Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com July/August 2025 ~ Footwear Insight • 21 footwear in fashion. "e ballet sneaker is a natural evolution of the low-prole styles that continue to resonate." Another trend at play in Summer 2025 is minimal- ist design with a decidedly modern point of view. "e barefoot movement has really grown from a niche, perfor- mance-driven concept to a more holistic lifestyle ap- proach," explains Michael Hanus, the head of product in Germany for the Groundies brand. "Today, it's about long-term foot health, sustainability, and making mindful choices. At the same time, the aesthetic has evolved—people no longer want to compromise between health and style." Founded in Freiburg, Germany in 2019, Groundies has expanded its distribution to the U.S. "We truly believe that simplicity in footwear design doesn't mean sacrificing function—in fact, quite the opposite. Our shoes are built around an anatomical toe box that gives toes the space to move and spread naturally, and a zero-drop sole that encour- ages healthy posture and alignment," Hanus states. "At the heart of it all is our TrueSense promise: total freedom of movement, a strong connection to the ground, and just the right amount of protection for everyday life. We aim to create shoes that feel almost invisible on the foot—yet support you every step of the way." Hanus explains that materials are a key part of that experience. "We use high-quality, responsibly sourced leather, vegan alternatives, and breathable knits to ensure our shoes feel Taos Footwear Plim Soul canvas sneaker fea- tures a Curves & Pods premium removable footbed with arch and metatarsal support and a Silvadur treatment for lasting protec- tion against odor, staining, and deterioration. "At Taos, we see fashion and function not as trade- offs but as partners." GLEN BARAD, TAOS FOOTWEAR

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