Fun Facts About ME
Tjaša
Barefoot Shoe Expert | Co-founder of Barefoot Universe
Tjaša is passionate about helping people reconnect with their feet and bodies through natural movement and barefoot footwear. With a background in sports and wellness, she brings a grounded, intuitive approach to barefoot living. She’s been wearing barefoot shoes since 2012 and has spent years testing and researching how the right shoes — combined with movement — can change the way we feel. Whether through detailed reviews, workshops, or real-life advice, Tjaša empowers others to move with more freedom, strength, and trust in their own bodies.
TJAŠA’S STORY
I thought I was strong. But I didn’t control my feet.
I’ve always been active — running, hiking, and playing sports from a young age. I thought I had a strong and fit body. My shoes? As long as they were stylish, high-quality, and comfy enough to walk in for more than five minutes, they were good enough for me.
But something always felt… off.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t walk in a straight line. My feet turned in. My knees collapsed inward. I couldn’t explain it — and no one really talked about it.
And because my feet were naturally narrow, I thought I was already doing better than most. I had no idea that even narrow feet needed space to move.
The shift came after my pregnancy.
That’s when the cracks in my body became harder to ignore. I developed lower back pain, my posture worsened, and I still had no real control over my feet. I had heard of barefoot shoes before — and this time, I decided to give them a real try.
The changes were almost immediate.
I didn’t have bunions, but suddenly I saw space appearing between my toes. My pinky toe started finding its place. I could feel my feet waking up.
But something was still missing...
Wearing barefoot shoes isn’t enough. You need functional feet too.
Just switching shoes wasn’t the full answer. What I really wanted was not just pain-free movement — I wanted healthy, strong, and functional feet. So I took it further.
I started doing foot exercises every day. I wore toe spacers. I retrained my body to walk, move, and stand in a way that supported alignment and strength.
And slowly, I began to feel something I’d never truly felt before: control.
My lower back pain disappeared.
My feet no longer collapsed.
I didn’t just look active — I moved with intention and awareness.
At first, I only wore one barefoot shoe brand — because with my narrow feet, it was hard to find anything else that fit. But once I connected with Katja, that all changed.
Together, we explored other barefoot brands, tested what worked for different foot types, and realized that while every foot is unique.
All feet need the freedom to move naturally.
We combined our knowledge, our personal journeys, and our obsessive testing — and that’s how Barefoot Universe was born.
Why I do this?
I’ve seen what a huge difference small changes can make — not just for me, but for so many others.
You don’t need to be an athlete to deserve pain-free movement. And you don’t have to wait for things to get worse to make a change.
Now, I help others find barefoot shoes that truly fit.
I also love helping people understand that barefoot shoes are just the beginning.
The rest comes from reconnecting with your body, your posture, and your feet.
If you’re new here…
I’d love to help you get started.
Start with our Foot Width Quiz, browse our shoe lists by category, and learn more about the benefits of barefoot shoes — it’s the best way to find your fit and feel confident from the start.
And if you’re on Instagram, come say hi! I regularly share personal updates, reviews, and foot-friendly movement tips to keep you grounded (literally).
