About Birchbury

Engineered for the modern minimalist, our footwear is a testament to precision design, offering you barefoot leather shoes that are comfortable on the first try.

Person wearing brown leather sneakers stepping forward on a pavement.

It started with foot pain

It started

with foot pain

Our journey began with a foundational belief: that footwear should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also natural-feeling and supportive of overall foot health.

2019

Birchbury’s Founder, Matt, designed the Bramford, our flagship sneaker

Matt applies his mechanical engineering degree & work experience to ensure Bramfords are ergonomic.

2020

Launched the flagship sneaker: Bramford

Ordered our first batch of 500 Bramfords

2021

Launched flagship dress shoe: Brenston

Brenston is a instant hit, our first batch of 1,000 pairs sold out in less than a month.

2023

50,000 people are wearing Birchburys

With 2 shoe models (Bramford & Brenston), Birchbury becomes a stable & profitable business.

2025

Coming soon: The launch of our chukka boot: Carnforth

We polled our customers what we should make next. A chukka boot was the clear answer.

Person wearing white sneakers sitting on a bed with crossed ankles.Man in blue suit leaning against a column in a corridor with pillars.Person tying the laces on a brown leather dress shoe.Man in a brown jacket and jeans standing on steps outdoors, looking to the side.

The Problem

Did you know traditional shoes can disrupt your body’s natural biomechanics? Here’s how.

Foot Misalignment

Narrow toe boxes in traditional shoes force toes into unnatural positions, causing deformities like bunions and hammertoes. Research indicates these constrictive designs lead to increased forefoot pressure and long-term foot discomfort

Altered Walking Mechanics

Elevated heels in traditional shoes disrupt natural gait, leading to heel striking, which places excess strain on knees and hips. Over time, this can result in chronic joint pain and mobility

Reduced Foot Muscle Engagement

Thick, cushioned soles prevent proper muscle engagement, leading to weakness and atrophy in foot muscles. Research indicates that shoes with excessive cushioning reduce muscle activation, weakening the feet

Poor Posture

Foot misalignment from traditional shoes negatively impacts posture. Improper foot positioning causes spinal misalignment, leading to lower back, hip, and neck pain over time​

Decreased Sensory Feedback

Thick soles reduce sensory feedback (proprioception) from the feet, impairing balance and coordination as the 200,000+ nerve endings in the soles become less sensitive to the environment over time.

Increased Joint Strain

Traditional shoes alter gait mechanics, increasing joint strain in the knees and hips. Over time, this can lead to arthritis, joint pain, and limited mobility

Designed for comfort

Shoes perfected for bare feet

Beige leather sneaker with lace-up design and zero-drop heel.Beige low-top sneaker with faux-heel design and zero-drop heel.Beige sneaker with a flat sole, side profile view.

Comments from the professionals

Person relaxing in a boat, wearing white sneakers, with a lake and trees in the background.
Person wearing casual clothes and a cap, holding a drink, standing outdoors by a canal.
Man sitting on stairs, wearing sunglasses and casual attire.
Man wearing tan dress shoes standing on wooden floor.
A couple kisses at their wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests and candles.
Person standing on a lit walkway at night.