FAQ's

Feet are highly sensitive sensory organs. Experience what it’s like to walk on natural surfaces again. Feel the dew of the fresh spring meadow beneath your feet or walk barefoot in the sand again. Strengthen your muscles, prevent varicose veins and boost your metabolism. Walk barefoot as much and as often as you can. If you’re worried about injuries, wear barefoot shoes – you’ll be better protected, but it’ll feel just like walking barefoot. 

In the event of injuries or serious conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, walking barefoot can lead to overuse injuries. In such cases, barefoot activities should only be undertaken with medical approval and under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist. Joggers should start slowly and allow their muscles, tendons and ligaments 15–18 weeks to get used to (protected) barefoot running.

Certainly not, but our feet are no longer used to this because we wear shoes all the time. Most shoes dramatically alter our gait. Due to the raised heel and cushioning, the foot strikes the ground on the heel rather than on the forefoot and midfoot. This often ‘locks’ the knee, and the impact forces affect the foot, knee, hip and back. The stride becomes too long and the gait shifts. In principle, every step is like a small jump, but this is not possible at all in almost all conventional shoes, which can lead to the atrophy of many muscles in the foot and poor posture. Walking barefoot should always be started gently; a 15–30-minute walk on soft surfaces several times a week would be an ideal way to begin. All barefoot shoes serve a protective function in this regard. An abrupt switch from conventional shoes to barefoot shoes is by no means advisable. Please also refer to our training tips.

Walking barefoot strengthens the muscles in your feet, improves your posture and takes the strain off your joints.

Not only is it possible, but it is actually recommended, as functional training in particular benefits enormously from the improved ground feedback. Many well-known personal trainers and therapists wear barefoot shoes themselves. Unfortunately, gym owners occasionally exercise their right to manage their premises and ban these shoes due to alleged risks from falling weights or similar objects.

From a therapeutic perspective, we can report that it is certainly beneficial to perform climbing exercises in shoes with very soft soles, as this places a significant strain on the foot muscles. We know from customer feedback that some of our customers actively climb in barefoot shoes. However, we lack the expertise in this area.

You’ll need to start from scratch by practising your posture and correcting your usual running technique. After that, you’ll gradually strengthen your leg muscles, as well as the tendons and ligaments in your lower legs. Your arch will also gradually adapt and soon serve as natural protection. Posture: Chest out, head up and eyes on the horizon. To help, try to move your ears as far away from your shoulders as possible (but don’t overstretch!). Gait: Take light, short steps. You should land on the flat of your foot, with your weight on the ball of your foot. The ball of the foot is the hard part of the foot just behind the big toe. Jump up and down on the spot a few times to find it. When you land on the front part of your foot, you use your arch and the muscles and tendons of your foot to naturally cushion the impact. Good running technique enhances this effect. (Study by Daniel Lieberman)

Many customers with this problem say that the thin upper material provides relief. If in doubt, please consult your doctor or therapist first.

In such cases, orthopaedic specialists very often recommend moderate barefoot walking to strengthen the muscles of the foot. Barefoot shoes provide excellent protection against injury.

Wearing barefoot shoes on a regular basis can strengthen the muscles in the feet and help to improve the arch of the foot. The change in posture can also strengthen the back muscles, and the shift in the body’s centre of gravity away from the heel can lead to a further improvement in well-being.

This depends on many factors, such as running style and body weight. We recommend short sessions of 15–20 minutes on soft ground, focusing on basic running drills and recovery runs. If this goes smoothly, please increase the duration and try running on harder surfaces from time to time. We have received feedback from customers who complete marathons in barefoot shoes. This is possible, but requires a perfect forefoot running style. We tend to recommend shorter sessions and urge you to be mindful of the altered body posture and the resulting different muscular strain. Please also bear in mind that the lack of heel drop places stress on the Achilles tendon in its natural form. However, this may be shortened by prolonged wear of shoes with a raised heel. Please give yourself and your body time.

Of course, you can order two different sizes. However, it’s easier for you if you can measure your foot size beforehand, as this will ensure you receive the right fit straight away.

This also saves you the hassle of packaging and returning the shoes. Please bear in mind that it will take a few days for the credit for the returned shoes to be processed. During this time, you will naturally not have access to this money.

We have provided a video to help you measure your feet. Here you can clearly see how quick and easy it is to take an accurate measurement of your feet.

Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to try on our shoes in-store. However, you are welcome to order several pairs to choose from, and if they don’t fit or you don’t like them, you can exchange them free of charge within Germany within 30 days.

You can order the shoes easily via our online shop. Here you can see all the colours and details for each model at a glance. If you have any questions, our customer support team will be happy to help.

As we produce barefoot shoes entirely by hand, our manufacturing costs are naturally much higher than those of other barefoot shoe manufacturers. To ensure we can work efficiently, we prepare certain stages of production in advance. Otherwise, our shoes would be much more expensive. Our aim is to make the best barefoot shoes at the best price. 

It usually takes 4–8 weeks, after which all sizes should be available again. 

Our ordering process is partially automated. If you wish to make any changes, please contact us immediately by phone or email. However, once the delivery note has been issued, no further changes can be made.

If you have not yet received a delivery note from us, you can still cancel your order. Please contact us immediately by phone or email.

Barefoot shoes must be roomy to allow the toes to move freely. In shoes that are too tight, the toes cannot function properly and the muscles atrophy. Often, at first, our own sense of position – known as proprioception – makes it feel as though the barefoot shoe is too big. We frequently wear shoes that are too tight and too short.
People with flat feet should opt for a narrower style. A lace-up shoe is better suited than a slip-on or ballerina flat. A slightly higher shoe often helps too, as the shaft height ensures a better fit. If the eyelets still almost ‘overlap’, it often helps to take some volume out of the shoe. This can be achieved with slightly thicker socks or an insole. This raises the foot slightly within the shoe and fills it out better.

We have provided a video to help you measure your feet. It clearly shows you how quick and easy it is to take an accurate measurement of your feet. You can find the video at the following link:

https://www.zaqq.de/pages/groessenfinder

You’ll find the size indicated on the inside of the shoe itself.

You’ll also find the shoe size supplied on your invoice and order confirmation.

We generally stock sizes ranging from 36 to 50. Unfortunately, due to design constraints, we are unable to offer all styles in every size. The sizes listed are EU or UK sizes.

We deliver to almost all regions worldwide. If your country of delivery is not listed, we are unfortunately unable to deliver there.

The delivery costs will be displayed once you have selected your country of delivery. Please note that import duties (customs charges) may apply for deliveries outside Germany. We do not cover these costs; they must be paid by you.

Your order will be prepared immediately upon receipt of payment and will usually leave our warehouse on the same day, or the next day at the latest. Delivery times vary depending on the destination country. We ship exclusively via DHL.

The grain represents the natural structure of the leather, comparable to the bark of a tree and the resulting grain pattern in a parquet floor. Both can be concealed with a heavy coat of dye or a very coarse finish; however, it is precisely this structure that is indicative of a very high-quality natural product, as it is processed only very gently in order to preserve its unique character

Light soiling can be removed using a cloth or a soft brush; heavier soiling can be cleaned with a damp cloth. When using waterproofing sprays, please ensure that they are suitable for breathable materials.

Pinatex is a natural and vegan alternative to leather, made from cellulose fibres extracted from pineapple leaves.

Pinatex requires no additional resources such as water, fertilisers or pesticides, and is sustainable as it is a by-product of pineapple production.

We recommend cleaning it with a damp cloth and using ‘Organic Cream’. Please do not use waterproofing spray under any circumstances. 

You can easily remove heavy dirt with a brush. Dried-on marks or stains can be removed with a warm, damp cloth. Alternatively, you can treat the whole shoe with a multi-purpose spray.

You can easily remove heavy dirt with a brush. Dried-on marks or stains can be removed with a warm, damp cloth. Then apply a thin layer of shoe polish to the smooth areas of the leather. Alternatively, you can treat the whole shoe with a universal spray.

You look after the things you love. This should also apply to high-quality shoes. Your shoes endure thousands of steps every day, get covered in dirt and moisture, have to walk over stones and other sharp objects, and are expected to look perfectly stylish at all times. That’s a mammoth task. Especially after the cold and wet season, some shoes probably need a bit more attention. Yet you can keep your shoes looking as good as new with simple methods and little effort.

Our leather is very durable and always looks its best, even under heavy use. But as with any leather shoe, it needs a break to recover. That’s why you should generally only wear your shoes for one day at a time and then give them a day’s rest. This is the only way the leather can release the moisture it has absorbed and retain its shape. For care, a dry brush is sufficient; it’s best to use this weekly to remove coarse dirt. With a suede brush, you can restore the velvety surface to its original condition. The leather should then be treated with a colourless suede spray. This treatment prevents dirt from sticking to the leather so easily, and also makes it harder for rainwater, for example, to penetrate the shoe, as it supports the leather’s natural protection.

For styles where the smooth side of the leather is on the outside, you can either use a waterproofing spray or apply a very thin layer of coloured shoe polish. After leaving it to soak in for a short while, buff the leather with a soft brush. Please make sure you apply the shoe polish very thinly, as otherwise the leather will no longer be able to breathe and this will have a negative effect on the climate inside the shoe.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy the appearance of your leather shoes for a long time to come. 

We do not treat or waterproof our leather. We use only leather from reputable, certified tanneries in Germany and the EU that don’t just pay lip service to environmental protection but actually put it into practice. As a result, the leather used in our shoes is a natural product that requires a certain amount of care, depending on how it is used. If you’d rather not use care products such as sprays, you’re welcome to do so. Even aged leather has its own unique charm.  

With our rubber sole, you don’t need to worry about harmful environmental factors. Whether you’re at the petrol station or the garage, our rubber is extremely durable and doesn’t break down easily. This means there are no restrictions on everyday use, and you don’t need to worry about such minor details.

The sole is simply secured with adhesive and then sewn to the upper by hand. A seam is a mark of craftsmanship and is far more durable than an adhesive bond alone. So don’t worry if the adhesive comes loose a little. This can happen, but it shouldn’t cause you any concern.

A sole is always a compromise between flexibility, grip and wear. Even we cannot invent a perpetual motion machine. Barefoot shoes, in particular, thrive on having the thinnest possible sole, which guarantees you maximum mobility. 

Our rubber sole has one of the lowest wear rates in the industry. We are particularly proud of this. This has already been proven by numerous publications. Martin Müller, for example, who ran from Gibraltar to the North Cape, says of our sole: 

“Despite its thin construction, the sole shows hardly any wear. Even after a long distance on tarmac, there are no visible signs of wear.”

So you can be sure that with a ZAQQ sole, you have one of the most advanced and durable soles in the barefoot shoe sector.  

A shoe consists of many seams, not just the sole seam. A seam always means a hole in the material through which the thread is passed. However, the great advantage of rubber is that the hole in the sole closes up immediately. Furthermore, we use polyamide as our thread material, which does not allow moisture to penetrate the shoe. So you needn’t worry about getting wet feet through our sole seam. 

On the contrary, with non-stitched shoes, the adhesive often softens due to moisture. You can see this if you look at ‘normal’ shoes in the area of the crease. Often, the sole comes away from the upper after just a few weeks. 

As we are 100% confident in the quality and design of our products, we naturally offer a 30-day return and exchange policy from the date of receipt, even though our shoes are made to order. This means you can rest assured that if you really don’t like your ZAQQ barefoot shoes, you can return them to us with no hassle at all. 

Please return your ZAQQs to us in their original packaging. However, please note that we can only guarantee a refund or exchange if the shoes are in perfect condition.

To ensure we can identify your return, it is important that you use the returns form from the returns portal. We offer exchanges for a different model or size with free returns via our returns portal (Germany only) and free re-dispatch (does not apply to the USA).
For an exchange delivery to the United States, please place a new order in our shop.
In the case of a full return (regardless of your choice of courier or use of our returns portal), we will deduct a handling fee of EUR 3.90 from the refund amount. If you keep part of your order and return the rest, no handling fee will be charged and you will only be responsible for the shipping costs you have already paid.

If you live outside Germany, we are unfortunately unable to cover the cost of return shipping, and you will be responsible for these costs, unless the return is due to an error on our part and is being sent from a country within the European Union. If this is the case, please select standard delivery, as we do not reimburse costs incurred through express delivery.

For justified returns originating from outside the European Union, we are unfortunately unable to reimburse the shipping costs.

As soon as your ZAQQs have arrived and been checked by us, a credit note will be issued immediately.

Alternatively, we would be happy to send you a different ZAQQ model, or you can receive your chosen model in a different colour.

Of course, there are times when shoes don’t fit. For environmental reasons, you won’t find a printed returns label in the box. However, you can print one yourself via our returns portal (for Germany only) if you need one. This saves a lot of paper.

We can confirm that the soles of our models offer effective protection against lying shards, sharp stones or thorns.

Absolutely! Thanks to the shoe’s close contact with the ground and our rubber sole, you’ll enjoy amazing stability and grip. 

Ideally, children should not lose their natural walking pattern in the first place because of the shoes they wear. Older people are often unsure whether it is still beneficial for them to wear toe shoes or barefoot shoes. This does not depend on age at all, but rather on the severity of any symptoms they may have.

Every foot is different, which is why there is no such thing as the perfect fit. It doesn’t matter whether you have a narrow or a wide foot, as our designs are tailored for maximum comfort and cannot be compared to a conventional shoe. The shoe’s grip on the foot is achieved through the entry point and the special lacing system. To ensure your foot feels comfortable, the shoe shouldn’t be too tight. We also use different lasts for men and women. Just give them a try – so far, every foot has found a ZAQQ that fits.

You can wear our shoes every day, whatever the weather. Leather shoes have many advantages: not only are they breathable, ensuring a healthy environment for your feet, but they are also highly water- and dirt-repellent. So whether the temperature is high or low, your feet will always feel comfortable in a pair of ZAQQ shoes.  

In any case, however, if you’re planning a serious bike ride – whether on a mountain bike or a road bike – it makes sense to wear specialist cycling shoes with very hard soles. For a ride on a standard bike with conventional pedals, barefoot shoes are certainly suitable.

The ZAQQ PREQUEL and QUINTIC are available in a winter version with a genuine lambskin lining. 

Here you’ll find a selection of our winter styles:

<< ZAQQ Winterschuhe >>

Of course, we are delighted to have customers who buy shoes from us regularly or own several pairs of ZAQQs. This speaks volumes about the quality and design of our shoes. However, quality made in Germany comes at a price. We are therefore unable to offer discounts on our handcrafted shoes. That said, you will regularly find reduced-price styles in our online shop.

Unfortunately, we do not offer a VAT refund service for customers whose order was delivered to Germany and subsequently transferred to a third country.

The payment options will be displayed as you go through the ordering process. You can choose to pay via PayPal, prepayment or Shopify/credit card.

As a general rule, the money will be refunded via the same method used to make the payment. This means that if, for example, you paid via PayPal, the refund will be paid into your PayPal account.

You can easily find our bank details in your order confirmation.