Glossary

Flexible sole

A flexible sole bends and moves together with your foot, allowing greater freedom of movement and better contact with the surface beneath you. Bohempia barefoot sneakers use thin, flexible soles made from natural rubber.

Hemp canvas

Hemp canvas is a durable textile made from hemp fibres. Bohempia uses hemp yarn sourced from Romania, which is woven into canvas and dyed in the Czech Republic. Hemp canvas is used as the upper material of many Bohempia barefoot sneakers.

Instep

The instep is the upper part of the foot between the toes and the ankle. Instep height can affect how a shoe fits. Models with longer lacing can usually be adjusted more easily for both higher and lower insteps.

Natural rubber

Natural rubber is a flexible material derived from natural latex. We use premium natural rubber from Sri Lanka to produce the thin and flexible soles of our barefoot sneakers.

Rubber blooming

Rubber blooming is a natural phenomenon that can create a whitish or slightly matte coating on the surface of natural rubber. It is not mould or a defect and does not affect the functionality, grip or lifespan of the sole.

Toe allowance

Toe allowance is the extra space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. We recommend adding approximately 0.5–1.2 cm (0.2–0.5 inches) to your measured foot length when choosing your barefoot shoe size. The shoes should still fit securely…

Ultrasuede®

Ultrasuede® is a premium vegan suede material developed by TORAY. The versions used by Bohempia are made from recycled polyester fibres and provide a soft, durable alternative to conventional suede.

Vegan leather

Vegan leather is a leather alternative made without animal-derived leather. Bohempia uses partially recycled microfibre vegan leather in selected models. The material is lightweight, breathable, water-resistant and durable.

Vulcanized construction

Vulcanization is a process that uses heat to make rubber stronger, more flexible, and more durable. It helps the rubber keep its shape and resist wear over time. In footwear, vulcanization creates a flexible but sturdy sole that can handle repeated…

Wide toe box

A wide toe box gives your toes enough room to spread and move naturally instead of being squeezed together. A spacious, anatomically shaped toe area is one of the key features of barefoot footwear.

Zero drop

Zero drop means that the heel and the toes sit at the same height inside the shoe. Unlike conventional footwear with a raised heel, zero-drop shoes have an even sole thickness from heel to toe, supporting a more natural posture and gait.