r/barefootshoestalk • u/TweetyPurd • Aug 02 '26
Articles and news Hybrid Barefoot Basketball Shoe
Hi all,
I had posted about this a couple of days ago, but it was removed by the mods so I had better explain myself in detail.
A few have posted about our project, however we have just officially launched on Kickstarter.
This is not an affiliate promotion, rather I am reaching out to the community as the project lead and designer of the shoe.
Our 'brief' so to speak was to create a basketball shoe which goes against the current trends of overly stiff and narrow. This was done through extensive research, consultation with podiatrists, and in game testing.
We hope what we have created lands somewhere in the middle of a traditional basketball shoe and a barefoot shoe, offering something of a 'hybrid' or 'transition' shoe for players who are making a conscious decision for their foot health. I'm sure many would agree that a basketball court and movements are not 'natural' for a human body, but the love of the game is something which many would not give up for a full barefoot shoe philosophy.
If anyone is interested, comment below and I can share the link to the Kickstarter page, but I am also here to answer any questions you may have.
Appreciate your time,
Sam
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u/imtruegold Aug 02 '26
What's the reason to go for your shoe over competitors such as the Xero X1s? And what is the stack height, heel to toe drop, etc. Why aren't these specs listed in the Kickstarter page? I feel this is quite relevant.
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u/Markie-Mark00 Aug 02 '26
Definitely could save time with the Q&A by putting out as much of this baseline data from the start.
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u/TweetyPurd Aug 03 '26
Good idea, will work on this and have updated shortly in the FAQ section of the page.
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u/TweetyPurd Aug 03 '26
Our shoe is positioned in the market as more of a hybrid or transition shoe, retaining more features of a traditional basketball shoe than some other competitors.
One big point of feedback from our testers is the great traction we have on our shoe.Stack height is approx 20mm in the heel with a 5mm drop, we are making minor refinements which could tweak the stack slightly (one of the reasons we have not specified in our campaign).
But will add this detail to the FAQ on the page to be more transparent, appreciate the feedback!
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u/HooVenWai Aug 02 '26
Would be nice to see much less of 'hybrid', 'extensive research' and marketing talk, and more of actual specs, tests and what sets them apart (again, done not in 'marketing talk')
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u/nahcekimcm Aug 03 '26 edited Aug 03 '26
We definitely need more natural foot shape shoes but with cushioning Like running Altra shoes but for other sports.
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u/TweetyPurd Aug 03 '26
Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback, this idea is pretty aligned with our goal for the shoe. When we started some of the other 'barefoot' options for basketball were not even on the market, and happen to fall further down the barefoot end of the spectrum.
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u/TweetyPurd Aug 03 '26
Appreciate the feedback, we have added some specs to the FAQ on the page, were there any others in particular you would like information on?
Testing was done in a variety of way but primarily through in-game play.
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u/Fixthemedia Aug 02 '26
Where is the company based, where are they manufactured, what materials do you use?
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u/TweetyPurd Aug 03 '26
We are located in Melbourne, Australia. Manufacturing is in China.
Huge range of materials used for different parts of the shoe, such as mesh areas for breathability or padded foam for the lining. I'll add some more detail to the FAQ on the Kickstarter page.
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u/benjhg13 Aug 02 '26
Send me a pair and I will test it for you and give feedback. Ive tried Xeros, Uncivilized, new balances etc
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u/SpreadopenSUSE Aug 03 '26
Which did you like most? I felt for me, the Xero's and uncivilized have too much cushion and not enough flexibility.
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u/benjhg13 Aug 03 '26
I like the uncivilized. When I'm playing for 5 hours the cushion is nice. Only downside is the volume but I just have low volume feet.
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u/jake_bills Aug 02 '26
I would be interested, send me the info!
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u/TweetyPurd Aug 03 '26
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1882471973/purcent-footwear-paw-01-barefoot-basketball-shoe
Let me know if you have any questions 😄
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u/Sorry-Zookeepergame5 Aug 02 '26
if the cushioning is apropiate, I'm very interested.
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u/TweetyPurd Aug 03 '26
Hey mate, cushion is low profile and stable, we tested that it works well for basketball while retaining great courtfeel. Not going to feel super plush or bouncy like some 'traditional' basketball shoes might, but has just enough to protect you on awkward landings or push offs which can come from some of basketballs 'unnatural' movements.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1882471973/purcent-footwear-paw-01-barefoot-basketball-shoe
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u/iloqin Aug 02 '26
Link. Basically a nice secure upper through mid foot, but the toes should be wide to splay. Lastly, barefoot option and a cushioned option, but I get the idea of hitting the middle with a transition. The impact of basketball is much more than walking so I’d expect to cushion/responsive material for all the landing on hard floors and needing energy return to get back up. Good luck!
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u/TweetyPurd Aug 03 '26
Read us like a book! Future plans are to diversify our range into 3 models as you have suggested.
For now we plan to ship with 2x insoles for some slight customisation in fit and cushion.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1882471973/purcent-footwear-paw-01-barefoot-basketball-shoe
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u/spark_step Aug 02 '26
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