Design an attractive, comfortable, and functional shoe from the ground up. The “Barefoot 2.0” project proceeds with uncompromising standards:
Five individual toe slots for true-barefoot functionality
Stylish enough to be worn all day long, in and out of the gym
Comfortable enough to allow more people to do more things safely
Suitable protection for hard man-made indoor and outdoor surfaces, designed to “feel like you’re walking barefoot on a putting green”
The Peluva Team
Mark Sisson, often hailed as the father of the Primal/Paleo lifestyle, is a true pioneer in health and fitness. A bestselling author and founder of one of the world’s top ancestral health blogs, Mark has spent decades inspiring millions to embrace a more natural way of living. His vision extended beyond ideas into action when he launched Primal Kitchen, introducing clean, flavorful condiments and sauces to the mainstream for the first time. The brand’s explosive success led to its acquisition by Kraft-Heinz in 2018, cementing its place as a leader in the “better-for-you” food movement.
As a physician for US military veterans, lifelong competitive marathon runner and longtime coach, I can tell you that running is not for everyone. Trying to run 30 miles a week off of a sedentary-dominant lifestyle and poor overall functional fitness is a recipe for recurring overuse injuries and hormonal burnout. On the other hand, frequent everyday movement is the key to health and longevity; emerging research suggests general movement is more important than adhering to a serious workout regimen. Born To Walk explains the rationale for slowing down and getting fit the right way.
A lifelong athlete—once an elite marathoner and Ironman triathlete—Mark has always been passionate about human performance, especially foot health. Frustrated by the chronic pain and dysfunction caused by conventional footwear, he became an early champion of barefoot living and minimalist shoes. Yet, despite owning dozens of pairs, he remained dissatisfied with the industry’s failure to create a shoe that was functional, comfortable, and stylish.
Enter Kyle Sisson, bringing entrepreneurial drive and fresh perspective. With deep insight into footwear design, Kyle became the perfect partner to help transform frustration into innovation. Together, Mark and Kyle spent nearly three years dissecting minimalist shoe products, hand-crafting experimental models, and creating dozens of prototypes. After thousands of miles of rigorous testing and refinement, they launched Peluva in 2023 – a brand built to deliver minimalist shoes that finally meet the highest standards of comfort, style, and performance.
Current Peluva Models
Strand Lightweight Trainer All-purpose barefoot trainer for walking, gym, hiking, or casual wear. Soft, form-fitting upper molds to your foot. Black = satin feel; others = canvas-like.
Strand Sport Mesh Updated Strand with mesh styling and bold logo. Same sole design, added lateral stability from webbing pattern. Lightweight, versatile for workouts and casual wear.
Strand ATR All-Terrain trainer with rugged tread, Kevlar™ puncture-proof sole, and quick-lace system. Built for rucking, trekking, or intense workouts. Durable Jacquard mesh with reinforced overlays.
Apollo Golf Barefoot golf shoe with reinforced EVA midsole, rubber nub tread for grip, and full-grain leather upper. Superior ground feel, stability, and comfort for powerful swings.
Napa Dress Hybrid Stylish barefoot dress shoe in full-grain Napa leather. Comfortable yet refined; perfect for weddings, nights out, or formal occasions with Strand-level performance.
Miami Casual Loafer Light, airy zero-drop loafer disguised as a classic slip-on. Comfortable and stylish for strolling around town while maintaining barefoot functionality.
Zen Active Slip-On Relaxed slip-on with padded canvas stitching and flexible neoprene heel. Wear as a shoe or true slip-on for house, office, or casual comfort.
Women’s Zen Suede Slip-On Suede upper with sheepskin collar delivers cozy, après-ski style barefoot slip-on. Ideal for indoor warmth, fashion statement outings, or casual comfort with barefoot function.
Desert Boot Modern barefoot takes on the classic suede mid-top boot. Luxurious leather, stylish silhouette, and five-toe midsole comfort for versatile everyday or dress wear.
Women’s Carrie ST Colorful, lace-free trainer with breathable knit upper, performance Strand sole, and midfoot strap. Easy on/off design for workouts, stability, and casual splashy style.
Shoe Comparison Table
Model
Purpose
Upper Material
Sole / Midsole
Best Use
Strand Lightweight Trainer
All-purpose barefoot trainer
Satin-like (black) or canvas-like (others) form-fitting upper
