March 2025
Bär shoes expands distribution in Germany
BÄR, the pioneer of shoes with 100% Toe freedom, is continuing to expand its sales team. With additional sales representatives, the company is strengthening its presence in Germany and sending a clear signal of further growth. The family-owned company has long since grown beyond purely comfort footwear and has further developed its brand image. From ballet flats and barefoot shoes to sneakers, hiking shoes, and performance footwear, BÄR covers numerous segments in every collection.
For Bavaria, the shoe manufacturer has recruited the experienced sales representative Michael Müller. Müller brings impressive expertise from more than twelve years of professional experience. He is deeply rooted in the region’s specialist retail landscape. “Michael Müller stands for professional and committed customer care. His experience and feel for the market make him a strong partner for our company,” says Managing Director Christof Bär. “I am delighted to be part of BÄR’s sales team and to unlock the brand’s growth potential in Bavaria,” says Müller.
The north and east of Germany are also covered. North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Saxony-Anhalt are strategically important federal states for bringing BÄR shoes to an even broader customer base.
New opportunities for sales representatives in unassigned regions
The family-owned company’s goal is to expand its sales network throughout Germany. “Our shoes stand for comfort and the highest quality—attributes that are more in demand than ever in the market. We look forward to welcoming more partners who want to bring this added value to the world,” says Christof Bär. Another steadily growing sales channel is online marketplaces. BÄR shoes have recently become available at Shop Apotheke.
About BÄR: For more than 40 years, the family-owned company has manufactured shoes with Toe freedom, zero heel-to-toe drop, and flexibility at the highest level of craftsmanship. The BÄR brand covers numerous segments in every collection—from classic barefoot shoes and street shoes to hiking and performance footwear. BÄR shoes are available at 21 BÄR stores, in the company’s own online shop, through traditional mail-order sales, and via Amazon, Decathlon, and Otto. In addition, BÄR is represented in 40 specialist retail stores and exports to more than 20 countries. 100 employees work at the company headquarters in Bietigheim-Bissingen, while 400 permanent employees manufacture the shoes at the company’s own factory in India.
February 2025
Bär shoes Fall/Winter 2024/25
Coolness and glamour!
In BÄR’s new Fall/Winter collection, 100% Toe freedom, quality, ergonomics, and style merge into an unparalleled wearing experience. Each pair of shoes is crafted with the utmost care to provide optimal comfort and long-lasting quality.
This season’s trend colors are setting the tone: from classic shades to the spectacular comeback of black. These are complemented by neutral gray, creating the perfect balance between elegance and versatility. BÄR focuses on soft, luxurious leathers that flatter the feet while providing optimal support.
Barefoot shoes in the spotlight
Sporty themes are complemented by finer, more chic styles, with a clear focus on barefoot shoes. The collection celebrates coolness and glamour, featuring confident and elegant models. From fashionable booties and ankle boots to casual lace-up shoes and ballet flats, BÄR offers a wide range of styles for every taste and occasion.
About BÄR:
For more than 40 years, the family-owned company has manufactured shoes with Toe freedom, zero heel-to-toe drop, and flexibility at the highest level of craftsmanship. What began in 1982 with a revolutionary idea by Christian Bär has been continued since 2013 by his sons Christof and Sebastian Bär with innovative ideas and passion. BÄR shoes are available at 21 BÄR stores, in the online shop, through traditional mail-order sales, and via Amazon, Decathlon, and Otto. 130 employees work at the company headquarters in Bietigheim-Bissingen, while 400 permanent employees manufacture the shoes at the company’s own factory in India.
January 2025
BÄR receives patent for revolutionary “Firmoflex®” sole technology in the hiking footwear sector
BÄR GmbH, a medium-sized family-owned company and specialist in foot-shaped footwear, has received an important patent for its innovative sole technology. Registered under the name “Firmoflex®,” the technology uniquely combines stability and flexibility, enabling a natural walking experience—even under the highest loads in hiking footwear.
The patented “Firmoflex®” sole uses reinforcements that ensure stable guidance of the foot from the heel. The forefoot area is stabilized laterally while remaining flexible lengthwise, supporting a natural rolling motion. Thanks to this innovation, the foot can perform its anatomical function: stability and sure-footedness are combined with natural freedom of movement, achieving a barefoot feeling even in robust hiking shoes.
“With Firmoflex®, we are closing the gap between stability and flexibility, which is particularly important in hiking footwear,” explains Christof Bär, Managing Director and shareholder of BÄR GmbH. “Our shoes stabilize the foot under heavy loads while still providing Toe freedom and a natural rolling motion. This means fatigue-free walking like barefoot walking—even on demanding hiking trails.”
The innovative sole technology enables hikers to walk safely even on difficult terrain while enjoying the comfort of a foot-shaped shoe. Another unique selling point: in terms of innovative strength, the patented Firmoflex® technology surpasses established standards set by major brands in the hiking footwear segment.
“Our goal was to develop a hiking shoe that combines maximum functionality with the comfort and natural movement of walking barefoot. The fact that we have achieved this and that it has now also been patented underscores the innovative strength of our medium-sized company,” Christof Bär continues.
BÄR sees great potential in the Firmoflex® technology and is therefore also exploring ways to make the patent available to other manufacturers under license. In this way, the company aims to help advance the entire hiking footwear market in terms of foot comfort.
This technology will also be used in BÄR sports shoes in the future—so there is still plenty to look forward to!
With its new sole technology, BÄR GmbH reinforces its position as a leading provider of foot-shaped footwear distinguished by quality, comfort, and technical innovation. The company thus remains true to its credo: developing shoes that support the foot’s natural movement—for a healthy and comfortable walking experience.
About BÄR GmbH
For more than 40 years, BÄR GmbH has stood for foot-shaped shoes focused on comfort, functionality, and Toe freedom. With an omnichannel distribution model, the company combines tradition with modern sales channels and offers its customers the highest quality and excellent service.
