In the early 2000s, Enio Bianchi, who was still working in the orthopedics industry, was talking to a customer who was complaining about persistent itching. With a mission to help the lady, after much research, Bianchi found a material that did not trigger the customer’s potassium dichromate contact dermatitis. In this way, Bianchi claims to have created the first hypoallergenic shoe. Since the company he worked for only specialized in traditional footwear, the current Binar boss then devoted himself entirely to the new product group. In 2019 he started the project for hypoallergenic shoes, and in 2024 the time had come: the first patented hypoallergenic shoes and barefoot shoes with certification were produced under the name R-lief by Binar.
From Munich into the world
The brand is launching wholesale sales from Germany this year. Del Favero Schuhwholesale GmbH, based in Munich, takes over sales; In addition to the showroom, there is also the warehouse, seven minutes from the city center, all in one place. Among other things, shoes from R-lief by Binar, which have soles from Vibram, are now filling the large warehouses. The first deliveries took place in September, with the barefoot shoes expected to follow in November. With Del Favero, the brand has an experienced sales company at its side: “After 20 years, we know what our customers need,” says managing director Giuseppe Del Favero. This primarily concerns the generous subsequent delivery volume, which also includes “a state-of-the-art B2B shop”. This means that the order can be started in small quantities and, if necessary, reordered directly within two to three days, or even on the same day within a radius of 100 km.
“A world first has to work”
It took five years from the first drafts to delivery. Del Favero says they worked closely with the manufacturer on this. For example, functions such as waterproof barefoot shoes or the seamlessness of the shoes could be developed together. The latter ensures that the shoes are also suitable for diabetics; The upper material is processed in one piece, eyelets for shoelaces are incorporated at the top. Removable inserts round off the functions. “If you bring a world first, it has to be right,” Del Favero continues. “That’s why it took five years.” The main focus was on the goal of producing hypoallergenic shoes for everyone. A list of around 200 pollutants has emerged, for which every single material and every single product is tested. “From the sole to the zipper, everything is 100% free of harmful substances – and also 100% vegan.” Chromium 3 and heavy metals in particular trigger allergies, explains Del Favero. Or the choice of color: “A pure black material always contains chrome.” That’s why there is a certificate for each individual part of the shoe, which can be viewed at any time and is available to retailers. This is also the reason for the Vibram sole: Vibram was the only brand that produces hypoallergenic soles, explains the wholesaler.
Shoes for everyone
The prices of the R-Lief by Binar shoes “are where every competitor is,” says Del Favero. Production is primarily carried out in Milan, larger quantities can also be produced in Bosnia. The manufacturer itself does not sell anything online; rather, the aim is to promote specialist retailers and work with retailers. “If online retail is strong, then we have to be strong too,” says Del Favero. That’s why the brand works with barefoot shoe experts, classic shoe stores and medical supply stores. Each shoe sold also comes with a pair of certified hypoallergenic socks. These not only complement sales, but also ensure a pollutant-free environment for the foot both inside and outside the shoe. The all-round package is delivered together in a shoe box. This way, everyone gets something out of it, says Del Favero. Because this shoe is one thing above all: for everyone.
