About us
Antal Shoes – The Slovak Barefoot Brand That Brings Your Feet the Freedom of Natural Walking
Antal Shoes is a Slovak barefoot footwear brand that brings your feet the freedom of natural walking. We founded Antal Shoes in 2020, driven by the belief that shoes should adapt to people, not the other way around.
Over time, this idea has grown into more than just a business. Producing footwear that restores the joy of natural walking to people has become both our mission and our passion. At Antal Shoes, we combine traditional shoemaking craftsmanship with the modern barefoot philosophy to create shoes in which you feel the comfort and freedom of being barefoot.
For every pair, we always uphold our core principles: comfort, natural movement, and top-tier quality. We are proud that our shoes have found fans not only in Slovakia but also in many countries across Europe and the world. The trust of our customers is our greatest motivation to continue doing what we do with the same enthusiasm and determination.
Jana and Radoslav Antal with daughter
The Barefoot Philosophy
At Antal Shoes, we believe in barefoot footwear—a concept that mimics walking barefoot and allows feet to move naturally. Barefoot shoes feature a wide toe box, a thin and flexible sole, and zero drop (no raised heel). This design gives feet the freedom to move as if you were walking barefoot while also protecting them from injury and cold.
For us, barefoot shoes are not a passing fashion trend but a return to natural movement that offers numerous health and comfort benefits:
Natural walking and proper posture: Barefoot shoes allow feet and toes to move naturally, supporting a healthy foot arch and correct posture.
Strengthening muscles and preventing deformities: Walking in minimalist shoes strengthens foot muscles and tendons, helping prevent issues such as flat feet or bunions while promoting overall foot health.
Better balance and surface contact: A thin sole enhances ground feel, improving coordination and stability while walking.
All-day comfort and freedom of movement: Thanks to the spacious toe box and absence of a heel, barefoot shoes prevent blisters and foot fatigue, keeping you comfortable even after a full day on your feet.
That is why we design every shoe to fully respect the natural function of the foot. We want you to experience the freedom of barefoot walking every day—whether at work, strolling through the city, or exploring nature.
Original Antal outsole design
Quality and Craftsmanship
We see the production of high-quality barefoot footwear as both an art and a responsibility. Every pair of Antal Shoes is crafted by skilled shoemakers who meticulously ensure every detail. We produce our shoes in small batches in Slovakia, where quality shoemaking has a long-standing tradition. Handmade production allows us to control quality at every step of the process and ensure that every customer receives a flawless product.
We care not only about functionality but also about durability. That is why we use carefully selected, high-quality materials, including premium natural leather from trusted European tanneries, breathable and durable textiles, modern vegan leather alternatives, and flexible soles. These materials ensure that our barefoot shoes are both comfortable and long-lasting. Every material is chosen with your foot health and environmental sustainability in mind—without compromise.
Our focus on quality and craftsmanship sets us apart from mass production. Instead of prioritizing quantity, we emphasize excellence, meticulous craftsmanship, and continuous innovation. The result is unique barefoot shoes that merge function with stylish design. We believe that healthy footwear can also be modern and elegant—our models are created so you feel confident and comfortable in every aspect.
Our Mission and Commitment
Our mission is to give people the freedom of movement and to change the footwear industry for the better. We want more people to discover the benefits of barefoot shoes and for healthy footwear to become the standard rather than just an alternative.
We constantly innovate and develop designs that combine comfort, function, and aesthetics—ensuring that everyone can enjoy healthy footwear without compromising on style. At the same time, we promote awareness of the importance of natural walking and foot care because we believe that an informed customer is a satisfied customer.
Sustainability is also a core part of our mission. We prioritize eco-friendly materials and local suppliers, minimize waste, and design our products for longevity. Sustainability is not just a trend for us but a responsibility we take seriously at every step.
Equally important is the trust and satisfaction of our customers. We listen carefully to feedback and continuously improve our products and services. We stand behind every pair of shoes we make, ensuring they bring you joy in movement and reliable performance. Our goal is to build a community around Antal Shoes, where customers are not just order numbers but fellow travelers on the path to natural movement.
Regional Development and Social Responsibility
We built our production from scratch in Medzilaborce, a town with no previous shoemaking tradition. Medzilaborce is primarily known for its cultural heritage, but it often remains outside economic opportunities. At Antal Shoes, we aim to change this by creating jobs and new prospects—just as Tomáš Baťa once transformed Zlín into a shoemaking powerhouse.
We are a registered social enterprise, which means we prioritize social and environmental goals over pure profit. We employ disadvantaged individuals who face difficulties entering the job market. At Antal Shoes, we believe that everyone deserves a second (or even third) chance—whether due to health challenges or social circumstances.
By creating jobs and involving local people, we strive to:
Support regional development: Bringing stable employment to areas with limited opportunities.
Build local pride: Just as Baťa made Zlín a shoemaking icon, we want Medzilaborce to be known for quality craftsmanship.
Improve living conditions: Providing jobs has a positive ripple effect on families and communities.
That is why we keep our production local. We believe that the poorest regions in the EU—like Medzilaborce—need opportunities, not just external aid.
We invite you to become part of our story and the barefoot community. If you’re ready to experience the difference with Antal Shoes, visit our e-shop and choose a pair that will open the door to natural movement. Your feet will thank you.
Let’s stay in touch! Follow us on social media, where we regularly share news, foot care tips, and behind-the-scenes insights from our workshop. We look forward to everyone who chooses to step forward with Antal Shoes on the path to natural walking. Together, we can spread the message that comfort and style go hand in hand with health.
City of Medzilaborce