Love at first step with ZAQQ YORQ barefoot shoes

Based on a true story

“Do you want to try???”. This time it wasn't about a juicy piece of chocolate cake. I was just walking with my best friend when she told me with shining eyes about her first barefoot shoes. Since they seemed extremely inconspicuous, I had no reason to comment on her footwear. Sorry!

Until that day, I must also confess, I had never heard of this type of shoe. It sounded strange, and I was unsure what to expect. Well, I probably wouldn't die from it...

Since my friend is also lovable and absolutely extraordinary (who rides a horse to work?) and everything she is enthusiastic about is pretty cool and trendy, I agreed and we swapped – but only the right shoe. I wanted to be on the safe side. As I slipped in and tied the shoelace, I started walking, and then it happened...

How the first barefoot shoe changed my life

...I was dazed. Not because I had fallen. Haha! No. Because I was wearing two different shoes, I could notice a direct difference. While my own shoe cramped my foot, my toes and balls had enough space in the barefoot shoe. The shoe was extremely soft and hugged my foot perfectly. It was cuddly soft and also very light, as if I wasn't wearing a shoe at all. But it was there! I could see it ?.

But the real highlight, which made it impossible for me to contain my excitement, was the super flexible and soft sole. Every step allowed me to feel the ground beneath me. With wide eyes and an open mouth, only one thought crossed my mind: I had fallen in love.

Since my childhood, I have loved walking barefoot. We had a large garden. It was my outdoor playroom. There, I could explore the world with my feet. Feeling the soft grass, the sharp stones - which cheekily glowed in the summer - the fine, tickling sand, and the scratchy bristles of our doormat - it was a fantastic adventure every time.

Lost in memories, I had now put on the second barefoot shoe, and I was sure: my friend would never get them back.

Oh no, there was still a problem...

The Suppressed Desire for Barefoot Shoes

Even though I briefly considered making a quick (and super, mega, extremely comfortable!) getaway to finally call the shoes my own, I dismissed this despicable thought and, of course, returned the shoes. Friendship forever.

But how did it continue? What became of my great love for barefoot shoes?

We actually lost sight of each other for a few years - the barefoot shoe and I. The reason back then wasn't the shape, which some find takes getting used to. No, that's simply the shape of our feet. Since our bodies are an aesthetic masterpiece in their entirety, our feet are also perfectly shaped. So why not wear a shoe that corresponds to the originally intended contour? It's also much healthier and prevents misalignment of the toes and thus further health problems. For example, that hideous and mean creature known as Vuxal Hallis, no, Hulla Vaxis, Axel Valgis or was it Hallux Valgus? Whatever it is, I've been struggling with it for many years. High heels were, among other things, my downfall. May they rest in peace.

Well, back to the actual problem with my friend's shoe: it was... the design. The shoe was absolutely nondescript, expressionless, unspectacular. The "certain something" was missing. Something special. That "Wow" or "Boah" that makes you applaud with joy. I know, it doesn't always have to be extravagant. But sometimes it does!

And besides: If I have to imprison my feet (barefoot to work? Better not...), then they should at least be beautifully housed. As if they were living in their own little palace. So the desire for the perfect barefoot shoe slumbered within me and was finally to be satisfied one day...

Rediscovered the Lost Love for Barefoot Shoes

After years, the love for barefoot shoes flared up again. Finally!

My research showed that barefoot shoes or the so-called 'minimal shoes' had now further established themselves on the market. So I browsed through various online shops of renowned barefoot shoe providers. I got to know ZAQQ. And found out that there are creative minds with a penchant for sustainability and design who set the goal for themselves to create something special. Functionality meets design.

The result is a variety of models. I no longer had to do without anything. There are ballerinas, business shoes, house shoes, moccasins, outdoor shoes, running shoes, sandals, lace-up shoes, sock shoes, boots. Even the sneaker models vary: sometimes high-top or mid-cut. The wide range of barefoot shoe types made me look at my tablet in awe.

Whether dynamic, elegant, extravagant, exotic, classic, casual, sophisticated, retro, romantic, sporty – there is every style, in every color. Whether monochrome or cheerfully colorful. Whether metallic shimmering or straightforward and clean.

There are also the eye-catchers. Colorful soles and laces, glittering stone applications, shimmering sequins, floral embroidery, noble lace, cool studs, silver and gold buckles, braided straps.

So I had dreams and ideas of the perfect barefoot shoes. ZAQQ woke me up and made me realize: my dreams not only seem real, they are!

Even my beloved running sole – the highlight of every barefoot shoe – is offered in different variations. With or without cushioning (this has nothing to do with cooking, but with the function of absorbing the force that occurs when stepping) and different strengths of the sole and tread depth.

Sorry, back to the story. So I languished and longed for the first own barefoot shoe. If not for another problem that arose: I discovered extremely many special and expressive designs at ZAQQ, which I craved so much that I didn't know how I would ever pay for these shoes in a lifetime. Well, so I decided on 'less is more'. And so I found my absolute favorite barefoot shoe... the YORQ.

The Beginning of a Great Love Story with Barefoot Shoes

Finally, I held the shoebox in my hands and opened it in slow motion. Do you think I'm crazy? Yes, uh, no! I just believe that one should enjoy every second when they've chosen THE right one. So, let's continue. The deep black tissue paper appeared, which I unfolded gently and crackling. And there it was. My object of desire. My first barefoot shoe. My precioussss!

A beautiful mid-cut boot, skillfully staged by the combination of the finest suede and nappa leather. A jewel crafted in artisanal perfection for me. A bit retro and yet absolutely contemporary. Upon closer inspection, I noticed another highlight: the optical heel. So, it looks a bit like a business shoe in the guise of a boot. Ingeniously thought out down to the smallest detail.

My first walk with my “new one” was, of course, a dream. By the way, I didn't have to break in the shoe or gradually get used to walking with barefoot shoes. Why would I? I don't have to get used to walking barefoot, either.

And once again, I became more aware: Our feet carry us thousands of kilometers through our lives and therefore deserve only the best. I don't want to wear any other shoes anymore. I've enjoyed and grown to love the feeling of walking too much for that.

So, after almost selling my entire interior to indulge in my new vice and having more barefoot shoes than dishes in the apartment, I can finally sit back happily and contentedly. No, of course, that was just a joke. I have exactly one more piece of dishware than barefoot shoes.

My conclusion: with the perfect barefoot shoe, you can feel and enjoy life even more.