Overview

In the world of footwear, where style often trumps comfort, finding shoes that promise and deliver an unmatched level of freedom is rare. There have been a few challengers to the dominance of the two or three biggest brands but nobody has quite ticked all the boxes. Some brands make the perfect shoe, but at an eye-watering price. Some brands have excellent marketing but a terrible environmental record. Others tick all the boxes except producing a functional, comfortable shoe which is, you know…pretty important. 

Enter BÄR, a company that has, since 1982, quietly been revolutionising the concept of what footwear can be. I’ve known about the brand for a while, without ever doing any real digging. That was until I met a friend of mine for coffee a couple of months ago. We were discussing the year’s sneaker releases and he gasped and looked down. 

“I haven’t told you, have I? There’s a new brand I’ve fallen in love with. He pointed to his shoes under the table, “Just look at them. They’re a completely different shape to most boots.” And he was right, instead of bunching up at the toebox, they were wide and roomy. He even wiggled his toes and I saw the ripple clearly. I care about boots, ankle boots, whatever you call them, deeply. I also respect this person’s opinion on footwear hugely. He’s been giving me recommendations for decades. I felt an urge to check them out. I decided to start my BÄR journey with the Jody ankle boots. At a glance, they look like Chelsea boots, but they offer a stylish, pullover-like upper with water-repellent leather and a nice, thick sole. These shoes piqued my curiosity—not just as another cool pair of shoes, but as a harbinger of comfort and natural movement.

BÄR shoes seem to represent a philosophy that shoes should facilitate freedom, not constrict our feet. They cater to those who value independence and self-confidence through their lifestyle choices. I’ve always been keen on finding footwear that could provide comfort for my all-day activities while also keeping up with my aesthetic standards. Before discovering BÄR, I oscillated between various brands, never quite satisfied with the balance between comfort and aesthetics. Many brands have set out their stall with a specific focus, often comfort. They release one or two styles of extremely comfortable but quite unattractive shoes before sacrificing their founding principles to build a stylish shoe. BÄR, it seems, makes no such sacrifice. They have practical comfort, flexible comfort and stylish comfort. In many cases, in the same pair of shoes.

Features

Priced at a premium yet entirely justified by their features, the BÄR Jody shoes make a compelling case in the saturated market of casual footwear. For a comparably modest €199, these ankle boots are not just a purchase but an investment in foot health and comfort. The promise is to enhance the natural form of the foot, promoting well-being rather than conforming to conventional shoe shapes. The key specifications are both innovative and user-focused:

100% Toe Freedom: This is the hallmark of BÄR shoes, and the Jody ankle boots exemplify this philosophy perfectly. They offer complete toe freedom, allowing for natural, unrestricted foot movement. The first time you experience this, it’s almost revelatory. The sense of space and freedom is so profound that returning to regular shoes feels like a step backward. This feature alone makes the Jody ankle boots a standout choice for anyone seeking a healthier way to treat their feet.

Materials: Constructed from high-quality, water-repellent leather and complemented by a stretchy knit, these shoes are built to last and adapt. The durability and flexibility are evident from the first wear. Inside, a warm felt lining cradles the feet, providing insulation and comfort, even on the coldest days. I personally tested their resilience at a recent outdoor event. Despite a heavy downpour that transformed a simple walk across a car park into a potential foot-soaking ordeal, my feet remained surprisingly warm and dry, thanks to the robust materials.

Design: With a design that prioritises ergonomic principles, the boots feature minimal heels to align more closely with the natural flatness of the foot, enhancing posture and walking comfort. The aesthetic cleverly marries the casual charm of a Chelsea boot with functional elements that elevate these ankle boots beyond mere fashion items to essential tools for everyday wellness. The modern, sleek design ensures they are versatile enough to pair with both casual jeans and more formal attire, making them a staple for any wardrobe.

Functionality: The Jody boots are equipped with a 2 mm BÄR resilience foam footbed that moulds to the contours of your foot, supported by a robust felt cover for additional comfort. The TPU Win sole beneath features a non-slip lug profile, providing a secure and stable grip in a variety of conditions, from slick city pavements to rugged country paths. It’s impressive how these shoeshandle diverse terrains; I found myself questioning whether there was any environment they couldn’t conquer. The idea of climbing a mountain in Chelsea boots suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched when you’re wearing a pair of Jody’s.

In essence, the BÄR Jody boots are much more than just footwear. They are a lifestyle choice, offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and durability that stands out in today’s footwear market. For anyone looking to invest in their foot health without sacrificing style, these boots are a perfect choice.

Experience

This is an extremely popular shoe, and I noticed many colours were out of stock in my size (always a good sign). I went for dark blue, expecting them to match the most with my jeans. At €199, they’re a premium purchase, there’s no hiding from this. Inevitably, people will be priced out of them but this is what you expect from high-quality materials and exciting brand claims. If my feet are going to be ‘set free’, if I might be preventing long-term podiatric problems, then it feels like a worthy purchase. What’s more, most boots or shoes in the €150-€199 bracket tend to only last a couple of years anyway, but if the claims are true, I expected these to become a staple for years to come. They arrived a day earlier than expected, which was a welcome bonus, and I couldn’t wait to try them for the first time. 

 From the moment I slipped into the BÄR Jody ankle boots, the difference was palpable. They fit like mittens, warm and cosy but with all the room I needed. The freedom of movement was immediately noticeable, a stark contrast to the restrictive nature of traditional footwear. I called the dog, grabbed his lead (and poo bags) and immediately set off to put them through their paces. On the pavements, they were a dream. The wide toe box particularly impressive, allowing my toes to spread naturally as if I were walking barefoot. This design not only enhances comfort but also contributes to a healthier foot posture over time. I then crossed around the back of our estate and walked for half an hour on a rocky, gravel path through some marshland. I barely even noticed the change in terrain. My previous pair of Chelsea boots would have my feet screaming after just a few minutes ‘off-road’, with their inflexible soles and stiff lining. The BÄR Jody’s, however, were a breeze, thanks to their BÄR resilience foam footbed and TPU Win sole. Without looking down, I could’ve mistaken them for walking boots. 

During the first few weeks, I tested the boots in various settings—from evening trips into the city to relaxed but extended walks. Their versatility was evident as they paired effortlessly with both jeans and more formal attire, making them an excellent choice for those who value both functionality and style. The craftsmanship deserves special mention; the attention to detail is evident in every seam and stitch, indicating a product built to last. This is no surprise, considering BÄR have been operating from their own workshop for almost thirty years. This consistency and longevity is as close as you can get to a guarantee of quality, of which I can assure. 

However, it’s not just about the physical aspects. Wearing the Jody boots also imparts a subtle psychological boost—a sense of wearing something genuinely aligned with my values of health and comfort, not just external appearance. Not only this, but the company pays overseas staff a fair wage as well as providing health and social insurance. Their sustainability efforts are second-to-none and there’s a strong moral compass from the top-down. This makes it so much easier to slip my BÄR Jody’s on everyday, and it also inspires me to wear exclusively BÄR shoes moving forward.

Conclusion

After a comprehensive month-long trial, the BÄR Jody boots have reshaped my expectations of what footwear can offer. They are not merely shoes; they are a testament to BÄR’s commitment to comfort, health, sustainability and style. Anyone looking for footwear that respects and enhances the natural dynamics of their feet will find the Jody boots a joy to wear. 

In a market flooded with options that prioritise aesthetics over health, BÄR stands out by offering a product that doesn’t compromise. The Jody ankle boots encapsulate the essence of what it means to wear shoes designed for the human foot, not the other way around. For those willing to invest in their footwear, the Jody ankle boots are not just a purchase; they are a step into a broader world of foot freedom and overall well-being. This actually means so much more than just comfortable shoes. As we age, mobility issues become a more pressing problem and it could be the case that uncomfortable shoes with poor design worsen these problems. By wearing shoes that prioritise foot health early, you could potentially offset some of these problems and save long-term on unnecessary trips to the podiatrist. 

This exploration into the world of BÄR has not only added a staple to my wardrobe but also deepened my appreciation for thoughtful, health-conscious design in footwear. I look forward to seeing how this innovative approach continues to evolve and influence the footwear industry. BÄR has not just sold me a pair of shoes; they’ve converted me into a lifelong advocate for their philosophy of freedom and comfort.