Indian barefoot brands

13 October 2025
Adarsh Gopal

If you told me 5 years ago that there would be three domestic, locally-manufactured barefoot brands : Canyon, Impakto and Zen, I would have asked you if you were high.

The domestic demand and awareness did not exist.

But here we are.

Here’s why I think this is important:

Shoes need to be broad so the feet have room to spread.
This is especially important in kids, so the bones and soft tissue in their feet develop properly.
While there is no one right way to walk, run, jump or move, ample room to move freely is a good thing in most cases. There are cases such as plantar fasciitis, collapsed arches or flat feet that could use support or coaching to achieve better outcomes.

Here’s what could be better:

I really think the quality of the sole matters in barefoot shoes and sandals. After playing around and watching clients, I am convinced Vibram and Vivo are doing something right when it comes to the rubber compounds they are using for their soles. The grip, feel and feedback while training is miles ahead.
The quality of the upper on the sandal. This is the part your foot makes contact with. The rubber used makes or breaks the feedback and feel.
Quality of straps. The nylon has to be soft yet robust. It cannot fray too easily with friction nor can it feel like a jute rope fraying the skin off your foot.
Design. This is subjective. But I’d like a few more ‘basic’ options.

Here’s who we have to thank:

Gambol for stocking Luna and Vibram in India, Amazon for bringing Luna to India in 2015 and Sharath Raju for bringing Vivo to India in 2011.

All writing