September 2019
BÄR shoes are “Fair2Feet”
Germany’s largest brand test, commissioned by Focus Money and Deutschland Test, has honored the BÄR Shoes brand for the second year in a row. BÄR has once again made it into the upper ranks of positive customer ratings with the “Germany’s Best Shoes” seal. This award proves the trust placed in the BÄR Shoes brand.
From the very beginning, BÄR has worked with the best materials in manufactory quality to earn this trust. When purchasing their shoes, BÄR customers should always be able to rely on the quality, continuous technical and fashion advancements, and above all on the familiar BÄR principle of 100% Toe freedom for natural, healthy walking. BÄR is particularly pleased with this award, as it is based on customers’ positive perceptions of the brand.
But BÄR shoes impress not only customers, but experts as well: As the first and leading manufacturer in the comfort-shoe market, BÄR has received the “fair2feet” seal and is therefore considered a pioneer in the industry. For the Swabian shoe manufacturer, which has specialized in producing anatomically designed shoes since 1982, this is a special honor.
Dr. med. Norbert L. Becker, recipient of the 2019 Comfort Shoe Award, is the head of the “fair2feet” Institute. The independent institute is well connected with the scientific community in the fields of orthopedics, biomechanics, sports science, and footwear research. Its team includes physicists, biomechanists, radiologists, university professors specializing in sports, movement, and training sciences, as well as myofascial systems. “fair2feet” brings together more than 40 years of knowledge gained from medical work in orthopedics, biomechanics, and the analysis and development of shoes. Dr. med. Norbert L. Becker has developed a system for validating shoes that are “fair to the feet.” Physical data, Toe freedom, heel-to-toe drop, interior space, sole design, stability, Orthocheck, and dimensional accuracy are the key parameters. The shoes are also examined lengthwise and crosswise using computed tomography to determine whether their volume, dimensional accuracy, and measurement transparency are correct compared with the target values and the last measurements, whether the shoe optimally supports the foot, and whether harmful deformations can occur. The forefoot must be designed to give the toes, especially the big toe, the anatomically necessary space and allow the toes to assume their natural alignment. This is precisely where BÄR shoes impress with their uncompromising Toe freedom.
The BÄR classics “Jolanda,” “Felix,” and “Tobago” are the first shoes ever tested and honored as part of this certification. “The BÄR shoes passed the test with excellent results!” says Dr. med. Norbert L. Becker. This award reflects the passion and dedication to manufacturing shoes that have been part of the family business for more than 35 years. BÄR is especially proud to take on the pioneering role here and to have impressed with shoes that follow the natural shape of the foot in an inimitable way, thereby ensuring healthy walking.
January 2019
Harald Glööckler—pompöös design meets top quality
Back in 2004, cult star and designer HARALD GLÖÖCKLER successfully collaborated with the traditional BÄR Shoes company. In 2019, the partnership is revived. BÄR and HARALD GLÖÖCKLER are once again putting their creative minds together and drawing on their many years of experience and know-how in their respective fields to launch a shoe collection together.
This collection stands for elegant, glamorous design without forgetting the core principles of every BÄR shoe: 100% Toe freedom, zero heel, foot-friendly fit, and high-quality materials. “It was a lot of fun working with HARALD GLÖÖCKLER to create these small works of art—luxurious shoes made in our legendary comfortable style,” says Managing Director Christof BÄR.
The collection consists of women’s and men’s shoes and includes both everyday models and unconventional creations. The collection will be available in BÄR stores and in the online shop from mid-March 2019. The first results of the collaboration were already on display on January 13, 2019, at HARALD GLÖÖCKLER’s couture show “Unadjusted Royal,” held in the Baroque setting of the Ermelerhaus in Berlin. HARALD GLÖÖCKLER turns all women into princesses—in keeping with this credo, the first prototypes from the “POMPÖÖS by BÄR” line were also showcased at the fashion show.
