How No(N)s Began
No(N)s was born from a simple idea: shoes should support your feet, not work against them. Combining timeless craftsmanship with barefoot principles, our footwear is designed to offer natural movement, comfort, and sustainability in every step.
Our Story
No(N)s is the creation of Tige Tikker OÜ, an Estonian company with nearly two decades of experience in crafting (mainly historical) clothing and footwear. Rooted in a deep understanding of historical techniques and modern needs, we draw from the past to create shoes that are as practical as they are timeless.
Behind No(N)s is Katrin Koch-Maasing, a 5th-generation artisan with a passion for well-made, perfectly fitting footwear. Her expertise—both theoretical and practical—in fashion design, costume, and art history shapes every detail of No(N)s shoes, blending traditional skills with a modern approach to barefoot comfort.
Frustrated by the lack of footwear that fit her own needs, Katrin set out to create a solution—not just for herself, but for anyone seeking durable, stylish, and foot-friendly shoes. As she puts it: "I have always loved high-quality things. My grandfather used to say: 'I am not rich enough to buy cheap things.' Nature has blessed me with both height and foot size, and I have always struggled with finding good-fitting clothing, especially footwear.
Quite early on, I realized that relying solely on shops was futile, so I turned to handmade clothing and footwear. But one still desires to occasionally just go and… shop. Finding the right one—the right brand, manufacturer, maker—is not always easy. I have been sewing since I was three years old, but I took up making footwear in adulthood, specializing mainly, but not solely, in historical footwear.
What started as a hobby became a passion and eventually a profession. When I discovered barefoot shoes many years ago, it dawned on me—this is what I had been searching for all along. They are the solution for my tender feet that dislike heels, artificial materials, and shoes that cramp and cripple the toes. But even among barefoot shoes, I couldn’t find a brand that would met all my demands, which ultimately lead me, after a few years of planning, testing and preparation, to create No(N)s.."
Crafting No(N)s
Every pair of No(N)s is brought to life in collaboration with AS Samelin, our trusted partner with a century of experience in crafting quality footwear. Samelin is one of Estonia’s most respected manufacturers, celebrated for their precision craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. From military boots to designer collaborations, their expertise ensures that every No(N)s shoe meets the highest standards of durability, repairability, and comfort.
A Partnership Built on Quality
Established in 1945, Samelin began by merging four smaller shoemaking companies in Tartu, Estonia and they have continuously evolved with the times. Today, they balance traditional techniques with modern innovation to produce footwear that’s built to last. While meeting several ISO and other standards, their approach remains practical and grounded. Together, we create shoes that honor the past while addressing the needs of the present—crafted locally and sustainably.
Step Into No(N)s
At No(N)s, we believe that footwear should do more than cover your feet—it should support the way you move and live. Whether for city streets or woodland paths, our shoes are made to keep you comfortable, stylish, and grounded.
