APMA News - November/December 2024 - 59

Advertorial
APMA News: For those that don't know you, can you
tell us a little about your background?
Anna Baird: It's definitely not the most conventional of
fashion backgrounds! My journey began in podiatry,
where I became increasingly frustrated with the lack of
stylish footwear options that I could recommend to my
patients. The shoes that were good for your feet were
clearly designed for an older customer and I would
never have worn them myself. I never saw myself
working in fashion, but I kept on being drawn back to
this idea that shoes could be good for your feet, and
also look great.
APMA News: What is the main point of difference
between Bared and any other shoe retailer?
AB: There are many
differences in our
product. When I
started the business
16 years ago I
wanted to fill a gap
in the market for
shoes that looked
great and that I
could recommend
to my patients as
a podiatrist. All of
our shoes including
our high heels
come with our
hidden biomechanical
footbed. In many styles this footbed is removable
to allow for a custom made orthotic. Whilst the look,
support and comfort of our shoes sets us apart we also
have a huge focus on creating shoes that have less
impact on our planet.
Whilst most brands choose one of those elements to
focus on, we tackle all three without compromise. Not
only that, but we put our customers first - they are truly
at the heart of everything.
APMA News: The collection is really extensive,
covering women's and men's footwear, from bridal
and heels through to loafers, boots and sneakers
and even slippers, do you design the entire range
yourself?
AB: We now have a team of people in product and sustainability,
but I am still heavily involved in the design
process, ensuring that each piece reflects the brand's
ethos of combining style and support. We always have
people in the office trialing samples, wearing different
shoes to ensure they'll be the perfect fit for the
customer. I won't sign off on a shoe unless I can be
confident it ticks every box, from the biomechanical
footbed, all the way through to the look and feel.
APMA News: How did you find opening up in the
New York market in comparison to launching in
Australia?
AB: Opening in New York has been really exciting. It
sometimes feels like we're starting from scratch because,
while we have a strong customer base in Australia,
the US market is a different beast. However, the gap
in the market that I noticed years ago in Australia exists
in the US as well. New York, being such an international
hub, has been a fantastic place to expose our brand
to a global audience. It's been a lot of hard work, but
the response has been encouraging, and it's exciting
to see our brand grow internationally. Having the brick
and mortar store definitely helps with the logistics side
of our US online store and it is great to have a space to
host events and get the brand out there.
What's next for Bared?
AB: Sustainability is a core value for us and it's a space
that's evolving really fast. We're really excited to continue
seeking out new innovators and changemakers that can
help us make our shoes and processes even more responsible.
We know our customers love coming along with us
for that journey. We're also thrilled about continuing to
grow locally through new stores and engaging with more
customers online across the USA - this market has been a
passion of mine for many years, and I just love to see how
these customers have embraced our shoes so-far.
Interested in learning more or accessing our ongoing
25% discount for health professionals? Contact us at
healthpro.us@baredfootwear.com.
www.baredfootwear.com
APMA.ORG
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59
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APMA News - November/December 2024

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