Brazil’s tropical vibes. Smooth sandy beaches, radiant sun and radiant smiles, bare feet. 

Bare feet? Yeah, not the tourists… at least until we go there ;)

Watching travel vloggers is a very fascinating way to spend time. The good creators make you feel like you’re there with them, immersed in the experience. Only when the video is over, you snap out of it. I was watching this guy’s series in Brazil. He was in the favelas in Rio accompanied by locals (if you do go there, please let yourself be in the company of a local), and how could he have missed the beach scene of the city? That’s what we know Brazil for anyway. 

One thing I noticed in these videos is that most Brasileiros wear them flip flops. Simple footwear and most appropriate for the environment. Good luck trying to remove a boatload of sand from your Nikes, while everyone else just does a little foot shake and they’re happy. Ok, they’re smart people, they wear the right kinda footwear. But I noticed something even more intriguing about Brazilian people’s feet from these videos. Everyone’s toes were splained out evenly and beautifully. The arches of the feet were literal arches, and no bunions in sight. 

The Chama Drip

I thought to myself, are they wearing flip flops because it’s an affordable lifestyle? Or just because they’re most suitable for beaches and hot weather? At least it makes sense for the context of the favelas. These areas are bustling centres of activity, with some big thing always going on. These favelas are LIVE, but people also barely get by financially. Flip flops now seem a very reasonable and affordable option. I dug deeper though, I was not satisfied with “money is tight and all they can afford is a flat piece of rubber with a gummy worm holding feet in place”. 

Most Brazilians actually grow up walking around barefoot. Kids play with no socks or shoes on the asphalt. This is something that I found out while watching the travel vlogger I mentioned earlier. This is the way of life. And maybe they have it easy with the hot weather that won’t give them frostbite. Concrete floors are never gentle on the knees and ankles, shards of glass in Brazil are not made of cotton candy, and sand still absorbs solar heat like a sponge. Yet, the boys and girls run around barefoot in the streets of Rio. 

Their lifestyle is one of necessity and resourcefulness. They have amazingly strong and beautiful feet because they had no other choice. On the other hand, we have a choice. We grew up with Nike, Adidas, and Vans. Maybe we were led to believe that those kinds of shoes are the standard of footwear. I’m talking about trainers and shoes with pointy toe boxes and raised heels. 

We want the good too

Key point: Belief. The kinds of shoes most people here in the UK wear are NOT necessarily the kind of shoes that we should wear. Our concrete ground is definitely colder, which means walking around barefoot around London is a no no, but it’s not harder than the concrete in the favelas of Rio. I however don’t see an epidemic of arthritis in the knees there.

We have a choice here. We’ve got barefoot shoes — minimalist, zero-drop footwear made to keep us comfortable wherever we go. They support the natural shape of our arches and give space to the toes we love wiggling around. In short, they help our feet look and feel their best — just like the beautiful, natural feet of our brothers and sisters in Brazil.

They never feel embarrassed showing the natural appeal of their feet, because the barefoot lifestyle, by necessity, made them look the best version of themselves. Now we, by choice, can also feel confident and empowered in our feet, supported by footwear that promotes natural foot movement and healthy posture.

Want Beautiful and Healthy Feet Like Brazilians?

Brazil’s feet have their own story, and it’s one of natural beauty, health, and freedom. Now, it’s your turn to experience the same. The transition to barefoot shoes isn’t just about following a trend - it’s about giving your feet the space, support, and comfort they deserve.

To keep your feet comfortable, especially in the summer, we offer a wide selection of barefoot sandals, perfect for hot days. Lightweight, breathable, and designed to let your feet move naturally, these sandals will support your foot health and provide comfort all day long. 

We believe that beautiful feet are healthy feet, which is why we offer shoes that support natural movement and improve foot health. If you're just starting out, check out our collection for beginners - an easy way to step into the barefoot lifestyle with supportive and stylish options. You can also check out our article on “How to Start Wearing Barefoot Shoes.”

Say goodbye to stiff, restrictive shoes that hold your feet back, and say hello to the freedom of barefoot shoes. Start your journey today and join the movement of people taking control of their foot health and beauty, just like the vibrant souls in Brazil.

Ready to give your feet the care they deserve?