Mission

We build naturally shaped performance footwear—engineered with modern tech—for athletes who demand more from their gear—and themselves.

Vision

To lead a global movement that redefines performance, health, and sustainability—empowering people to grow, move, and live in alignment with their highest potential and the planet’s future.

Our Story

Symbol was born in the gray space between two extremes. For decades, major brands narrowed athletic shoes into pointy, "sexy" shapes that compromise foot health for showroom appeal. On the other side, barefoot brands championed natural design but offered little support for the explosive, multi‑directional demands of real sport.

In 2018, we decided enough was enough. We dove deep into biomechanics research, spoke with athletes, coaches, physical therapists, and scientists, and learned that neither extreme had the full answer. Athletes need footwear that respects human anatomy and leverages modern engineering.

So we started from the ground up—literally. We fused a naturally shaped last with court‑inspired stability features, proving you can have zero‑drop, barefoot freedom and lateral lockdown. After countless sketches, 3‑D prints, factory rejections, and on‑court trials, our first breakthrough arrived: the XT‑1, a cross‑trainer that finally lets athletes cut, sprint, and lift without their shoes caving in.

Today, footwear is just the first step. Symbol is building a platform of health‑focused solutions—from movement education and exercise equipment to wearable tech, ergonomics, and sustainable design—all aimed at elevating human performance while safeguarding the planet we share.

About the Founder

Sofoklis “Sofo” Sarellis
Founder & CEO

Sofo’s journey began with frustration: mainstream shoes that hurt feet and minimalist shoes that couldn’t handle game‑speed movement. While pursuing his doctorate in physical therapy, he spent late nights turning that frustration into sketches, prototypes, and finally a product that solved both problems.

With more than 15 years of experience in rehabilitation, strength & conditioning, and sports science, Sofo has worked with athletes across multiple levels—from high school and collegiate athletes to professionals in the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and UFC. He also served as a sports scientist with the U.S. Air Force, where he helped optimize human performance strategies for fighter pilots. Across every setting—athletic or tactical—one truth remained constant: better movement starts at the ground.

Symbol is the expression of that truth—proof that you don’t need to choose between natural form and high performance. Symbol provides both.

🚀 Join the Movement

This isn’t just a brand. It’s a shift—a reclaiming of what it means to move, train, and live with purpose.

Whether you're chasing greatness, rebuilding your health, or striving to become the strongest version of yourself—you are a Symbol.

We’re here to support that journey. Through footwear, through science, through community.