare a few production steps. Otherwise our shoes would be much more expensive. Our goal is to build the best barefoot shoe at the best price. 

It usually takes 14 days, then all sizes should be available again. 

Health

Certainly not, but our feet are no longer used to this due to constantly wearing shoes. Most shoes change your gait dramatically. Due to heel elevation and cushioning, the foot rests on the heel and not in the forefoot-midfoot area. The knee is often “locked” and the impact forces affect the foot, knee, hip and back. The step becomes too long and the gait changes. In principle, every step is like a small jump, but this is not possible in almost all conventional shoes, which can lead to atrophy of many of the muscles in the foot and poor posture. Walking barefoot should always be started carefully; a walk of 15 - 30 minutes several times a week on soft floors would be an ideal start. All barefoot shoes have a protective function. An excessive switch from conventional shoes to barefoot shoes will never make sense. Please also note our training tips.

Walking barefoot strengthens the muscles in your feet, corrects your posture and relieves stress on your joints.

Many customers with this problem report that the thin upper material brings them relief.

Size advice

Barefoot shoes must be wide so that the toes can move optimally. In shoes that are too tight, the toes cannot work and the muscles atrophy. Initially, self-perception, the so-called proprioception, often conveys that the barefoot shoe is too big. We often wear shoes that are too tight and short.
People with a flat instep should choose a narrower version. A lace-up shoe is more suitable than a slipper or ballerina. A slightly higher shoe that fits better due to the shaft height often helps. If the eyelets almost "overlap" each other, it often helps to take some of the volume out of the shoe. This can be achieved with slightly thicker socks or an insole. This means the foot comes a little higher in the shoe and fills the shoe better.

We have provided a video for measuring your feet. Here you can clearly see how easy it is to quickly and accurately measure your feet. You can find the video at the following link:

pages/sizefinder

You will find the size information inside the shoe itself.
 
You will also find the delivered shoe size on your invoice and order confirmation.

Delivery

The goods are delivered worldwide. If your delivery country is not displayed, please send us an email with your order request.

The delivery costs will be displayed after you enter your delivery country. Please note that import duties (customs fees) may apply for deliveries outside of Germany. These costs are not covered by us and must be paid by you.

Material and care

The grain represents the natural structure of the leather, comparable to the bark of a tree and the resulting grain in a parquet floor. Both can be hidden with a lot of color or a very coarse cut, but the structure in particular is an expression of a very high-quality natural product, because it is only processed very carefully in order to preserve its unique character.

Light dirt can be removed using a cloth or soft brush; heavier dirt can be cleaned with a damp cloth. When using waterproofing sprays, please ensure that they are suitable for breathable materials.

Pinatex is a natural and vegan alternative to leather made from pulp fibers from pineapple leaves.

Pinatex does not require additional resources such as water, fertilizers or pesticides and is sustainable as it is a by-product of pineapple production.

We recommend a damp cloth and the use of “Organic Cream” for care. Please do not use waterproofing spray under any circumstances. 

You can easily remove coarse dirt with a brush. Dried edges or stains can be removed with a warm, damp cloth. Alternatively, you can also care for the entire shoe with a universal spray.

You can easily remove coarse dirt with a brush. Dried edges or stains can be removed with a warm, damp cloth. Then apply a thin layer of shoe polish to the smooth areas of the leather. Alternatively, you can also care for the entire shoe with a universal spray.

What you love... you take care of it. This should also apply to high-quality shoes. Your shoes endure thousands of kicks every day, get covered in dirt and moisture, have to walk over stones and other sharp objects and should always look perfectly styled. This is a mammoth task. Especially after the cold and wet season, one or two shoes probably need a little more attention. You can keep your shoes in new condition with simple means and little effort.

Our leather is very durable and always shows its best side even under high stress. But like any leather shoe, it needs some time off to regenerate. That's why you should generally only wear your shoes for one day and then give them a day off. This is the only way the leather can release the moisture it has absorbed and maintain its shape. A dry brush is sufficient for care and is best used to remove coarse dirt every week. You can bring the velvety surface back into shape with a suede brush. The leather should then be impregnated with a colorless suede spray. Thanks to the impregnation, dirt does not stick to the leather as easily, and rainwater, for example, can penetrate even harder into the shoe because the natural protection of the leather is supported.

For models in which the smooth side of the leather is processed on the outside, you can either use an impregnation spray or apply colored shoe polish very thinly. After a short exposure time, polish the leather with a soft brush. Please only apply the shoe polish thinly, otherwise the leather can no longer breathe and the foot climate in the shoe will be adversely affected.

With these simple measures you can enjoy the look of your leather shoes for a long time. 

We do not treat or impregnate our leather. We only use leather from well-known and certified tanneries in Germany and the EU that not only print the issue of environmental protection but also live it. Therefore, every leather in our shoes is a natural product that requires a certain amount of care depending on its use. If you would rather do without care products such as sprays, then you are welcome to do so. Even aged leather has its own unique charm. 

sole

With our rubber sole you don't have to worry about harmful environmental influences. Whether at the gas station or the workshop, our rubber is extremely durable and does not easily break down into its components. Therefore, there are no restrictions in daily use and no reason for you to worry about such trivialities.

The sole is simply fixed with an adhesive and then sewn to the shaft by hand. A seam is an expression of craftsmanship and is much more durable than pure gluing. So don't worry if the glue comes off a bit. This can happen, but it shouldn't worry you.

A sole is always a compromise between flexibility, grip and wear. We also cannot invent a perpetual motion machine. Barefoot shoes in particular thrive on having the thinnest possible sole, which guarantees you maximum mobility. 
 
Our rubber sole has one of the lowest abrasion values ​​in the industry. We are particularly proud of this. This has already been proven by many publications. Martin Müller, for example, who walked from Gibraltar to Nordkapp, says about our sole: 
 
"Despite its thin construction, the sole seems to show hardly any abrasion. Even after a long stretch over asphalt, there are no visible signs of wear."
 
So you can be sure with one ZAQQ Sole has one of the most advanced and durable soles in the field of barefoot shoes. 
A shoe consists of many seams, not just the sole seam. A seam always means a hole in the material through which the thread is passed. However, the big advantage of rubber is that the hole in the sole closes immediately. In addition, we use polyamide as a yarn material, which does not carry moisture inside. So you don't have to worry about wet feet due to our sole seam. 
 
On the contrary, on unsewn shoes the glue often softens due to moisture. You can see this when you look at “normal” shoes in the crease area. The sole often separates from the shaft after just several weeks. 


Exchange

Since we are 100% convinced of the quality and design of our products, we have the right to exchange and return products within 30 days of receipt, despite individual production upon request. This gives you peace of mind if your ZAQQ If you really don't like barefoot shoes, you can send them back to us without any hassle. 
 
Please send yours ZAQQ`s returned to us in the original packaging. In this context, however, you should note that we can only guarantee you a refund or exchange if the shoes are in perfect condition.
 
So that we can assign the return to your order, it is important that you fill out the returns form from the Returns portal use. A Exchange of shoes in a different model or size can be returned free of charge via our returns portal free new shipping (within Germany)
At one full return (regardless of the choice of shipping service provider or use of our returns portal), we will deduct a refund amount Cost amount of EUR 3.90 off. Do you keep one? Part of your order and you send a part back, falls no expense amount and you only pay the shipping costs you have already paid.
 
You should outside Germany live, then unfortunately we cannot cover the costs for the return transport and these will be at your expense, unless the return is due to an error on our part and originates from countries in the European Union. If this is the case, please choose standard shipping, as we do not reimburse costs incurred by express shipments.
 
For justified returns, which is their origin outside the European Union Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse the transport costs.

For an exchange delivery to the United States, please order again from our shop. 
 
As soon as yours ZAQQOnce it has been received and checked by us, it will be credited immediately.
 
Alternatively, we would be happy to send you another one ZAQQ Model or you will receive your chosen model in a different color.

Of course it happens that shoes don't fit you. You can find your return label here (only available for orders from Germany): 

Returns portal ZAQQ

ZAQQ Wearing shoes

We can confirm that the soles of our models offer effective protection against lying shards, sharp stones or thorns.

Definitely! Because of the direct proximity to the ground and our rubber sole, you have a surprising amount of support and grip. 

It would be ideal if children didn't forget the original running movement through shoes. Older people are often unsure whether it still makes sense for them to wear toe shoes/barefoot shoes. In no case does this depend on age, but rather on the degree of symptoms.

Every foot is different, so there is no perfect fit. It doesn't matter whether you have a narrow or a wide foot, because our cuts are designed for maximum comfort and cannot be compared to a conventional shoe. The hold on the foot is achieved via the entry into the shoe and the special lacing. So that the foot feels comfortable, the shoe should not be too tight. We also use different lasts for men and women. Just try it out, so far every foot has a suitable one ZAQQ found.

You can wear our shoes every day and in any weather. A leather shoe has many advantages, because on the one hand it is breathable and therefore offers a healthy foot climate, on the other hand it is very water and dirt repellent. Therefore, it doesn't matter whether the temperatures are high or low ZAQQ There is always a comfortable climate for your feet. 

In any case, ambitious cycling, whether on an MTB or a racing bike, makes sense with special cycling shoes with very hard soles. Barefoot shoes are definitely suitable for riding a conventional bike with standard pedals.

There is that ZAQQ PREQUEL or QUINTIC as a winter version with real lambskin lining. 

Here you will find a selection of our winter models:

<< ZAQQ Winter shoes >>

Payment

Of course, we are very happy about customers who regularly buy shoes from us or several pairs ZAQQown it. This speaks for the quality and design of our shoes. However, quality from Germany also has its price. We cannot therefore offer a discount for our handcrafted shoes. However, you can regularly find reduced-price models in our online shop.

Unfortunately, we do not offer the VAT refund service for customers whose order was delivered to Germany and then transferred to a third country.

The payment options will be displayed to you during your ordering process. You have the option to pay via Paypal, prepayment or shopify.

Should it ever be necessary to refund an amount of money, the money will usually be refunded in the same way as it reached us. This means that if you paid via PayPal, for example, you will also receive the refund paid out to your PayPal account.

You can easily find our account details in your order confirmation.

  • Hand-sewn rubber sole with anti-slip structure

  • Eine einfache Strichzeichnung eines Blattes Papier mit Textzeilen und einer Unterschrift am unteren Rand. Ein Stift liegt diagonal über der unteren rechten Ecke und suggeriert, das Dokument zu schreiben oder zu unterschreiben. Das Bild ist weiß auf transparentem Hintergrund.

    A promise to you: ZAQQ Shoes do not need to be “bron in”.

  • Abstrakte Strichzeichnung zweier einander zugewandter Hände, deren Handflächen geöffnet und leicht gewölbt sind. Eine durchgehende, geschwungene Linie verbindet sie und vermittelt ein Gefühl von Verbundenheit oder Bewegung. Die Abbildung ist weiß auf schwarzem Hintergrund.

    Real handwork in ours ZAQQ Barefoot shoes manufactory

  • Ein schwarzweißes Symbol, das eine klassische Filmkamera mit zwei Rollen oben zeigt. Die Kamera ist auf einem Stativ montiert, mit detaillierten Umrissen der Rollen und des Gehäuses. Das schlichte Design vermittelt einen Vintage-Stil und betont die Funktion der Kamera für Film- oder Videoproduktionen.

    Healthy: Zero heel to protect the joints and maintain a healthy posture

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