Don’t Miss the UK’s Annual Barefoot Weekend This October
When we opened the doors to Cranmore Park for the very first UK Barefoot Shoe & Foot Health Expo in 2025, we knew the barefoot community was passionate. Even so, the sheer energy took our breath away. Over 1,000 barefoot enthusiasts, curious first-timers, parents, and health practitioners packed into the venue. The atmosphere was buzzing from start to finish.
The day proved something crucial: natural foot health is no longer a fringe movement. It was a joyful celebration of the footwear revolution, showing firsthand just how massive the appetite is for shoes that actually let human feet function as nature intended.
We listened carefully to your feedback from that whirlwind first show. You asked for more room to browse, more time to chat with brand founders, and a setup that worked even better for families with young children.
For 2026, we have made major upgrades:
- Now a full two-day weekend (17 & 18 October 2026): No more rushing to see everyone before the doors close. You can browse at your own pace over Saturday and Sunday.
- A significantly larger exhibition hall: Wider aisles, more space to test shoes on different walking surfaces, and room to accommodate even more leading global exhibitors comfortably.
- Enhanced family facilities: Dedicated family-friendly rest spaces, more room for buggies, and an even bigger selection of children’s healthy footwear.
Whether you are looking to replace your daily trainers, buy your child’s first school shoes, or explore natural footwear for chronic foot pain, this year’s expo is the place to be. With expert speakers, foot health workshops and buying opportunities, there is something for everyone.
Spotlight on Our 2026 Sponsors
An event of this scale is only possible thanks to the partners championing natural foot health across the globe. I want to give special recognition to the brands stepping up to sponsor this year’s show.
Headline Sponsor: Vivobarefoot
Pioneers of the modern barefoot movement, Vivobarefoot continues to set the benchmark for foot-shaped, flexible, ultra-thin footwear that connects people to the earth. Vivobarefoot are bringing their world-class expertise, showcasing their latest collections, circular design innovations, and barefoot education initiatives across the entire weekend. You can expect to see Vivo’s latest collection as well as their high-tech equipment, from their Volumental foot scanner to their pressure pad, you will certainly learn more than just your shoe size at their booth!
Show Sponsors: Koel Shoes & Lejan Brand
- KOEL SHOES: Hailing from Portugal, KOEL is renowned for merging premium shoemaking craftsmanship with anatomically sound barefoot design. Their ranges for both adults and children are beloved across Europe for their soft leathers, wide toe boxes, and supple soles. As an avid customer since I bought their Rana boots in 2021, I am absolutely thrilled to have them on board this year for the UK Expo. I have seen them at other barefoot expos across the world over the last couple of years and I am really excited to finally bring them to the UK. Their waterproof offerings are just perfect for the British weather, and you may have been me recently sporting the new suede Chelsea boots a lot recently. I can’t wait for you to see their range!
- Lejan Brand: Delivering contemporary everyday aesthetics without sacrificing natural biomechanics, Lejan has quickly made waves with minimalist styles that transition effortlessly between city pavements and casual settings, but we have yet to have them in the UK! Therefore, I am delighted to welcome paediatric podiatrist and Lejan co-founder Alejandro Martínez Calderón for four talks across the weekend, sharing the passion and biomechanics behind developing their stylish, foot-healthy shoes.
Brand Sponsors
- Happy Little Soles: The UK’s pioneer barefoot footwear retailer. The team have spent years helping families transition to barefoot living, stocking trusted worldwide favourites. Their full line-up will be announced soon!
- Boatilus & Bobux: Both brands have gained serious traction in the barefoot community this year. With superb everyday clogs from Boatilus and a huge new school range from Bobux, find them together at the expo so you can explore both collections in one spot.
- Demigods: Bringing cutting-edge style, athletic flair, and functional wide toe boxes to modern barefoot wearers. I am excited for you to see what these newcomers have in store for you!
- Josef Seibel: A household name in heritage shoemaking, bringing decades of comfort craftsmanship into the barefoot arena with their purpose-built, foot-shaped models.
Speaker Timetable – Hall 2
No need to pre-book, just arrive to the speaker stage in Hall 2 at the right time. Seats are first come, first served.
Workshop Timetable – Hall 2
Workshops are on a “first come, first served” basis, no bookings required.
The 2026 Exhibitor Lineup
Below are the brands and multi-brand retailers confirmed for the 2026 Expo floor.
(Brands marked with an asterisk * are retailers stocking multiple independent labels)
Who can come?
The event is open to absolutely everyone, whether you have been barefoot for ten years or have never tried a pair on in your life. Families are warmly welcomed. Children must have a ticket for entry: children under 10 are admitted free of charge, but you must select an allocated free child ticket at checkout so we can monitor venue capacity safely.
Where can I get tickets?
Tickets are on sale online now. You can secure yours directly through the Eventbrite Booking Page. We strongly recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Cranmore Park is completely ground-level and fully wheelchair accessible, with dedicated accessible toilets on site.
Are there carer tickets or concessions?
No. There are no concession or discounted carer tickets available for this event. The venue’s ground-level layout and accessible facilities serve as our reasonable adjustments to ensure access for all visitors.
Is there parking on site?
Yes. Cranmore Park provides free on-site parking for visitors. If the main car park reaches capacity, designated overflow parking and nearby street parking options are readily available.
What are the public transport links?
Cranmore Park is conveniently situated in Shirley, Solihull, right in the heart of the Midlands. It is accessible by local bus routes, nearby rail connections (Shirley and Solihull stations), and is only minutes from the M42 motorway. You can review full travel recommendations and public transport timetables directly on the Cranmore Park Visiting Guide.
Can we buy shoes at the expo?
Yes, in most cases. Some brands and retailers will have physical stock available to purchase and take home on the day. Other brands will be operating try-on display lounges where you can test your exact sizing in person, then place an order with exclusive show discounts for home delivery right after the weekend.
Is the event for adults or kids barefoot shoes?
It is a genuine mix of both. We have dozens of stands catering purely to adult performance, office, and casual footwear, alongside a massive selection of healthy, foot-shaped shoes for babies, toddlers, and teenagers.
Will there be any steel-toe safety shoes?
Yes. Finding foot-shaped, zero-drop safety footwear is one of the hardest challenges for barefoot enthusiasts working in trade, manufacturing, or construction environments. We have at least two exhibitors (including Baak and Gaucho Ninja) bringing zero-drop, foot-shaped safety boots with composite or steel protection to try and order.
Can we pay with cash?
Almost certainly not. The vast majority of brands, retailers, and catering providers will only accept card or contactless payments. Please plan accordingly and bring a payment card or mobile device.
Is it worth travelling to the UK Barefoot Shoe Expo?
Without question. As the only dedicated barefoot and foot health expo in the UK, it is an unmatched opportunity to see, feel, and try hundreds of models in one place without paying for return postage fees. Last year we had visitors travel from Turkey, Israel, Europe, and every corner of the British Isles simply because this concentration of barefoot brands does not exist anywhere else nearby!
4 Pro-Tips to Get the Most from Your Visit
- Measure your feet in millimetres before you arrive: Knowing your foot length and width in millimetres makes finding your correct size across European, US, and UK brands ten times faster.
- Bring your favourite try-on socks: If you plan on buying winter boots or running shoes, bring along the specific socks (or toe socks) you intend to wear with them.
- Take a notebook or save photos of model names: With 30+ exhibitors in one room, you will try on lots of styles. Snapping a quick picture of the shoe tag and brand name will help you keep track of what felt best.
- Food and hot drinks are available on site: Cranmore Park has dedicated cafe facilities serving hot food, snacks, tea, and coffee throughout both days, so you can sit down, refuel, and compare notes.
Ready to join the footwear revolution?
Book your tickets on Eventbrite and we will see you at Cranmore Park on 17 & 18 October 2026.
Brit 👣