Why your feet hurt

Your shoes have been working against your feet

Tap a spot to see why it hurts.

A woman standing in the Anchor shoes, side view showing her hips, knees, ankles and the ball of her foot
  1. When your feet are tilted all day, everything above them adjusts to compensate.

    In AnchorYour weight spreads across the whole foot instead of the ball.

Nothing pressing. Nothing tilting.

What you get with Anchor

A light everyday sneaker you can stay in from morning to night

1

Room across the front all day long

Built on a wide last with a widened toe box.

2

You stand the way you do at home

The sole is zero drop, so heel and toe sit level.

3

Feet stay cool through a warm afternoon

Breathable knit and canvas over a soft cotton lining.

4

Confident footing on polished floors

Gum rubber outsole with a triangle tread.

5

Less weight to lift, seven thousand times

Around nine ounces a shoe, with EVA foam underfoot.

6

A shoe that bends where your foot bends

The free flex build moves and rebounds with every step.

The details, if you want them

Style
Minimalist barefoot walking sneaker
Shoe type
Walking and everyday sneaker
Best for
Walking, light jogging, everyday wear, travel
Upper material
Breathable knit and canvas
Lining
Soft cotton
Insole
EVA foam
Outsole
Wear resistant gum rubber, triangle tread
Sole profile
Zero drop
Toe box
Wide last, widened toe box
Closure
Lace up
Season
All season
Care
Spot clean, air dry

What to expect

The first two weeks

Your feet need a few weeks.

  1. Day one, wearing the Anchor indoors on a wooden floor

    Day 1 to 3

    A couple of hours

    Around the house.

  2. Stepping out of the front door in the Anchor for a short errand

    Day 4 to 7

    Half a day

    Short walks outside.

  3. Sitting on a park bench in the Anchor after a longer walk

    Day 8 to 14

    Most of the day

    Take them out on grass one afternoon.

  4. Walking easily along a path in the Anchor

    Day 15 on

    All day, every day

    Wear them anywhere.

Why it works

What Anchor actually does for your feet

Overhead view of the Anchor showing its widened toe box

Built roomy, not just barefoot

Wide at the toes, in a wide fitting.

Side view of the Anchor showing its level zero drop sole

You stand level, not tipped forward

Flat from heel to toe, all day.

Three quarter view of the Anchor showing its flexible gum sole

Your foot moves instead of being held still

Bends and rebounds with every step.

The weight

You do not wear your shoes. You lift them, about 7,000 times a day.

A normal sneaker adds a few ounces. Multiply that by 7,000.

11.5 oz per shoe

Weight you stop lifting, every day

0 lb

One shoe per step, at 7,000 steps a day.

Why this pair

Anchor next to the sneaker you own now

In real use
Anchor
An ordinary cushioned sneaker
Across the toes
AnchorWide toe box
An ordinary cushioned sneakerTapered
Standing still
AnchorLevel
An ordinary cushioned sneakerRaised heel
On pavement
AnchorBends each step
An ordinary cushioned sneakerStiff plate
Warm afternoons
AnchorKnit, cotton lined
An ordinary cushioned sneakerTraps heat inside
Polished floors
AnchorGum rubber grips
An ordinary cushioned sneakerSmooth foam slides
Weight per shoe
AnchorAround nine oz
An ordinary cushioned sneakerOunces more
A light jog
AnchorSoft rebound
An ordinary cushioned sneakerAbsorbs your push
Packing for travel
AnchorFolds into a bag
An ordinary cushioned sneakerBulky, holds shape

Fit and anatomy

Shaped like a foot, not a wedge

Your toes should sit inside the outline, with room to spread.

Overhead view of Anchor showing its wide barefoot toe box

Put your foot on the insole. Your toes should sit inside the outline with room to spread.

It gives where your foot needs it to.

Room across the front, so nothing squeezes your toes together.

  • Foot shapedtoe box, room to splay
  • Zero dropheel and toe sit level
  • True to sizelace up, adjustable fit

No seam across the top, so nothing digs in.

Questions

Anchor questions, answered

How do I choose the right size in the Anchor?

The Anchor fits true to size for most people. Since barefoot shoes can run slightly short, size up half a size if you are between sizes or have wider feet. These are US sizes, and women and men have separate sizing you switch with the Women and Men buttons at the top of the page.

What are they made of and what are they best for?

The Anchor pairs a breathable mesh upper with a lightweight flexible sole. It is a versatile all day shoe made for everyday wear, running errands, work, and casual outings. It is the kind of pair you reach for on repeat.

What does the zero drop and wide toe box feel like?

Your heel and forefoot sit level, which keeps your posture natural, and the wide toe box lets your toes spread and grip. Many people feel more grounded and free once they adjust, all under a clean minimalist look.

Do I need to break them in?

The Anchor is comfortable early thanks to the soft mesh and flexible sole. If you are new to barefoot shoes, start with shorter wears and build up so your feet and lower legs adapt to the thin sole.

How do I clean the mesh upper?

Wipe the mesh with a damp cloth and mild soap to lift everyday dirt. For a deeper clean, use a soft brush and lukewarm water, then air dry away from direct heat. Skip the dryer, since high heat can affect the materials and shape.

What is the difference between the women's and men's Anchor?

The style and materials match across both. The sizing and proportions differ, so use the Women and Men buttons at the top of the page to pick the right fit.

What is your return policy?

You are covered by a 30 day money back guarantee. If the Anchor does not work for you, contact us within 30 days for a full refund. We ship to the US and CA.