14 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
14 October 2026
AI in Fashion
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Footwear

Groundies

Germany

Groundies is a German barefoot shoe brand that sells vegan and non-vegan models for men, women and children. Its shoes are handmade in selected factories in Portugal.

Facts
BrandGroundies
CountryGermany
CategoryBarefoot shoes
ProductionPortugal
MaterialsVegan textile leather, recycled cotton, Vegea
Websitegroundies.com
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
Footwear
Sales channels
E-commerceWholesale

What is Groundies?

Groundies is a barefoot shoe brand that calls itself a leading supplier of barefoot shoes in Germany. Its collection covers men's, women's and children's models, including a dedicated range of vegan shoes, and its approach is described as holistic.

Products and materials

The shoes are handmade in selected factories within the EU, in Portugal. Models include the True Star Low Vegan, a retro-style shoe with a wide toe box, side eyelets for ventilation and a breathable microfibre lining, and the Greenwich Vegan, a sporty sneaker in vegan textile leather with a terry lining. Some shoes are antibacterial and machine washable, some use recycled cotton, and others use Vegea, an organic-based material derived from oils and lignocellulose found in grape pomace.

Design claims

The TrueSense sole is designed for a light walking feel and sensory feedback while still protecting the foot. The company says it uses no components of animal origin in its shoes and describes its production as climate and environmentally friendly. It also states that barefoot shoes can benefit foot health.

Distribution

Groundies sells through its own online shop and through outdoor and lifestyle retailers such as Bergfreunde, as well as stores in markets including Estonia and Australia.

Why it matters

Groundies is part of the growing barefoot shoe segment, where wide toe boxes and thin flexible soles meet vegan and recycled materials.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Groundies from?

Groundies is a German barefoot shoe brand, with shoes handmade in Portugal.

What does Groundies sell?

Groundies sells barefoot shoes and sneakers for men, women and children, including vegan models.

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