Debuts “BAREFOOT – EUROPEAN SHOE FAIR”

A new fair dedicated to barefoot footwear, a growing phenomenon, is born and promises to give new impetus to the industry. The fair will be held in Germany, in the halls of Messe Offenbach, from July 31 to August 3, 2025. About 60 German and international exhibitors are expected to attend the first edition. The assortment will include barefoot shoes for men, women and children. The first two days the fair is exclusively for trade visitors, while on the remaining days the event will also be open to end consumers.

Carl-August Seibel, president of HDS/L, said about the new fair, “We are creating a cool platform for a cool community. HDS/L is the right partner and Messe Offenbach, with its central location, is the best location. I also find it very exciting to open the fair to end consumers for two days. This gives us many new impulses.”

Roman Degenhardt and Kristin Fitterer, managing directors of barefoot shoe specialist Zehenspiel (Erbach) and co-creators of the new fair, consider the event a must for all retailers specializing in this type of footwear: “The fast-growing barefoot shoe segment needs an independent platform where manufacturers, retailers, and all those involved in barefoot shoes can meet, inform themselves, and exchange ideas. The broad spectrum of barefoot shoe brands will be visible in Offenbach. ‘

The new trade fair will also be accompanied by an extensive, practical supporting programme – similar to the well-known, successful events at Messe Offenbach.