What does it mean that our shoes are validated as barefoot?Updated a month ago

At KOOPS, we believe in transparency and in providing real guarantees about our products. This is why we work with UMANA – Footwear Biomechanical Center, an independent and internationally recognized laboratory that evaluates whether a shoe can truly be considered barefoot.

What is UMANA?
UMANA is a pioneering center based in Spain, equipped with advanced technology to study the biomechanical behaviour of children’s and adults’ footwear. They develop evidence-based analysis protocols and provide objective validation on whether a shoe respects the natural morphology and movement of the foot.
Among the criteria they assess are:

• Drop (height difference between heel and toe)
• Sole thickness and density
• Longitudinal and torsional flexibility
• Weight and structure of the shoe
• Shape of the last and toe space
• Presence or absence of restrictive elements (arch supports, heel counters, stabilisers, etc.)

Based on these criteria, UMANA assigns a minimalism index (0–100%), which determines whether a shoe is:

• Traditional
• Intermediate
• Minimalist
• Barefoot (based on specific biomechanical thresholds)

What results has KOOPS obtained?
Three of our models – AURO, INDI, MAT, and VENAN – have been tested by UMANA and obtained outstanding results above 92%.
UMANA validations available here:

This means that KOOPS not only meets, but greatly exceeds the standards for true barefoot footwear.