BarfuSys

Initial situation & project description

In recent years, a new category of footwear has established itself: barefoot shoes. A precise distinction from conventional shoes is difficult, and the transition is fluid. A key characteristic of barefoot shoes is the more intensive contact between the wearer's feet and the environment. On the one hand, this is desirable to more closely approximate the feeling of walking barefoot. On the other hand, the shoes lose some of their protective functions against external influences such as temperature, mechanical stress, slipping, moisture, impact, pressure, cuts, etc.

While conventional shoes are well researched in terms of their construction, physical properties, and durability over their expected lifespans, such information, wearer experience, and laboratory data are often lacking. Information on sustainability and recycling is also incomplete. For example, what happens if the wearer steps on a piece of broken glass or on cold or hot surfaces? How should pollutants be assessed, since barefoot shoes are often worn without socks?

Since the Testing and Research Institute (PFI) possesses the expertise to examine barefoot shoes regarding these issues, assess their long-term performance, evaluate their biomechanical suitability, compare their hygienic properties, and record sustainability aspects, the PFI is dedicating this research project to this topic. Through the development of relevant, adapted quality criteria, requirements, and testing methods at the PFI, manufacturers and suppliers are provided with criteria, methods, and opportunities to relevantly and appropriately assess, optimize, and demonstrate the quality of their products.

In this project, the PFI aims to investigate and evaluate the new shoe category of barefoot shoes regarding quality, safety, pollutant levels, comfort, and sustainability. New testing methods and assessment criteria may need to be derived or developed.
 
This raises the following questions:

• In what physical and chemical properties do barefoot shoes differ from conventional footwear?
• How do barefoot shoes affect human biomechanics?
• How should wearing comfort and hygiene be assessed?
• What specific requirements for barefoot footwear can be derived from this?
• Which testing methods are suitable for evaluating and ensuring the quality of barefoot shoes? Are adjustments or new developments of testing methods necessary?
• Do the assessment criteria need to be adapted?
• Which limit values are technically feasible?

Answering all these questions should serve to clearly define barefoot shoes as such. Currently, there are general definitions of barefoot shoes and characteristics that define them, but precise quantitative thresholds for when a shoe qualifies as a barefoot shoe have not yet been established. The aim of this research project is therefore to determine meaningful testing methods, assessment criteria, and their threshold values to make a clear statement as to whether a shoe model is a barefoot shoe or not.