Barefooters, the Euro-styled slip on shoes, have joined with Life Time – the Healthy Way of Life Company, as the official recovery shoe of Life Time Run, the national running organization. As part of their sponsorship, Barefooters will be offering their recovery shoe at three of Life Time’s popular Triathlons in 2013.
With approximately 82,000 avid, health conscious runners in 100 clubs across the country, Life Time Run is among the premier running organizations in North America. Life Time Triathlons are also considered to be the foremost Sprint and International distance Triathlons in the U.S.A. Barefooters will be designated the Official Recovery Shoe for Life Time Run.
“It’s a natural fit for Barefooters,” exclaimed Co-CEO and Co-Founder David Van Klaveren. “Our shoes have received wide acclaim and recognition from athletes, coaches, trainers and chiropractors because they strengthen, stretch and renew feet after miles of training and are especially comfortable to wear after strenuous competition.”
Van Klaveren is passionate about running and has competed in 30 races and 10 marathons, including 3 Boston Marathons over the last 6 years. He explained that Barefooters was originally an idea that sprang from his sore feet after a particularly grueling run. He decided there had to be a better way, and with his business partner, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, João Araujo, an expert and experienced leader in the footwear industry, they created Barefooters, the Feel Great shoe.
Made of a washable blend of cork and silicone, called CorksiLite,
Barefooters are leading a wave of interest in shoes that emphasize comfort, as well as good health. An aspect of Barefooters that is important to remember is the quality of CorksiLite; it’s extremely flexible and shock-absorbing.
“Part of the great appeal of Barefooters is in our insoles that we call “Oooaaahs®,” said Co-CEO and Co-Founder, João Araujo, “because it describes exactly how you feel walking around in Barefooters with the reflexology insoles. It’s like getting a really great foot massage on all the right pressure points of your feet.”
Styled and manufactured in Italy, Barefooters come in neutral and basic as well as bright and cheerful colors, including a series of popular shades for spring. Consumers can easily change the look by switching the original strap with a second color strap that’s included in the box. The straps are secured using buttons embossed with the company Feel Great ‘face which represents both the companys logo and their approach to doing business.
Launched in 2009 by partners Van Klaveren and Araujo to create a shoe that delivers a Feel Great walking experience, more than two years was devoted to research and development of the materials as well as the manufacturing process and design. The companys efforts are supported by internationally renowned footwear industry partners in North America and Europe.
