PaperKrane is definitely the wackiest barefoot shoe brand I’ve ever had the pleasure of reviewing here at Anya’s Reviews! Originally a kid’s brand, it turned out that adults also like funky shoes. Today they come in itty bitty baby sizes to adult men’s, and with a wider toe box so that they suit a range of foot types.
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Key Takeaways
- PaperKrane shoes are funky, bold, and unapologetically fun
- They feature the signature four F’s of barefoot shoes: flexible, flat, featherlight, and foot-shaped for optimal foot health.
- Alongside their wild and wacky designs, PK also has uniform-friendly barefoot school shoes for kids.
- A new wider toe box accommodates a broad range of foot shapes, including those who wear AFOs and KAFOs!
- Highly recommended for anyone who loves footwear that doubles as an ice-breaker – “Are those pickles on your shoes?!”
Meet PaperKrane
PaperKrane is an Australian company specializing in fun, funky —and maybe even a little “out there”—barefoot shoes. PaperKrane began in 2012 as a passion project when founder Kate Corleison began making eye-catching baby booties inspired by her love of the Japanese art of origami. Her bold and quirky patterns quickly gained popularity, and over time they expanded into adult models.
PaperKrane’s mission is to create ethically made, fashion-forward barefoot footwear for all ages featuring their signature “Four F” barefoot rubber sole—flexible, flat, featherlight, and foot-shaped.
With initiatives like “Soles with Soul,” they host collaborations with various charitable organizations that feature delightfully creative patterns and give proceeds to important causes, like protecting endangered species and promoting body positivity in children, which is pretty awesome.
I have worked with PaperKrane for a long time (we have carried some of their models at Anya’s Shop!) and have always loved the down to earth vibe of the company. And of course the fun shoes! I mean, where else can you find a shoe with a cartoon pickle print?? It’s been fun to see them grow from their oft-sold out small batch production to a complete range of sizes.
Meet PaperKrane
Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes EU 20-46 | Ships from Australia
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I think one of the things I love best about the PaperKrane is that they are always playing with the unexpected: brightly colored prints and boldly patterned outsoles, featuring leopard and zebra prints, army print, and my personal favorite—the rainbow outsole.
Besides their prints, something else that is unique about the shoes is that they are thoughtfully designed to accommodate those who wear ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs) and knee-ankle-foot orthotics (KAFOs)—a personal mission for founder Kate Corleison, whose own daughter has needed them. Velcro openings and a high instep that opens up wide make a number of PK models mobility-friendly. This is not easy to find in the shoe world in general, let alone in the barefoot shoe world!
Because many Australian schools require uniforms, PaperKrane has also created a line of school-friendly barefoot shoes that check all the boxes—compliant with regulations but still foot-shaped, featherlight, flat (zero drop), and flexible. Unlike the heavy, clunky, and heeled school shoes that have dominated uniforms for decades, these kicks let growing feet move naturally while keeping kids comfortable all day. Finally, school shoes that are as smart as the students wearing them.
Shoe Specs
The company offers both leather and vegan (cotton and/or faux leather) options, so they are well-suited for a range of preferences. These true barefoot shoes are ultra-flexible with minimal cushioning. If you need to take up some space or just want a little extra cushion, PaperKrane also offers 5mm insoles sold separately.
Sizing & Fit
The PaperKrane fit is:
- True to size
- Full range of sizes from EU 20-46
- Wide enough for many foot types, but not extra wide
- High volume – I use an extra insole in mine to take up the extra space
- Loose through the mid-foot, more rectangular shaped
PaperKrane has widened its toe box in both kids’ and adult sizes, while maintaining a shape that’s spacious but not excessively wide. One thing to note: they have a more rectangular fit, meaning the midfoot runs a bit loose. While some may love the extra room, those who prefer a snugger midfoot fit might find them a tad too boxy. Overall, they offer a solid, universal fit that works well for most feet!
Ordering
Something you’ll want to keep in mind if ordering PaperKrane shoes is their return policy. Their return window is 14 days from receipt, and you have to pay shipping back to Australia. The company doesn’t offer full refunds unless a mistake was made on their end; you only get an exchange or store credit for change of mind, wrong sizing, or anything bought on sale. If they don’t work out it would almost be better to try to sell them online than to return them.
PaperKrane designs are also seasonal, which means that a shoe might not come back once it’s sold out. The all-black school shoes always seem to stay in the range, but the others tend to come and go.
My final thoughts…PaperKrane is a brand that doesn’t just make shoes—it makes statements. From rainbow soles to school-friendly kicks, they’ve mastered the art of fun, functional, and foot-friendly footwear. With ethical production, quality materials, and a commitment to natural foot movement, they offer a fresh (and often delightfully wacky) take on barefoot shoes.
