The Story Behind the Czech Barefoot Brand
At Happy Little Soles, we love diving deep into the stories behind the brands we stock, and Angles is no exception. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jan from Angles to learn more about this remarkable Czech barefoot brand, its journey, and the craftsmanship behind each pair of shoes.
The Birth of Angles: Inspired by History
Angles was born in 2016 near Zlín, a town with a rich shoemaking heritage and home to the legendary Bata company. Tomáš Bata revolutionised the footwear industry, and his influence can still be felt today. "We took great inspiration from the craftsmanship and dedication of the people working for Bata," Jan explains.
The Guinness Book of Records named Bata the ‘Largest Shoe Manufacturer and Retailer’ of all time in 2004, a testament to the brand's unparalleled impact on the industry. This legacy of quality and innovation greatly influenced the foundation of Angles.
Initially, production took place in the Czech Republic, but six years later, Angles moved manufacturing to Portugal, near Porto. "The shoemaking tradition in Portugal is as strong as in Zlín, but with advanced technology and close relationships with material suppliers, we saw an opportunity to enhance our quality even further," Jan shares. Despite this move, the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship remains unchanged.
What Makes Angles Special?
Angles shoes are designed to be indistinguishable from conventional footwear at first glance. However, once you slip them on, you immediately feel the difference.
"Our shoes are lightweight, flexible, and offer plenty of toe space. They’re completely free from heels, arch support, or thick soles—allowing the feet to move naturally," Jan emphasises. The goal? To create barefoot shoes for every occasion, whether it’s a business meeting, a theatre outing, or a winter walk.
A Science-Backed Approach
From the start, Angles has been committed to making barefoot shoes that truly fit the human foot. Their journey began with extensive research at Tomas Bata University in Zlín, where 3D scanning of 1,056 feet was conducted to perfect the first shoe last.
"This led to our flagship model, the Socrates, which later evolved into the Chronos model in Portugal," Jan says. "Every model we design takes approximately six months to a year to perfect, ensuring every detail meets our high standards."
Barefoot Shoes for Every Occasion
Angles offers a variety of styles to suit all needs, from minimalist ballerinas to elegant derby shoes, Chelsea boots, and warm winter models with waterproof membranes. "A unique feature we offer is two width options: sizes 37–42 for narrower feet and sizes 41+ to 46+ for wider feet," Jan highlights.
The Art of Craftsmanship
Each pair of Angles shoes is cut, assembled, and sewn by hand, perfected down to the last millimeter, with a strong focus on precision. "Our shoe lasts reflect the natural angles of the human foot, and our soles strike the perfect balance between durability and flexibility," Jan explains.
Quality control is rigorous, with every upper material undergoing stretch and flexibility tests. "Ultimately, the most important part of our process is the human touch. From leather selection to the final hand-finishing, each shoe is crafted with care and dedication," Jan concludes.
The Angles Experience
Angles shoes aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about providing freedom and comfort for your feet, no matter where you go. Their combination of traditional craftsmanship, modern innovation, and a deep understanding of foot health makes them a standout brand in the barefoot world.
We’re thrilled to stock Angles at Happy Little Soles and bring these beautifully crafted barefoot shoes to you. Whether you're new to barefoot footwear or a long-time enthusiast, Angles is a brand that truly embodies the best of both worlds—timeless style and ultimate foot freedom!
