TRANSITIONING TO BAREFOOT SHOES? TIPS TO MAKE IT EASY!

So, you’ve decided to make the leap (or maybe a cautious tiptoe) into the barefoot shoe world. First of all, WELCOME! We’re high-fiving you with our toes.

Whether you’re here because your feet begged for freedom, your knees asked for kindness, or you just saw some wildly colourful kicks and thought “oooh yes,” we’re glad you found us.

But let’s be real, switching to barefoot shoes isn’t just about chucking your old shoes in the bin and running into the sunset. There’s a transition involved… and we’re here to make it smoother than sliding into a fresh pair of socks.

👣 Why Transitioning Matters

Your feet have probably spent years squished into narrow, structured shoes, with raised heels and arch support doing all the heavy lifting. Barefoot shoes ask your feet to do their own thing again - to spread out, to move, to feel. It’s like giving your feet their independence back. But just like any freedom movement, it takes a bit of time and adjustment.

Our Top Tips for an Easy Barefoot Transition:

1. Take it Slow (Tortoise Mode Activated)

Start by wearing your barefoot shoes for short periods each day. Think: walking the dog, school run, or that trip to the post office. Build up your time gradually so your muscles and tendons can wake up and stretch without feeling overwhelmed.

🚫 Don't: Go for a 10km hike on Day One.
✅ Do: Let your feet ease into their new groove.

2. Try a Bit of Cushioning (Yes, It’s Allowed!)

Did you know all our current adult styles come with a 5mm removable insole? It’s a perfect way to ease into barefoot life.

If you’re new to this world, leave the insole in for a little extra cushioning and support. Once you’re feeling more confident (and your feet have adjusted), just take it out and enjoy a thinner, more grounded experience. It’s like customising your own transition path - very cool.

3. Strengthen + Stretch

Your feet are full of little muscles that have been on holiday. Time to bring them back to work gently. Incorporate simple foot exercises, like toe spreads, calf raises, and picking up socks with your toes (surprisingly satisfying). Not only will your feet, but your calves, hips, and even your glutes will thank you too. It’s all connected!

Not sure where to start? Check out our friends at The Foot Collective for training tips.

4. Listen to Your Body

Some achiness? Totally normal. Pain? That’s a red flag. Listen in - if something doesn’t feel right, dial it back and give your body time to adjust.

5. Alternate Shoes if Needed

No shame in mixing it up! You can rotate between your barefoot shoes and your “before-freedom” shoes while your body adjusts. We’re all about progress, not perfection.

6. Start on Softer Ground

Grass, sand, carpet - soft surfaces are your feet’s besties when you’re just starting out. Hard concrete? Not so much, not just yet.

The PaperKrane Way

Our shoes are designed to make this journey easy, colourful, and FUN. They’re zero drop, foot-shaped, flexible, and built to help your feet function naturally, without sacrificing style.

Plus, with the option to add or remove the insole, you get to decide how "barefoot" you go. Whether you're a total newbie or already letting your toes roam wild and free, we’ve got something to suit your step.

So go ahead, start small, be kind to your body, and enjoy every wiggle and wriggle along the way. Transitioning to barefoot is a journey, and we’re walking it with you (in very cool shoes, of course).

Got questions? Need tips? Want to show off your first barefoot steps? Email us or come hang out with us on Instagram or Facebook - we LOVE seeing your feet do their thing!