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Andrew explains Durham - A British Classic Reinvented For Barefoot
Looking for a barefoot Chelsea boot that combines timeless design with natural comfort and lasting durability? Meet the Freet Durham : a beautifully balanced boot that’s smart enough for town and tough enough for country walks.
Watch Andrew explain here:
Why We Made the Freet Durham
“We wanted to create a Chelsea boot that feels equally at home on a muddy path or walking through town,” Andrew explains in the video.
After the success of our York and Richmond barefoot styles, we wanted to go higher with ankle coverage, warmth and all-round versatility.
The Freet Durham was made to be:
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Stylish enough for everyday wear
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Durable enough for outdoor adventures
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Unisex
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Faithful to barefoot design principles
It’s the barefoot Chelsea boot that bridges performance and polish.
Premium Nubuck Leather Upper
The Durham uses full-grain top split leather in a rich mid-chocolate brown tone. We lightly sand and buff each piece to create a soft nubuck finish - tactile, elegant, and built to last.
“This leather has great manners; it looks smart, but it can take a bit of weather too,” Andrew says.
Maintain the nubuck feel with a Nick Wax spray, or apply a leather wax for a smoother, polishable finish. However you treat it, it’s made to age beautifully with use.
Easy On, Secure Fit - No Zips Needed
Early prototypes tested zips, but we found a better way. The final Freet Durham uses a premium stretch gusset and strong heel loop for simple, secure entry.
“We discovered that a high-quality elastic gusset gives the best fit and flexibility,” Andrew explains. “It’s cleaner, more classic and better at keeping water out than a zip.”
The result is a minimalist Chelsea boot that feels effortless to wear and naturally protective in all conditions.
Comfort Meets Ground Feel
Inside, you’ll find our Flexile Nano insole - thinner, lighter and more breathable than our standard Flexile version. It provides soft cushioning while keeping that true barefoot feel.
Need more cushioning? Swap it for our 6mm Light or 4mm Rebound insoles for extra shock absorption or energy return.
Underfoot, the MidFlex midsole gives flexible protection that supports natural movement without stiffness.
Long-Lasting Urban Grip Outsole
The Durham’s stitched Urban Grip outsole adds an extra millimetre of rubber - giving enhanced durability without losing flexibility or ground connection.
“If you’re investing in a premium barefoot boot, you want it to last,” Andrew explains. “That extra bit of rubber means more miles, less waste, and a shoe that stays out of landfill longer.”
Built for everyday wear, the outsole balances sustainability, comfort, and long-term performance.
Built on Barefoot Principles
Every Freet shoe begins with the same foundations of natural movement:
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Wide toe box – allows natural toe spread and balance
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Zero drop – flat from heel to toe for healthy alignment
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Fully flexible sole – keeps your feet responsive and free
“We design for natural movement first,” says Andrew. “Then we add the protection, comfort, and quality needed for real-world use.”
The Freet Durham stays true to these barefoot principles while offering classic style and durable build quality.
Who the Durham Is For
The Freet Durham barefoot Chelsea boot is designed for:
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People who want barefoot freedom in a smarter, everyday style
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Town and country wearers who move between pavements and paths
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Anyone looking for premium leather durability with natural comfort
If you love the York or Richmond but want something higher, warmer, and more protective, the Durham is your next step.
Final Thoughts
With the Durham, you don’t have to choose between style and barefoot function. You get:
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Premium nubuck leather that blends elegance and durability
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A classic Chelsea design with easy pull-on comfort
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A flexible, long-lasting outsole for everyday wear
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True barefoot movement for healthy, natural feet
As Andrew sums it up:
“It’s a boot that looks right in town, feels right in the countryside, and moves the way your feet are meant to.”
Step into the barefoot Chelsea boot that does it all - smart, tough, and naturally comfortable.
