Barebarics

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• European Union (Slovakia, Portugal, Czech Republic, other countries cannot be ruled out). 
• Vietnam

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Barebarics has its barefoot sneakers designed and handmade primarily in the European Union. This has the advantage that binding legal labour standards apply throughout the EU, which generally guarantee better conditions for workers than in many non-European countries. Specific information on the production countries remains unclear. In addition, production has recently been expanded to Vietnam. 

Certifications for social or ecological standards are not communicated; there is only talk of high-quality and ecologically sustainable materials, without going into specific certifications.

Barebarics’ products are handmade, which indicates a rather small-scale, artisan-orientated production. It is not known whether Barebarics or its parent company Be Lenka operates its own production facilities. There is no information on ethical working conditions or the number of suppliers.

As part of the #BraveMenTalk campaign, a limited edition sneaker was launched, with all proceeds going to organisations such as Movember and Mind, which campaign for men’s mental health. This emphasises Barebarics’ value-driven approach and highlights mental health as a key issue. Although the campaign is primarily aimed at men, the brand emphasises that the pursuit of a more conscious life is not gender-specific.

MATERIALS

• Nappa leather
• Nubuck leather
• Microfibre and polyester
• Polyamide and elastane
• Cordura® fabric
• Dermodry Coolmax® fabric
• Soft, synthetic rubber
• ComfortGrip sole

Barebarics uses nappa leather for selected models, which is valued for its durability, moisture resistance and ease of care. There is no information on the type of tanning or environmental certificates, which is why it can be assumed that the leather is processed conventionally. Is there such a thing as sustainable leather? Read more about this in our blog.

Dermodry Coolmax® is a technical, synthetic polyester-based fabric that efficiently wicks away moisture, but should be viewed critically due to its fossil origin and potential release of microplastics. Read more about the invisible environmental impact of the fashion industry here.

PACKAGING

Barebarics does not disclose any information about which packaging materials are used in e‑commerce shipping or along the supply chain.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

Barebarics does not provide any specific information on measures relating to water consumption, chemical management or the avoidance of microplastic release. Information on dyeing, printing or bleaching processes is also completely absent. Although it is mentioned that some materials, such as the Dermodry Coolmax® lining, have been tested for quality in independent laboratories, it remains unclear whether environmental aspects were also taken into account. Certifications for low-pollutant or resource-conserving processes are not mentioned.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

The majority of the sneakers are made from material blends that make recycling more difficult and therefore reduce the recyclability of the products. 

There is no mention of a take-back programme for used shoes. There is therefore no indication of what happens to worn products after their life cycle or whether Barebarics endeavours to reuse, refurbish or recycle the materials.

There is no indication of modular design, easily replaceable components or special repair services. It also remains unclear whether spare parts (e.g. insoles) are available separately.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

According to the information available, Barebarics does not offer a repair service.

There is also no take-back service for worn or worn-out shoes. The brand does not mention any take-back programmes for the reuse, recycling or further processing of worn-out products.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• Slovakia
• Portugal
• Czech Republic
• Vietnam
• Other countries cannot be ruled out.
• The Barebarics HQ is located in Žilina, Slovakia (together with the parent company Be Lenka)

TRANSPORTATION

Barebarics does not provide any information on transport methods within the supply chain or in e‑commerce.

• Leather
• The brand makes no reference to the origin of the leather or the country of origin of the animal skin.

No certifications or other animal welfare-related standards are mentioned. There is also no information on tanning. Barebarics does not publish a code of conduct on animal materials. 

According to the brand, eight pilot models from Barebarics are 100% vegan.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Barebarics offers barefoot sneakers for men and women. The models are designed in a modern, urban style and combine fashionable design with a foot-friendly fit. These are exclusively adult shoes. The sizes available range from EU 36 to 47. 

The styles appeal to fashion-conscious, urban-oriented adults, although many models can be interpreted in a gender-neutral way.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

According to the information available, Barebarics has a fixed collection to which new designs are gradually added. It is not a matter of rapidly changing seasons, but rather a continuous range that is stylistically based on urban trends.

The shoes are pre-produced in standard sizes. Made-to-measure or individualised options are not part of the range.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

The Barebarics product pages provide basic information on materials, properties and origin. Technical features such as ​‘zero drop’, a wide toe box, flexibility and breathability are emphasised. 

The country of production is sometimes mentioned. There is no precise categorisation of the production sites or the origin of the materials, nor is there any information on the suppliers involved or transport routes. The traceability of a specific product is therefore only possible to a very limited extent.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESS

Barebarics only provides limited information about its production processes and suppliers. There is no detailed information on the website about the supply chain, the selection or monitoring of suppliers, nor are social or ecological standards explained in more detail. There is also no information on labour conditions, material origin or environmental measures along the production process.

The little information provided, for example on materials and country of production, only appears on individual product pages and is kept very general. There is no real product traceability – for example through transparent information on the entire supply chain or a digital product passport.