Hobibear Reviews 1,076

TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.0

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 258 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many customers expressed significant dissatisfaction with the return policy, finding it nearly impossible to return items and often being offered only partial refunds or vouchers instead of full reimbursement. Issues with orders were also frequently reported, including incorrect items being sent, prolonged delivery times, and products arriving in damaged or poor packaging. Reviewers also highlighted problems with receiving refunds, with many struggling to get their money back even after attempting to return products. Some people were dissatisfied with the product quality, noting that shoes were often made from cheap, synthetic materials, had uneven stitching, or were poorly constructed, with glue coming undone quickly. Conversely, a small portion of people felt that the shoes were comfortable, well-made, and true to size, appreciating the wide toe box and overall fit.

What people talk about most

Product

Clients share ambiguous opinions on product. Many reviewers express dissatisfaction with product quality,... See more

Return policy

Consumers find the return policy to be highly problematic and frustrating. Many report that returning items... See more

Quality

People report ambiguous experiences with quality. Many customers express disappointment, citing poor... See more

Order

Customers consistently note negative experiences with order. Many reviewers report receiving incorrect sizes... See more

Refund

Customers consistently express significant dissatisfaction with the refund process. Many reviewers report... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I bought some shoes which look good but for me are not comfortable. The uppers are stiff and they are more restrictive than other barefoot shoes I have tried. I tried to return them but the only op... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

The shoes are great but the customer service is atrocious. I ordered a pair of shoes back in August and was going to order again for their Black Friday sale; only to discover at checkout it said my it... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I ordered a pair of Hobibear boots from Amazon for the winter because of plantar fasciitis in my right foot, but they caused a sore on my left toe. The boots are flexible and comfortable, and my right... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I checked that this was a UK company before I bought - they had a UK address on their website. They offered free returns, so I ordered two pairs of trainers because I wasn't sure which would fit me.... See more


Company details

  1. Shoe Factory

Written by the company

With 20 years of experience in shoemaking, Hobibear focuses on footwear design and development with a sustainable philosophy and a focus on foot health!


Contact info

2.0

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

1K reviews

5-star
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1-star

Hasn’t replied to negative reviews

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

A truly awful company

A truly awful company. Avoid at all costs.
Shoes took weeks to arrive. Do not fit as per the size guide they have on the website.

Returns process is impossible. 3 weeks of daily emails and we still cannot return them. They initially tell you to sell the shoes yourself, offer discounts on more shoes and then when we insisted on returns, they provide an address that couriers do not deliver to.

Impossible, do not use this company

August 31, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Awful if only I had read the customer reviews before purchasingg

Awful if only I had read the customer reviews before purchasing, unfortunately the pair of trainers I ordered were way too small no way were they a size uk 8 I tried to return them but was fobbed off with discounts etc. and as it was going to cost me a fortune apparently to send them back to Germany I had looked into the pricing and it wasn't overly expensive I asked for the returns address but then I received another message asking me to take photos of the product and the box and packaging etc, I had only received them the day before so I certainly hadn't worn them outside I couldn't even get my feet into them if I had wanted to. I was suspicious by then as again offered another discount so I decided to cut my losses and learn from my mistake and the shoes have gone into a charity bag fortunately the shoes weren't over expensive compared to a lot of shoes and I thought hold a minute if I did pay out for a return was I ever likely to get my refund...I doubt it very much

August 22, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Useless customer service

I wanted to ask about the return fees before making an order. Customer service response looks like something generated by subpar AI and didn't even answer my question. I doubt they will be of any help if there is something wrong with the actual order, so I won't risk ordering from them.

August 26, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

First pair were great.

First pair were great.. these are hard-on the soles and not flexible at all. I ended up with extremely sore heels and aggravated plantar fasciitis! I will give another try with another style with hopes of them being better. Would love a discount for next purchase.

August 1, 2025
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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Erratic sizing and impossible returns

I had previously ordered two different pairs from Hobibear and was so happy. Great barefoot shoes for a great price. Then I ordered a third pair.... despite ordering the same size as the previous two, they were incredibly small and didn't fit. When I contacted the company to arrange a return it took 5 emails back and forth with them offering a 15% refund for me to keep them, then a 30% discount for me to keep them and suggestions of 'selling them' or 'gifting them to family'. I wanted a full refund so ended up paying £15 for tracked delivery back to an obscure address with no company name in Germany. This was 3 weeks ago and my delivery tracking is still showing as 'unable to deliver' so I'm guessing the courier is unable to find or enter the address and I will never receive my refund. Please do not use this company, even if you are sure on the sizing, it does not guarantee they will fit and you'll likely lose £50+ or have to go through the hassle of selling them yourself.
UPDATE: my parcel has now been returned to sender, so obviously a very dodgy return address given. At least now I can attempt to sell them online to recoup a small amount that I’ve spent.

August 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Cheaply made with poor quality control

Cheaply made with poor quality control. The shoes I ordered fell apart along the top seam the first time I wore them. Hobibear did not consider this a defect so apparently these are meant to be single use disposable shoes. Don't waste your money.

August 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I love these flip flops

I love these flip flops. I’ve used them for over a year. I’ve purchased 3 pairs so far. Only just noticed they are made in China. Sadly I won’t be able to buy them anymore until they stop using China. I refuse to buy China products if at all possible.

August 23, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not get involved with this company

Do not get involved with this company! The sizes are completely off! The description on their site is incorrect. The customer service is useless. The look of the shoes in reality is different too. They are CHEAP! Do not buy!

August 13, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Almost Perfect

Great fit and amazing style. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because shipping took a little longer than expected. The shoes themselves are excellent.

July 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

FRAUDULENT! Avoid.

Should have checked TP.

Ordered a pair - they are not right for my kid, so I wanted to return. They emailed (as they seem to in everyone’s case) saying why don’t you resell them or keep them or give them to a friend. No thanks. I don’t want them. I want a refund as I’m entitled to. I’m not holding out much hope in relation to previous reviews.

Avoid like the plague!

Update - I am now 5 emails in. They first suggested I sell them or give them away. Refused to give an address to return to. Then offered me discounts and warned that I would need to pay postage to return to Germany - again, refused to provide a return address. Then asked me to provide photos to prove they have not been worn, again refusing to provide an address.

I have asked for a return address one last time before I contact my credit card company. They are FRAUDULENT and SCAM.

August 16, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Avoid

Avoid! The shoes are far too big, and the returns process is terrible. I’m trying to return, I’ve asked four times so far, they are clearly trying to make it as difficult as possible. they’ve finally provided an address but it’s in Germany and they are saying that it’s quite likely that they won’t arrive and any issues mean they won’t issue a refund not what you expect when the site is .uk. I should have checked the reviews. Terrible company

August 14, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not buy from this company

I wish I’d done more research on this company before I bought. Shoes arrived yesterday and are too small, despite me measuring before purchase. I emailed to ask for a refund and they’ve just offered 15% off to keep them. I just read the reviews here and so I know what’s coming… feeling very foolish but can’t believe they can hold our money ransom like this! I had no idea the company was based in China until I tracked the shipment. Thought I’d add to the reviews to help word get round-don’t buy from this company.

August 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Difficult to return

Did not like the look of shoes. When asked for refund they suggested I sell them myself! Then to send photos to prove not worn outside. Then given address to send but no name or phone number so returning virtually impossible. Terrible customer service.

August 12, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Sharing my terrible experience again…

Sharing my terrible experience again and I will continue to do so to make sure no one buys from the wesite. The shoes does not match the sizes stated on the website. Every shoe has a different size chart. When I sent photos showing the inner soles didn't match the stated sizes they still won't let me return for free and want me to sent to Germany. I live in the uk, so the shipping costs will be ridiculous.

Save yourselves the trouble and DO NOT BUY from this company. I wished I read the reviews before I did.

August 12, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very comfortable shoes

I have edema in both feet & ankles. I ordered these shoes because they seemed more giving than regular shoes. I really like them, they are comfortable & it's easy for me to slide them on in the back.

July 31, 2025
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I saw an ad on Facebook for sandals…

I saw an ad on Facebook for sandals from Hobie bear and ordered them and did not find out until after I paid for them and was sent a verification email that they are being shipped from China and although they provided a Chinese tracking number, it doesn't work in America so no clue whatsoever when I will be receiving them. This might not even be a legitimate company I really don't know at this point but thankfully I used a credit card so I can get my money back if I have to cancel the transaction

August 1, 2025

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