Origins
Nackt is a London-based brand that emerged from a desire to merge the discipline of movement with a specific aesthetic heritage. The brand is rooted in the city's creative and athletic communities, drawing significant inspiration from the lean, leather construction of 1970s track and field footwear. Their debut model, the Manon, was developed as the primary expression of this vision.
To ensure the construction matched the design intent, Nackt established a partnership with a family-owned factory in Portugal. This facility brings decades of experience in handling premium natural materials, providing a foundation of traditional craftsmanship for a modern barefoot concept.
What They Make
The focus at Nackt is currently centred on high-quality barefoot trainers that transition between various daily activities. Their signature offering, the Manon, is a low-profile unisex leather trainer.
The construction utilises full-grain leather uppers and flexible outsoles, maintaining a balance between durable protection and the sensory feedback required for a barefoot experience. The range is defined by a considered palette of earthy tones and neutral colours, designed to age naturally with regular use.
Design Approach
The design behind Nackt is one of minimal obstruction. The Manon features an anatomical toe box that allows for natural toe splay, paired with a zero-drop sole to ensure the foot remains in a neutral position. The aesthetic is deliberately restrained, allowing the vintage sporting references to exist within the silhouette without the need for overt branding or technical flourishes. This approach results in a shoe that functions as a piece of athletic equipment while maintaining the appearance of a classic everyday trainer.
Philosophy
Nackt is driven by the intersection of rhythm, dance, and athleticism. The founders identified a space for footwear that respects the mechanics of the human foot without looking like a technical outlier. By focusing on a small-scale, honest production model in Portugal, they maintain a clear point of view on how materials should behave. The goal is to create footwear that becomes a forgotten presence on the foot, allowing the wearer to move naturally through urban and natural environments alike.
Who Wears Nackt Shoes?
While the brand draws from the worlds of running, climbing, and the arts, the footwear is intended for anyone who values a direct connection between their feet and the ground.
Manon is particularly suited to those who seek a barefoot shoe that integrates into a varied wardrobe, from casual wear to more structured attire. Because the design is lean and the silhouette is clean, it appeals to individuals who prefer their footwear to be functional and unpretentious.
What’s New for 2026
For 2026, the focus remains on refining the Manon silhouette and introducing new, earthy colourways that reflect the brand's organic aesthetic. There is a continued emphasis on sourcing premium leathers that offer a soft, lived-in feel from the first wear.
The brand's presence in the barefoot community continues to grow through word-of-mouth, supported by a consistent track record of positive feedback regarding the longevity and comfort of their Portuguese-made uppers.
Featured already in National Geographic for Best Looking Barefoot Shoe in 2025, we can safely say this young brand is destined for great things.
Nackt at Happy Little Soles
Happy Little Soles carries a curated selection of the Nackt Manon in several distinct colourways. The collection includes the core leather versions that have become staples of the brand’s identity. Each pair stocked features the same flexible barefoot sole and high-grade leather upper that defines the Nackt ethos. We ensure that our inventory reflects the versatile nature of the palette, from warm, soil-inspired hues to cooler, understated neutrals.
You can see how our team got on wearing their Nackt Manon during a busy trip to London, here.
Why We Choose Nackt
The decision to bring Nackt to Happy Little Soles was informed by the brand’s commitment to transparent production and its unique design perspective. The Manon provides a convincing solution for those who require a barefoot trainer that does not compromise on traditional aesthetics. The high percentage of positive independent reviews and the brand's attentive approach to customer care align with the standards of reliability we look for.
Nackt represents a creative, London-born contribution to the barefoot market that prioritises quality over marketing volume.
Fit, Shape and Sizing
The Manon is built on a last that typically suits narrow to medium-width feet. The anatomical shape provides the necessary width at the toes, while the leather uppers are known for their ability to soften and conform to the foot’s shape over time. Sizing is consistent with standard European measurements.
It is worth noting that Nackt often takes an active interest in ensuring the correct fit for their customers, a practice that mirrors our own emphasis on finding the right shoe for the individual foot.
Summary
Nackt has established itself as a brand with a clear, honest voice in the barefoot footwear industry. By combining a 1970s athletic aesthetic with the principles of natural movement and European manufacturing, they have created a shoe in the Manon that is both functional and enduring.
The brand’s focus on quality materials and anatomical design makes them a valued part of the Happy Little Soles collection for those seeking a well-constructed, minimalist trainer.
You can find our range of Nackt barefoot shoes here.
