A UK Barefoot Shoe Brand Founded on Natural Movement

Freet is a UK barefoot shoe brand founded in 2010 by Andrew and Sarah in North Yorkshire, England.

For over 17 years in the footwear industry, our focus has been simple: create shoes that allow feet to move naturally while still providing the durability and protection needed for real-world use. 

Today, Freet shoes are worn for hiking, trail running, training, travel and everyday life, by people who want footwear that works with their feet rather than restricting them.

Where Freet Began

Freet started with a personal problem.

After years of playing sport, trekking long distances and serving in the military, our founder Andrew was dealing with persistent knee pain. He had spent much of his life outdoors and relied on high-quality footwear, yet something wasn’t working.

When Andrew discovered barefoot shoes, the idea made immediate sense:

Feet are designed to move naturally - so why were most shoes designed to restrict them?

Drawing on his experience in the hiking boot industry, Andrew began developing footwear that stripped away unnecessary structure while keeping the elements that matter most:

• durability for long distances

• protection from the ground and terrain

• immediate comfort

• natural movement for healthy feet

That philosophy became Freet.

Andrew and his wife Sarah launched the brand in North Yorkshire in 2010, combining their passion for the outdoors with a belief that footwear should support the way the human body is designed to move.

Andrew and Sarah in North Yorkshire, UK

17 Years in the Barefoot Footwear Industry

Barefoot footwear is a young industry, but Freet has been part of it for over a decade.

From early prototypes to today’s range of trail, training and everyday barefoot shoes, our focus has stayed consistent:

• Wide toe boxes so toes can spread naturally

• Flexible soles that allow natural foot movement

• Zero-drop design to support natural posture

• Durable construction suitable for real outdoor use

Our aim has never been to make the thinnest shoe possible. Instead, we design footwear that balances natural movement with practical protection, so our shoes can handle real-world terrain.

Many customers discover barefoot shoes for the first time through Freet, and we often hear the same reaction:

"Where have these been all my life?"

Designed for the Outdoors. Built to Last.

Freet shoes are designed with outdoor use in mind.

Our team develops specialised outsole, insole and midsole systems that balance grip, flexibility and durability across different environments including:

• mountain trails

• muddy paths

• urban pavements

• gym training

• everyday walking

Because we believe the most sustainable product is one that lasts and performs properly, durability is a key part of our design philosophy.

Sustainability and Responsible Materials

If you love the outdoors, you have a responsibility to protect it.

We continually work to reduce our environmental impact through responsible materials and production choices.

Some of the materials we use include:

BottleYarn
A textile made from recycled plastic bottles.

CoffeeYarn
A material created using recycled coffee grounds.

These innovations help reduce waste while maintaining the durability and performance needed for outdoor footwear.

We continue to increase recycled content across our range while designing shoes that last longer and reduce unnecessary consumption.

A Family-Run Barefoot Shoe Brand

Freet has always remained a family-run company, with Andrew and Sarah closely involved in designing and testing every shoe.

In 2025, their daughter Daisy joined the business as Sales & Marketing Director, bringing the next generation into the brand.

Having grown up wearing Freet shoes on family walks and outdoor adventures, Daisy’s goal is to help introduce natural movement footwear to a wider audience and a younger generation.

Daisy testing the Tanga 3 in Almeria, Spain 

Our Philosophy

We don’t believe feet need correcting.

We believe they need trusting.

Feet are naturally strong, adaptable and designed to move. Our job is simply to make footwear that allows them to do what they were built for.

That belief continues to guide everything we do at Freet.