What does it mean that our shoes are validated as barefoot?Updated 10 days 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.