Feelgrounds

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Overview

Feelgrounds produces barefoot shoes designed for everyday use, leisure, and sports, featuring wide toe boxes, flexible soles, and zero-drop construction to promote natural foot movement. The brand offers vegan footwear for adults and children, using recycled materials where possible, and positions itself in the minimalist shoe market with stylish designs. It gained initial traction through a 2019 crowdfunding campaign and operates an online store at feelgrounds.com.

History

Feelgrounds was founded in 2019 by Johannes Brenner, who started the company after experiencing relief from knee pain by switching to barefoot shoes. The brand launched its first model, the Original Mesh, via a crowdfunding campaign in April 2019 that reached its goal in 48 hours, with deliveries beginning five months later. Since then, it has expanded its product range and focused on sustainable, vegan production while building an online presence.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Original Mesh (everyday sneaker)	versatile barefoot shoe for daily wear	$130 - $160
Move (knit sneaker)	lightweight option for casual and light activity	$140 - $170
Sandals	open-toe minimalist footwear for summer	$100 - $130
Boots	winter-ready barefoot style	$160 - $200
Sports Shoes	performance-oriented for running and training	$150 - $180

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in Vietnam by an experienced production team. The company outsources production and emphasizes use of recycled materials and vegan components, with quality verified by independent testers like SGS.

Notable Products

Original Mesh - First model made almost entirely from recycled materials, flexible sole for natural movement.
Move - Breathable knit upper with wide toe box for everyday comfort.
Sandals - Adjustable straps and thin sole mimicking barefoot feel.
Boots - Insulated vegan design for cold weather with zero-drop sole.
Sports Shoes - Enhanced grip and flexibility for athletic use.

Reputation

Feelgrounds is regarded positively by barefoot shoe enthusiasts for its stylish designs that appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional minimalist footwear. Professionals note its quick crowdfunding success and commitment to sustainability, including vegan and recycled materials. Some users mention average durability compared to premium competitors, but it is praised for value and comfort in daily scenarios.

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