About Barely
Barely is proudly owned by R. J. Draper & Company Ltd, a family business with more than 85 years of footwear expertise in Glastonbury, England. While Draper built its reputation on traditional shoemaking, Barely takes this legacy forward into something completely new: a barefoot shoe brand designed with generations of craftsmanship behind it.
Why Experience Matters in Barefoot Design
Designing a truly comfortable barefoot shoe requires more than simply making a thin sole. It requires an understanding of natural foot shape, how materials behave over time, the way movement affects pressure points, and how to balance durability with true barefoot flexibility.
This is where our heritage makes a difference. The Draper family has been studying feet, comfort, and construction techniques since 1937 — knowledge we used directly in the development of the Barely range. Our team applied that expertise to ensure Barely shoes outperform typical barefoot shoes in fit, feel, and long-term wear.
Made by the World’s Best Barefoot Specialists
Although Barely was designed in Glastonbury, the collection is produced in expert barefoot-specific factories around the world — the same high-level partners trusted by many leading barefoot brands.
We selected these manufacturers because they specialise solely in barefoot construction. Combined with Draper’s deep understanding of shoemaking, this results in a barefoot shoe that brings together heritage-led design and advanced global production.
A Brand Built to Be Better
We created Barely for one purpose: to build a better barefoot shoe using real shoemaking expertise. Many barefoot shoes are designed by companies without a long footwear history — Barely is different. Every detail, from pattern-cutting to foot shape to softness and flexibility, was guided by people with decades of experience.
That’s why Barely shoes feel natural from the first wear, fit more foot shapes comfortably, balance durability with movement, and offer a refined silhouette without compromising function. Our heritage gave us the confidence — and the skill — to create a barefoot shoe that truly stands out.
From Glastonbury to the Globe
For over 85 years, Draper has designed footwear from its home in Glastonbury, England. Barely continues that tradition of thoughtful craftsmanship, bringing it into the modern world of natural movement. We’re proud that Barely represents heritage-inspired design, globally perfected for everyday barefoot living.