Written in Partnership with Amir Bakian
What can proper footwear do for people? They ensure comfort, support and reduce the risk of injuries. As the weather heats up, sandals may be the go-to choice but unsupportive styles come at a price. Typically flimsy and unstructured, sandals often lack arch support and cushioning, leading to discomfort and potential foot issues.
Enter, Bared Footwear. The iconic Australian-based fashion label has transformed the average flip-flop and crafted a collection that will save your feet this summer.
A game-changing brand takes the first steps
Podiatrist turned footwear designer, Anna Baird, the founder at Bared Footwear, noticed a gap in the market for footwear that was both on-trend and comfortable “I found myself recommending shoes I would never wear and had to do something about it,” Baird states.
Her journey began with the development of a unique biomechanical footbed. Incorporated into every pair of shoes, this meticulously designed footbed alleviates discomfort in the forefoot, promotes joint mobility, eliminates heel pain and enhances alignment of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Unlike traditional sandals, additional cushioning beneath the footbed ensures comfort throughout the day, while steel shanks provide enduring support.
Fifteen years on, Baird has created an extensive range of men’s and women’s shoes that their growing cult following can’t seem to get enough of.
Sandals like no other
From plaited sandals to woven closed-toe flats, the range is designed to enhance your every step, rather than inhibiting it. Every pair is wear tested and tweaked to ensure maximum comfort, the label won’t send a sample to manufacture until it’s passed the fit test.
Since all the efforts have become such a delight to loyal customers, many customer reviews agree that Bared Footwear has mastered the balance between an aesthetically pleasing pair of footwear without compromising the comfort. “These shoes go with basically any outfit. Super comfortable, I can wear them the whole day without any discomfort! Would recommend 100%!” comments Lily.
“The staff are amazing. The store is very cool, and the shoes are SO comfy.” – Elle Ferguson
Stepping up to larger goals
As Australia’s first B Corp-certified footwear, the label focuses on balancing purpose and profit and the importance of transparency. The team at Bared Footwear is aware of the terrible impact the footwear industry has on the planet. That’s why they are improving every aspect of our business to innovate and revolutionise the future of the fashion industry. Among these are the continuous search for plastic-free, vegan materials to create a selection of their shoes and the launch of a plant-based footbed crafted from 72% biobased materials.
“We are still on the journey to develop a shoe that is 100% biobased and will break down naturally, but we are proud of our progress, and we are really excited to be working with some incredible new materials that are being developed all over the world,” says Baird.
With three Melbourne stores, a Sydney CBD flagship, a newly developed Brisbane boutique, and a thriving online business, Bared Footwear has become a leader in the footwear industry, yet the brand is still excited to change mindsets, question processes, and be on track to continuously improve and change the industry forever.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.