A decade after enthusiastic barefoot runners were inspired by Born to Run, witnessing the rise of minimalism and its subsequent decline, barefoot footwear is gaining momentum once again. Excellent news! As a walker and runner who has been promoting the natural way of walking and running throughout this time, I am particularly pleased that we finally have a Slovenian answer to the challenges of barefoot footwear.
I have been happily wearing the Proalp Contact for everyday use for some time now. What do I look for in minimalist footwear? First, it must be flexible, with a sole that is thin enough for me to feel the ground while still protecting me from the elements and unexpected hazards. The shoe must be breathable, wide enough, and free from excessive cushioning. Most importantly, the shoe must adapt to the foot, not the other way around! I have tested quite a few minimalist shoes from around the world, so I am naturally sceptical whenever a new brand appears on the market. Until I have properly broken in (or run in) a pair of shoes, I am always cautious about making judgements. After wearing the Proalp Contact for several months, I can honestly say that it has impressed me in every respect.
Proalp has a long tradition of making high-quality, beautifully designed footwear, from everyday and fashion shoes to hiking boots. The Contact series clearly reflects the years of shoemaking expertise that Matej Slapar and his team have invested in their products. I like the fact that the shoes look good, are comfortable to wear, and are built to last. The zero-drop design (zero heel-to-toe offset), which unfortunately even some minimalist footwear manufacturers have started to abandon, is one of the Contact’s greatest strengths. The natural leather upper moulds beautifully to the foot, making the shoes even more comfortable. The seamless upper greatly reduces the risk of blisters, while the soft leather quickly adapts to the shape of the foot. The sole is durable and hard-wearing, and after several months of use, the bond between the upper and the sole on my pair remains as good as new.
If you value Slovenian craftsmanship and locally made products, Proalp Contact is an excellent choice. The leather upper, the sole—manufactured in Slovenia specifically for this model, and the design, expertise, and final production are all proudly Slovenian.
Marko Roblek is a pioneer of barefoot running in Slovenia, president of the Knights of Good Running Association, and co-organiser of the Nočna 10ka running event. Over the past 27 years, he has completed more than 50 marathons around the world, including ten barefoot marathons. He is the author of the Minimalist blog and the book Passionate About Running: 42 Insights of a Barefoot Knight.
