Glossary
Start here:
Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes ·
Fit and Size Guide ·
Modes Explained
This glossary is a quick reference for barefoot-style terms. Definitions are educational, and different brands use terms differently.
A
Achilles Load
Definition: How much work the Achilles tendon is doing, which can feel higher when you change drop height (flex example switching to zero drop) or ramp activity quickly.
Why it matters: It’s a big reason gradual transition and sensible starting points matter.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Ankle Mobility
Definition: How freely your ankle moves through range (including dorsiflexion and plantarflexion).
Why it matters: Limited ankle mobility can make zero-drop and lower cushioning feel harder early on - especially on hills, stairs, and longer days.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Arch Height
Definition: The shape/height of the arch area of your foot, which can change how a shoe feels underfoot.
Why it matters: Comfort is often about matching fit volume and feel, not “fixing” an arch.
B
Barefoot Shoes
Definition: A popular way people describe shoes that feel less built-up - usually flatter, more flexible, and with more room for your toes than standard footwear.
Why it matters: The term gets used for everything from “a bit more natural” to truly minimal shoes, so it helps to check the basics (toe room, drop, cushioning) rather than the label.
Barefoot-Style
Definition: Foot-shaped, zero-drop shoes designed to give toes room and let movement feel more natural. Often require a gradual transition.
Why it matters: It’s the clearest way to describe the fit and platform most people are looking for, without assuming you want the most minimal option on day one.
Body Voltage
Definition: A multimeter reading that shows your body’s electrical potential relative to the earth, often measured as AC voltage in grounding demos.
Why it matters: It’s one way to compare “ungrounded vs grounded” setups when testing grounding shoes on different surfaces.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Break-In
Definition: Small changes in feel as materials soften over time, which shouldn’t be relied on to “fix” a wrong fit.
Why it matters: If it pinches or rubs at the toes, it’s usually a sizing/shape issue - not a break-in issue.
C
Calf Soreness (During Transition)
Definition: A common “worked” feeling in the calves when switching to zero drop, especially if the change is fast.
Why it matters: Often normal, but it usually needs pacing and a sensible transition dose.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Continuity Test
Definition: A quick test that confirms whether there’s an unbroken conductive path between two points.
Why it matters: It’s a simple way to verify whether a grounding shoe has end-to-end electrical connection.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Cushioning (Sole)
Definition: Material in the sole that reduces impact feel and can make transition more forgiving.
Why it matters: Cushioning can be a transition tool - consistency beats toughness.
Read next: Modes Explained
D
Dorsiflexion
Definition: The ability to bring your toes toward your shin at the ankle.
Why it matters: Limited dorsiflexion can make early zero-drop transition feel harder, especially on hills and stairs.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Dose
Definition: The total load you’re asking your body to adapt to - time in the shoes, surface hardness, and activity intensity.
Why it matters: “Too much too soon” is often a dose issue, not a shoe issue.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
E
Earthing (Grounding)
Definition: Another word for grounding - creating an electrical connection to the earth through a conductive path on grounded surfaces.
Why it matters: It’s the term many people search, but the mechanism is the same as grounding.
Read next: Grounding Explained
F
Flex Grooves
Definition: Channels cut into the sole to help the shoe bend more easily through the step.
Why it matters: They can increase flexibility and ground feel without reducing stack height.
Flexibility
Definition: How easily the shoe bends and twists - more flexible usually means more feedback and less structure.
Why it matters: High flexibility can feel amazing - or too demanding too soon.
Foot Mobility
Definition: How well your foot joints move and adapt under load (toes, midfoot, and ankle working together).
Why it matters: When you change footwear, you may notice different demands on foot mobility - which is why transition pacing and comfort choices matter.
Foot-Shaped
Definition: A shoe shape that follows the foot, giving toes room instead of tapering them into a point.
Why it matters: Toe room is the point - comfort and stability often start here.
Foot Strength
Definition: How well your feet and lower legs can handle the day-to-day load of walking, standing, and training - comfortably, over time.
Why it matters: Foot strength builds best with small, steady steps. Consistency beats going all-in for a week, then stopping.
Foot Volume
Definition: How much space your foot takes up inside a shoe (instep height as well as width and length).
Why it matters: Two feet can be the same length but need different internal volume.
G
Ground Contact Time
Definition: How long your foot stays in contact with the ground each step (most often discussed in running).
Why it matters: It’s a useful concept when thinking about technique and load - but it’s just one piece of the picture alongside volume, surface, and footwear.
Ground Feel
Definition: How much you can feel the surface through the shoe - more ground feel usually means higher demand.
Why it matters: Many beginners do better starting with less ground feel, then progressing.
Read next: Modes Explained
Grounded Vs Ungrounded Surfaces
Definition: Grounded surfaces can conduct to the earth (like wet ground or some concrete), while ungrounded surfaces (like most indoor floors) typically cannot.
Why it matters: Grounding requires both a conductive shoe and a surface that’s actually grounded.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Ground Flow System
Definition: Bahé’s term for a conductive pathway from foot to ground, designed to support electrical connection on grounded surfaces.
Why it matters: It names the mechanism in a clear, testable way (connection vs insulation).
Read next: Grounding Explained
Grounding
Definition: Electrical connection to the earth through a conductive path, which can be tested on grounded surfaces.
Why it matters: Grounding depends on both the shoe and the surface - and it’s something you can check with simple tests.
Read next: Grounding Explained
H
Heel Counter
Definition: The structured part around the back of the shoe that helps stabilise and hold the heel.
Why it matters: A good heel counter keeps your heel secure and helps reduce heel slip without squeezing the toe box. It helps your foot sit straight in the shoe, so you move with it - instead of feeling like you’re fighting it.
Heel Lock
Definition: A secure heel fit that prevents excessive lifting while walking, without crushing the midfoot.
Why it matters: Good heel lock stops a “sloppy” feel even with roomy toes.
Heel Lift
Definition: A small wedge under the heel used temporarily to reduce the “drop change” feeling during transition.
Why it matters: It can help some people stay consistent while adapting - then taper off.
Read next: Heel Lifts and Insoles Explained
Heel-To-Toe Drop
Definition: The height difference between heel and forefoot in a shoe. Zero-drop means there’s no height difference.
Why it matters: Drop shapes how your body stacks and shares load through the ankles and lower legs. A lower drop gives you a more level platform that many people find supports a natural, upright posture - and if you’re changing drop, a gradual transition helps it feel smooth and steady.
Read next: Modes Explained
Heel-To-Toe Drop Change
Definition: The shift your body feels when moving from a heeled shoe to a zero-drop platform (or vice versa) - even if the new shoe is cushioned.
Why it matters: Drop change can increase the load felt through calves and Achilles early on, which is why gradual transition (and tools like heel lifts) can help.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Heel Slip
Definition: When the heel lifts inside the shoe while walking - often fixable with lacing or volume adjustment.
Why it matters: Heel slip is usually a fit/volume issue, not a “wrong shoe” issue.
Read next: Fit and Size Guide
Hot Spot
Definition: A specific area of irritation that shows up early (often within 10-20 minutes) and predicts rubbing.
Why it matters: Hot spots are a fit signal - don’t ignore them and hope.
I
Insole
Definition: The removable insert inside a shoe that can change feel, cushioning, and fit volume.
Why it matters: An extra insole can solve “too roomy” or “heel slip” without changing size.
Read next: Heel Lifts and Insoles Explained
Instep
Definition: The top of your foot between the ankle and toes, which affects how a shoe feels across the laces.
Why it matters: High/low insteps change perceived tightness even in the correct length.
Intrinsics (Foot Muscles)
Definition: The small muscles within the foot that help with control, balance, and toe function.
Why it matters: These often feel more “awake” when you give toes room and reduce rigid support.
L
Last (Shoe Last)
Definition: The mould a shoe is built around, which determines its overall shape and fit.
Why it matters: Two shoes can be the same size but feel totally different because the last differs.
Lock Lacing / Runner’s Loop
Definition: A lacing method that improves heel lock by creating a tighter loop at the top eyelets.
Why it matters: It often fixes heel slip without needing a different size.
M
Midfoot Volume
Definition: The amount of internal space around the midfoot/arch area (height and width), not just shoe length.
Why it matters: Midfoot volume often explains “too tight on top” or “too roomy” feelings.
Midsole
Definition: The layer of the sole between the outsole and your foot that influences cushioning, stability, and feel.
Why it matters: Midsole materials and thickness can change comfort and feedback even when stack height looks similar.
Minimalist Shoes
Definition: Shoes with less structure - often lighter and more flexible - but not always foot-shaped or zero drop.
Why it matters: “Minimalist” and “barefoot” get mixed up; fit, drop, and cushioning still vary.
Modes (Bahé)
Definition: Three cushioning levels in the same foot-shaped, zero-drop platform - so you can start where your body is and progress.
Why it matters: Modes make transition more realistic for real life (and real surfaces).
Read next: Modes Explained
Modular Fit
Definition: Using insoles (remove, keep, or add an extra) to fine-tune internal volume, cushioning, and ground feel.
Why it matters: It helps you dial in fit without immediately changing size - especially useful when you’re between sizes.
Read next: Heel Lifts and Insoles Explained
Multimeter (AC Voltage Mode)
Definition: The multimeter setting used to measure AC voltage (often shown as V~ / VAC), commonly used in body voltage grounding tests.
Why it matters: Using the correct mode (and a consistent setup) makes results easier to compare across surfaces and shoe set-ups.
Read next: Grounding Explained
O
Outsole
Definition: The bottom layer of the shoe that contacts the ground and determines grip, durability, and feel.
Why it matters: Outsole design affects grip, durability, flexibility, and ground feel - it’s one of the biggest drivers of how a shoe behaves on different surfaces.
Overstriding
Definition: Landing with your foot too far ahead of your body, which can increase braking forces and lower-leg load.
Why it matters: Barefoot-style shoes tend to work best with a slightly shorter stride - it encourages a lighter, more controlled landing and reduces overstriding.
P
Plantar Fascia
Definition: A band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch and helps transmit force during walking and running.
Why it matters: When you change footwear or training dose, the sensations you notice through the sole can change. If you’re dealing with persistent pain, get individual advice.
Pronation
Definition: A natural movement pattern of the foot and ankle during walking and running, often involving a combination of eversion, abduction, and dorsiflexion as the foot loads.
Why it matters: Pronation is a natural movement and part of the gait cycle - but when you change shoes, surfaces, or training dose, it can feel different, which is why fit and transition pacing matter.
R
Resistance (Ohms)
Definition: A measure of how easily electricity can flow through a material, measured in ohms (Ω).
Why it matters: Lower resistance generally indicates a more conductive path, which is relevant for grounding tests.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Rubber Hardness (Durometer)
Definition: A measure of how hard or soft rubber is, which influences grip and wear.
Why it matters: Softer rubber often grips better but can wear faster; harder rubber can last longer but feel firmer.
S
Stack Height
Definition: The total thickness of the sole between your foot and the ground.
Why it matters: Stack height affects comfort and feedback, but doesn’t change drop by itself.
Read next: Modes Explained
Stack Vs Feel
Definition: Stack height is thickness, while “feel” is how much feedback and impact you perceive through the shoe.
Why it matters: Two shoes can have similar stack height but very different ground feel depending on materials.
Stride Length
Definition: The distance you cover with each step or stride.
Why it matters: Overstriding can increase braking forces and lower-leg load. In barefoot-style shoes, many people favour slightly shorter strides.
Supination
Definition: A movement pattern where the foot tends to roll outward, often involving less eversion during loading.
Why it matters: Like pronation, it a natural movement and part of the gait cycle - but changes in footwear, surface, or dose can change what you feel through the foot and ankle.
T
Toe Box
Definition: The front part of the shoe where your toes sit - width and shape matter as much as length.
Why it matters: In barefoot-style shoes, toe room is the point. It lets your toes sit in a more natural position and do their job. A tapered toe box can push toes inward, which can affect comfort, stability, and how your foot moves.
Toe Box Volume
Definition: The amount of space in the front of the shoe, combining width, height, and overall shape - not just length.
Why it matters: Many “wrong size” issues are really toe-box volume issues. The right volume gives toes room without rubbing, while the rest of the shoe stays secure.
Toe Mobility
Definition: How freely your toes can move, extend, and spread during standing and walking.
Why it matters: Toe mobility can influence comfort and stability - and shoes that allow toe room make that movement possible.
Toe Room
Definition: The space in front of your longest toe when standing - enough room so toes aren’t pushed or pinched.
Why it matters: Barefoot-style fit often feels roomier on purpose.
Read next: Fit and Size Guide
Toe Splay
Definition: The natural spreading of the toes when you stand and move.
Why it matters: Shoes that allow toe splay often feel more stable and comfortable over time.
Toe Spring
Definition: When the front of the shoe curves upward off the ground instead of lying flat.
Why it matters: More toe spring can reduce ground feel and change how your foot rolls through a step.
Transition
Definition: A gradual increase in time and activity in zero-drop/foot-shaped footwear so calves, feet, and tendons adapt.
Why it matters: Many “barefoot problems” are really transition dose problems.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Tread / Lugs
Definition: The pattern and raised shapes on the outsole that affect traction on different surfaces.
Why it matters: More aggressive lugs can increase grip but may feel less smooth on pavement.
W
Wide Fit
Definition: A shoe made with more overall width (often through the midfoot but not necessarily the forefoot) compared to a standard fit.
Why it matters: “Wide” isn’t the same as foot-shaped. A shoe can be wide but still taper sharply at the toe, which can push toes inward and limit natural toe position and function. Foot-shaped fit is about the shape up front, not just adding width.
Width Vs Length Sizing
Definition: Shoe size is often based on length, but width and volume strongly affect comfort and stability.
Why it matters: Many “wrong size” problems are actually width/volume problems.
Z
Zero Drop
Definition: A shoe with no height difference between heel and forefoot (a flat platform).
Why it matters: The drop change is a main reason calves can feel loaded at first.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Start here: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes · Fit and Size Guide · Modes Explained
This glossary is a quick reference for barefoot-style terms. Definitions are educational, and different brands use terms differently.
Achilles Load
Definition: How much work the Achilles tendon is doing, which can feel higher when you change drop height (flex example switching to zero drop) or ramp activity quickly.
Why it matters: It’s a big reason gradual transition and sensible starting points matter.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Ankle Mobility
Definition: How freely your ankle moves through range (including dorsiflexion and plantarflexion).
Why it matters: Limited ankle mobility can make zero-drop and lower cushioning feel harder early on - especially on hills, stairs, and longer days.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Arch Height
Definition: The shape/height of the arch area of your foot, which can change how a shoe feels underfoot.
Why it matters: Comfort is often about matching fit volume and feel, not “fixing” an arch.
Barefoot Shoes
Definition: A popular way people describe shoes that feel less built-up - usually flatter, more flexible, and with more room for your toes than standard footwear.
Why it matters: The term gets used for everything from “a bit more natural” to truly minimal shoes, so it helps to check the basics (toe room, drop, cushioning) rather than the label.
Barefoot-Style
Definition: Foot-shaped, zero-drop shoes designed to give toes room and let movement feel more natural. Often require a gradual transition.
Why it matters: It’s the clearest way to describe the fit and platform most people are looking for, without assuming you want the most minimal option on day one.
Body Voltage
Definition: A multimeter reading that shows your body’s electrical potential relative to the earth, often measured as AC voltage in grounding demos.
Why it matters: It’s one way to compare “ungrounded vs grounded” setups when testing grounding shoes on different surfaces.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Break-In
Definition: Small changes in feel as materials soften over time, which shouldn’t be relied on to “fix” a wrong fit.
Why it matters: If it pinches or rubs at the toes, it’s usually a sizing/shape issue - not a break-in issue.
Calf Soreness (During Transition)
Definition: A common “worked” feeling in the calves when switching to zero drop, especially if the change is fast.
Why it matters: Often normal, but it usually needs pacing and a sensible transition dose.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Continuity Test
Definition: A quick test that confirms whether there’s an unbroken conductive path between two points.
Why it matters: It’s a simple way to verify whether a grounding shoe has end-to-end electrical connection.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Cushioning (Sole)
Definition: Material in the sole that reduces impact feel and can make transition more forgiving.
Why it matters: Cushioning can be a transition tool - consistency beats toughness.
Read next: Modes Explained
Dorsiflexion
Definition: The ability to bring your toes toward your shin at the ankle.
Why it matters: Limited dorsiflexion can make early zero-drop transition feel harder, especially on hills and stairs.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Dose
Definition: The total load you’re asking your body to adapt to - time in the shoes, surface hardness, and activity intensity.
Why it matters: “Too much too soon” is often a dose issue, not a shoe issue.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Earthing (Grounding)
Definition: Another word for grounding - creating an electrical connection to the earth through a conductive path on grounded surfaces.
Why it matters: It’s the term many people search, but the mechanism is the same as grounding.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Flex Grooves
Definition: Channels cut into the sole to help the shoe bend more easily through the step.
Why it matters: They can increase flexibility and ground feel without reducing stack height.
Flexibility
Definition: How easily the shoe bends and twists - more flexible usually means more feedback and less structure.
Why it matters: High flexibility can feel amazing - or too demanding too soon.
Foot Mobility
Definition: How well your foot joints move and adapt under load (toes, midfoot, and ankle working together).
Why it matters: When you change footwear, you may notice different demands on foot mobility - which is why transition pacing and comfort choices matter.
Foot-Shaped
Definition: A shoe shape that follows the foot, giving toes room instead of tapering them into a point.
Why it matters: Toe room is the point - comfort and stability often start here.
Foot Strength
Definition: How well your feet and lower legs can handle the day-to-day load of walking, standing, and training - comfortably, over time.
Why it matters: Foot strength builds best with small, steady steps. Consistency beats going all-in for a week, then stopping.
Foot Volume
Definition: How much space your foot takes up inside a shoe (instep height as well as width and length).
Why it matters: Two feet can be the same length but need different internal volume.
Ground Contact Time
Definition: How long your foot stays in contact with the ground each step (most often discussed in running).
Why it matters: It’s a useful concept when thinking about technique and load - but it’s just one piece of the picture alongside volume, surface, and footwear.
Ground Feel
Definition: How much you can feel the surface through the shoe - more ground feel usually means higher demand.
Why it matters: Many beginners do better starting with less ground feel, then progressing.
Read next: Modes Explained
Grounded Vs Ungrounded Surfaces
Definition: Grounded surfaces can conduct to the earth (like wet ground or some concrete), while ungrounded surfaces (like most indoor floors) typically cannot.
Why it matters: Grounding requires both a conductive shoe and a surface that’s actually grounded.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Ground Flow System
Definition: Bahé’s term for a conductive pathway from foot to ground, designed to support electrical connection on grounded surfaces.
Why it matters: It names the mechanism in a clear, testable way (connection vs insulation).
Read next: Grounding Explained
Grounding
Definition: Electrical connection to the earth through a conductive path, which can be tested on grounded surfaces.
Why it matters: Grounding depends on both the shoe and the surface - and it’s something you can check with simple tests.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Heel Counter
Definition: The structured part around the back of the shoe that helps stabilise and hold the heel.
Why it matters: A good heel counter keeps your heel secure and helps reduce heel slip without squeezing the toe box. It helps your foot sit straight in the shoe, so you move with it - instead of feeling like you’re fighting it.
Heel Lock
Definition: A secure heel fit that prevents excessive lifting while walking, without crushing the midfoot.
Why it matters: Good heel lock stops a “sloppy” feel even with roomy toes.
Heel Lift
Definition: A small wedge under the heel used temporarily to reduce the “drop change” feeling during transition.
Why it matters: It can help some people stay consistent while adapting - then taper off.
Read next: Heel Lifts and Insoles Explained
Heel-To-Toe Drop
Definition: The height difference between heel and forefoot in a shoe. Zero-drop means there’s no height difference.
Why it matters: Drop shapes how your body stacks and shares load through the ankles and lower legs. A lower drop gives you a more level platform that many people find supports a natural, upright posture - and if you’re changing drop, a gradual transition helps it feel smooth and steady.
Read next: Modes Explained
Heel-To-Toe Drop Change
Definition: The shift your body feels when moving from a heeled shoe to a zero-drop platform (or vice versa) - even if the new shoe is cushioned.
Why it matters: Drop change can increase the load felt through calves and Achilles early on, which is why gradual transition (and tools like heel lifts) can help.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Heel Slip
Definition: When the heel lifts inside the shoe while walking - often fixable with lacing or volume adjustment.
Why it matters: Heel slip is usually a fit/volume issue, not a “wrong shoe” issue.
Read next: Fit and Size Guide
Hot Spot
Definition: A specific area of irritation that shows up early (often within 10-20 minutes) and predicts rubbing.
Why it matters: Hot spots are a fit signal - don’t ignore them and hope.
Insole
Definition: The removable insert inside a shoe that can change feel, cushioning, and fit volume.
Why it matters: An extra insole can solve “too roomy” or “heel slip” without changing size.
Read next: Heel Lifts and Insoles Explained
Instep
Definition: The top of your foot between the ankle and toes, which affects how a shoe feels across the laces.
Why it matters: High/low insteps change perceived tightness even in the correct length.
Intrinsics (Foot Muscles)
Definition: The small muscles within the foot that help with control, balance, and toe function.
Why it matters: These often feel more “awake” when you give toes room and reduce rigid support.
Last (Shoe Last)
Definition: The mould a shoe is built around, which determines its overall shape and fit.
Why it matters: Two shoes can be the same size but feel totally different because the last differs.
Lock Lacing / Runner’s Loop
Definition: A lacing method that improves heel lock by creating a tighter loop at the top eyelets.
Why it matters: It often fixes heel slip without needing a different size.
Midfoot Volume
Definition: The amount of internal space around the midfoot/arch area (height and width), not just shoe length.
Why it matters: Midfoot volume often explains “too tight on top” or “too roomy” feelings.
Midsole
Definition: The layer of the sole between the outsole and your foot that influences cushioning, stability, and feel.
Why it matters: Midsole materials and thickness can change comfort and feedback even when stack height looks similar.
Minimalist Shoes
Definition: Shoes with less structure - often lighter and more flexible - but not always foot-shaped or zero drop.
Why it matters: “Minimalist” and “barefoot” get mixed up; fit, drop, and cushioning still vary.
Modes (Bahé)
Definition: Three cushioning levels in the same foot-shaped, zero-drop platform - so you can start where your body is and progress.
Why it matters: Modes make transition more realistic for real life (and real surfaces).
Read next: Modes Explained
Modular Fit
Definition: Using insoles (remove, keep, or add an extra) to fine-tune internal volume, cushioning, and ground feel.
Why it matters: It helps you dial in fit without immediately changing size - especially useful when you’re between sizes.
Read next: Heel Lifts and Insoles Explained
Multimeter (AC Voltage Mode)
Definition: The multimeter setting used to measure AC voltage (often shown as V~ / VAC), commonly used in body voltage grounding tests.
Why it matters: Using the correct mode (and a consistent setup) makes results easier to compare across surfaces and shoe set-ups.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Outsole
Definition: The bottom layer of the shoe that contacts the ground and determines grip, durability, and feel.
Why it matters: Outsole design affects grip, durability, flexibility, and ground feel - it’s one of the biggest drivers of how a shoe behaves on different surfaces.
Overstriding
Definition: Landing with your foot too far ahead of your body, which can increase braking forces and lower-leg load.
Why it matters: Barefoot-style shoes tend to work best with a slightly shorter stride - it encourages a lighter, more controlled landing and reduces overstriding.
Plantar Fascia
Definition: A band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch and helps transmit force during walking and running.
Why it matters: When you change footwear or training dose, the sensations you notice through the sole can change. If you’re dealing with persistent pain, get individual advice.
Pronation
Definition: A natural movement pattern of the foot and ankle during walking and running, often involving a combination of eversion, abduction, and dorsiflexion as the foot loads.
Why it matters: Pronation is a natural movement and part of the gait cycle - but when you change shoes, surfaces, or training dose, it can feel different, which is why fit and transition pacing matter.
Resistance (Ohms)
Definition: A measure of how easily electricity can flow through a material, measured in ohms (Ω).
Why it matters: Lower resistance generally indicates a more conductive path, which is relevant for grounding tests.
Read next: Grounding Explained
Rubber Hardness (Durometer)
Definition: A measure of how hard or soft rubber is, which influences grip and wear.
Why it matters: Softer rubber often grips better but can wear faster; harder rubber can last longer but feel firmer.
Stack Height
Definition: The total thickness of the sole between your foot and the ground.
Why it matters: Stack height affects comfort and feedback, but doesn’t change drop by itself.
Read next: Modes Explained
Stack Vs Feel
Definition: Stack height is thickness, while “feel” is how much feedback and impact you perceive through the shoe.
Why it matters: Two shoes can have similar stack height but very different ground feel depending on materials.
Stride Length
Definition: The distance you cover with each step or stride.
Why it matters: Overstriding can increase braking forces and lower-leg load. In barefoot-style shoes, many people favour slightly shorter strides.
Supination
Definition: A movement pattern where the foot tends to roll outward, often involving less eversion during loading.
Why it matters: Like pronation, it a natural movement and part of the gait cycle - but changes in footwear, surface, or dose can change what you feel through the foot and ankle.
Toe Box
Definition: The front part of the shoe where your toes sit - width and shape matter as much as length.
Why it matters: In barefoot-style shoes, toe room is the point. It lets your toes sit in a more natural position and do their job. A tapered toe box can push toes inward, which can affect comfort, stability, and how your foot moves.
Toe Box Volume
Definition: The amount of space in the front of the shoe, combining width, height, and overall shape - not just length.
Why it matters: Many “wrong size” issues are really toe-box volume issues. The right volume gives toes room without rubbing, while the rest of the shoe stays secure.
Toe Mobility
Definition: How freely your toes can move, extend, and spread during standing and walking.
Why it matters: Toe mobility can influence comfort and stability - and shoes that allow toe room make that movement possible.
Toe Room
Definition: The space in front of your longest toe when standing - enough room so toes aren’t pushed or pinched.
Why it matters: Barefoot-style fit often feels roomier on purpose.
Read next: Fit and Size Guide
Toe Splay
Definition: The natural spreading of the toes when you stand and move.
Why it matters: Shoes that allow toe splay often feel more stable and comfortable over time.
Toe Spring
Definition: When the front of the shoe curves upward off the ground instead of lying flat.
Why it matters: More toe spring can reduce ground feel and change how your foot rolls through a step.
Transition
Definition: A gradual increase in time and activity in zero-drop/foot-shaped footwear so calves, feet, and tendons adapt.
Why it matters: Many “barefoot problems” are really transition dose problems.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
Tread / Lugs
Definition: The pattern and raised shapes on the outsole that affect traction on different surfaces.
Why it matters: More aggressive lugs can increase grip but may feel less smooth on pavement.
Wide Fit
Definition: A shoe made with more overall width (often through the midfoot but not necessarily the forefoot) compared to a standard fit.
Why it matters: “Wide” isn’t the same as foot-shaped. A shoe can be wide but still taper sharply at the toe, which can push toes inward and limit natural toe position and function. Foot-shaped fit is about the shape up front, not just adding width.
Width Vs Length Sizing
Definition: Shoe size is often based on length, but width and volume strongly affect comfort and stability.
Why it matters: Many “wrong size” problems are actually width/volume problems.
Zero Drop
Definition: A shoe with no height difference between heel and forefoot (a flat platform).
Why it matters: The drop change is a main reason calves can feel loaded at first.
Read next: Transitioning to Barefoot Shoes
FAQs
Not always. “Barefoot” gets used loosely. The clearest things to check are foot-shaped toe box, heel-to-toe drop, cushioning, and flexibility.
No. Zero drop means a level platform (heel and forefoot the same height. This is often a feature of a barefoot shoe, but "Barefoot-style” usually also means a foot-shaped fit and high levels of flexibility.
Explore Bahé Modes.
Yes. Cushioning changes comfort and ground feel - it doesn’t automatically cancel the barefoot-style fundamentals. Many people start with more cushioning, then reduce over time as they adapt.
Enough that your toes aren’t pushed or pinched when standing. Many people aim for roughly 10 mm in front of the longest toe, depending on preference and socks.
Check our guide on how to transition to barefoot shoes to learn the fundamentals and understand how to avoid doing too much too soon.
