If you are looking for a real sense of grown-up class in a barefoot shoe, look no further than Angles. This Czech craft-led company has flown somewhat under the radar, although its latest summer collection suggests that may be changing.
Origins
Reviving their shoemaking heritage in Zlín meant going back to basics. With little personal heritage to draw on (apart from their grandfather’s slipper-making in Valašsko), the founders had to build their company from the ground up. Choosing to create an honest Czech product from genuine European materials meant reaching out to Tomas Bata University in Zlín for guidance and creating their own database of over 1,000 foot shapes gathered from the Czech general public.
Today, all Angles shoes are handmade, crafted using the needle construction method and designed to support natural barefoot movement. All models are made in the Czech Republic, using top-quality leather and exclusively EU-sourced materials. Their lasts follow the real angles and anatomy of human feet.
Angles’ barefoot credentials are strong, with no heels, arch supports, thick soles or rigid structures that restrict natural toe movement. They are exceptionally lightweight and allow the foot to function freely and naturally.
The Angles Collection
Named for the angles of the human foot, their logo draws on the simplified lines that represent its natural shape, and this thinking carries through into the naming of the footwear. Each model takes its name from a Greek philosopher, god, or mathematician, a reference that suggests reliability and conscientious connection.
The range covers year-round wear, from tall boots to practical ankle boots, to more formal city shoes and simple ballet flats. Alongside these sit everyday trainers and, for summer, a really well thought out selection of sandals. Sizing is broad and consistent, making it a range that works for most adult customers without too much compromise
Angles at HLS
We have gradually expanded our Angles range to reflect how the collection itself has developed, particularly with the addition of more trainers and a broader selection of summer sandals
Angles has always been a strong choice for more formal settings, with styles like the Atlas boot and Chronos city shoes being customer favourites that work well for smarter occasions. That same clarity of design carries through into the newer pieces.
New for 2026
Helios 2.0 is a versatile trainer that works for everyday wear and casual sports. It has a very minimal feel underfoot, with just 6mm through the sole, but still feels put together enough for everyday wear. The leather upper is soft and well-made, which makes them comfortable right out of the box.
Calisto is an easy one for everyday wear. It has that familiar ballet flat shape, but the softly elasticated leather upper makes it sit neatly on the foot and keeps it comfortable through the day. It works just as well with something more put together as it does with a simpler, casual outfit.
The sandals are a natural extension of the range. Soft, flexible, and well-balanced, they are an easy option for summer events, from weddings to more casual occasions. They also travel well, and are simple, comfortable, and easy to wear day to night.
The Angles Fit
Angles shoes are built on a very low-profile sole, typically around 6mm in total, which keeps them flexible and light. The combination of a thin rubber outsole and subtle tread allows for good ground feel while still being practical for everyday wear. Uppers are generally made from soft premium leather with a smooth lining, so they feel comfortable from early on but still hold their shape over time.
Angles uses a genuinely anatomical toe box with a gentle slope, which gives proper space for the toes without the shoe feeling oversized. They tend to suit medium to wide feet well, including those with a higher instep, as there is enough volume through the upper to avoid pressure across the top of the foot.
In terms of sizing, Angles runs fairly true to size in length. Most people will be comfortable choosing their usual size, allowing a standard amount of growing room at the front. The shape does a lot of the work, so it is less about sizing up for width and more about getting the length right and letting the foot sit naturally within the shoe.
Why We Love Angles
We love championing less widely known brands, and Angles has really earned its place with us. Our collection is carefully put together, coming from a lot of research and consideration, so a brand has to be genuinely good to sit comfortably alongside more established names.
The range is wonderfully understated, with a low-key classic look. There is a consistency to both the fit and the quality that brings people back to it, and that, more than anything, is what tells you a brand is getting things right.
Read more about this great brand in our interview with Jan from Angles
More Help
We’ve created a space filled with advice to help you get the very best from your barefoot shoe shopping. From detailed sizing guides, resources and blogs, to tips on making the most of our delivery options, you’ll find it all in The Advice Hub.
If you’d like a little more tailored support, do get in touch. Our Customer Service team love talking all things barefoot and are always happy to help.
We hope you love your purchase, but if something isn’t quite right, we offer free returns. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
