Who We Are & Why It Matters

Real Feet. Real Stories. Real Experts.

Hey!

We’re Katja and Tjaša — barefoot shoe experts helping you walk stronger, feel better, and move through life with more freedom.

We’ve spent years learning, testing, and walking the path (literally!) of foot health and barefoot shoes. What started as a search to fix our own bodies turned into a mission to help others find freedom, strength, and comfort from the ground up.

This isn’t our side project. Helping people transition to barefoot shoes safely and confidently is what we do — every day.

We were among the first in the world to write deeply about barefoot shoes, and today, we run the largest Instagram profile in the barefoot niche.

This personal journey has grown into a platform that now shapes the barefoot industry itself — from product development to education.

We work with the biggest and best barefoot brands and stores — as well as small family-run labels we love to support. Brands trust us with early releases, product feedback, sizing advice, fit testing, and even development consultations.

That trust comes from experience — not theory.
We’ve personally tested hundreds of barefoot shoes on ourselves and our families, learning firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and why. Every list, review, and recommendation on this site is rooted in real-life testing — not just specs or stock photos.

Many of the barefoot shoe models you see today? We were part of the behind-the-scenes conversations that helped shape them.

Brands come to us for advice. Readers come to us for answers. And we show up with experience, honesty, and care — because we’ve lived this journey ourselves.

Why Barefoot Shoes?

Because we both learned the hard way what happens when your body isn’t supported from the ground up.

  • Katja battled poor posture, chronic hip and back pain, and postpartum recovery challenges.
  • Tjaša faced hidden movement dysfunctions that even a lifetime of sports hadn’t corrected.

Traditional shoes weren’t solving our problems — they were creating them.

Our feet were over-supported and underused for years. And once we gave them space to move naturally, the body could rebuild, realign, and pain could be replaced by freedom.

Why Trust Us?

We’ve spent years learning, testing, evolving — not just to heal ourselves, but to help others find the right path faster.

Real-World Testing

We’ve personally tested hundreds of barefoot shoes across different brands, foot types, and needs — on ourselves and our families.

Rooted in Movement Science

We’ve studied natural movement, biomechanics, foot function, and body alignment through countless courses, consultations, and hands-on practice.

Curiosity + Care

We bring both curiosity and care into everything we do. Katja’s background in engineering helps us break things down clearly, while Tjaša’s natural, holistic approach brings a deep understanding of wellness and movement.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

Brands turn to us for advice on product development, fit testing, sizing, and real-world functionality — because they trust our expertise and honesty.

Impact That Reaches Far

We’ve even visited barefoot shoe production facilities in person, to understand how the shoes are truly made from start to finish.

Always Up to Date

Our work has helped spark a wave of barefoot awareness — with more barefoot stores opening around the world, and even in our home country, Slovenia, thanks to the awareness we helped create.

Active in the Community

We stay constantly updated on new collections, innovations, and releases, and test new models the moment they hit the market (and often even before!).

Trusted by Brands

We organize free webinars, host live workshops and meetups, and regularly speak at events to educate and empower others.

Most importantly, we do all of this with heart.

Every guide, review, consultation, and answer is created with thoughtfulness, deep care, and real experience — because we know what it’s like to feel stuck in your body, and how transformative it is to finally feel free.

We’re not here to sell you shoes.
We’re here to help you find a healthier, stronger, more connected you — starting from your feet.

Our Barefoot Universe in Numbers

  • Daily support — helping people online and in-person with real advice based on real experience
  • 4+ years full-time in barefoot education, testing, and consulting
  • One of the largest barefoot Instagram communities worldwide
  • Dozens of brands and stores trust our feedback for product development
  • Thousands of people helped find their perfect barefoot fit
  • Creators of a unique Foot Width Quiz and a comprehensive Barefoot Universe Academy course
  • Countless hours of continuing education in movement, biomechanics, and foot health

22+

years of combined barefoot shoe experience

1000+

barefoot shoes tested across all major and niche brands

6

years of publishing in-depth guides, reviews, and educational content

What You’ll Find Here

Whether you’re just beginning your barefoot journey or you’re already deep into it, you’re welcome here.
We’re here to guide you, encourage you, and help you move forward — from the ground up.

Foot Type Guides

So you can understand your unique feet.

Barefoot Shoe Reviews

Honest, detailed, and real-world tested.

TRANSITION TIPS

So you can strengthen safely and confidently.

Exclusive Discounts

We partner with top brands so you can save while you switch.

Meet the Team

Katja

Barefoot Shoe Expert | Co-founder of Barefoot Universe

From poor posture and postpartum recovery to full-body strength through feet-first movement.

Read Katja’s Story →

Tjaša

Barefoot Shoe Expert | Co-founder of Barefoot Universe

From lifelong sports and hidden imbalances to functional, aligned movement.

Read Tjaša’s Story →

Fun Facts About Us

  • We met in person after 3 years of daily online chatting — and instantly felt like we’d known each other forever.
  • We both basically live in leggings, joggers, or whatever comfy pants let us move freely. All day. Every day.
  • Katja is an early bird who loves learning unexpected skills, while Tjaša comes alive at night — somehow, our opposite clocks make a perfect team.
  • We’re both very tall, born in the same year, and we both welcomed our first child in the same year too.
  • We feel most at home when we’re walking barefoot, exploring nature, and sharing honest advice — whether it’s online or at one of our live events.
  • Beyond shoes, we’re both passionate about living naturally, moving freely, and helping others reconnect with their bodies — starting from the ground up.

Not sure where to begin?

We’ve created simple tools to help you move forward with confidence. Whether you’re figuring out your foot type, choosing your first barefoot shoes, or wondering how to transition safely — you’re in the right place.

Find Your Foot WIDTH Explore Our Top Barefoot Shoe Picks Learn How to Transition Safely