Question 1

Should Kids Wear Barefoot Shoes?

Anya · Accepted Answer

Keeping your kids' feet healthy from the beginning is much easier than trying to correct a problem later, and most kids have no problem at all in barefoot shoes. In fact, many move more confidently and fall less in barefoot shoes than "regular" thick, heeled shoes!

It's also normal for young children to have flat feet, and shouldn't be a cause for concern unless they are having pain or dysfunction. If you're concerned about your child's development, see a physician.

Further Reading:
The Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids
The Barefoot Kids Shoes FAQ

Question 2

What Barefoot Shoes Are Best for Babies & Toddlers?

Anya · Accepted Answer

Babies should be kept barefoot as much as possible. But when it comes time to find your baby shoes, keep an eye out for options that are very soft, flexible, and thin so baby can sense the world through their feet. They have no need for shoes with any structure!

Fortunately, many baby shoes are already barefoot approved so you don't need to be limited to my list. Once you know what to look for you can pass on any options that are not totally soft and flexible!

But here are a few of our baby and toddler barefoot shoe brands:

Looking for winter boots for littles? Here are my top picks for keeping tiny feet dry without weighing them down:

Jan & Jul (US & CA) - Stay-Put Winter Booties for babies, Toasty-Dry Booties for toddlers (remove heel lift on insole to be zero drop)
Jack & Lily (US)
Wildling Shoes (EU)
Stonz (CA) - Waterproof covers with optional fleece linings. Code [sc name="stonz"] for 10% off

For a list of our personal favorites, read the Best Barefoot Shoes for Babies and Toddlers article

Question 3

Where Can I Find Barefoot School Uniform Shoes?

samantha · Accepted Answer

Two children shown from the neck down wearing school unforms and black barefoot shoes. The text reads Barefoot School Uniform Shoes Anya's Review Dot Com

Does your child wear a uniform with strict shoe requirements? Check out this list of barefoot shoes in all-black and all-white to wear with a school uniform.

All Black Shoes

BGreater - Sizes UK i3-j6. Affordable and has a patent mary jane option
Conker Shoes - Sizes UK 1-5.5. Be sure to choose a barefoot sole. Each pair includes a free half size stretching service and are also resoleable and repairable.
Feelgrounds - Sizes EU 24-37
Freet - Sizes EU 30-36. Get 15% off with my code [sc name="freet-feet-code"]
Magical Shoes - Sizes EU 27-35. Use code [sc name="magical-shoes"] for 10% off.
PaperKrane - Sizes EU 19-42. Several all black styles! Use code [sc name="papercrane-code"] 10% off
Splay Shoes - Sizes US 8C-13M. Use code [sc name="splay-code"] for 10% off. Read my Splay Reviews
Softstar Shoes - Sizes US 6C-5Y
Sole Runner - Sizes EU 25-35
Vivobarefoot - Sizes US 5C-6Y. Use code [sc name="vivobarefoot-coupon"] for 10% off
Wildling Shoes - Sizes EU 23-35. Tanuki Umi and Flying Fox. Read my Wildling Reviews here. Use code [sc name="wildling-free-shipping"] for a one time free shipping offer. If you live outside the US/Canada, shop Wildling Shoes here.
Xero Shoes Prio - Sizes US 12-4
Zeazoo - Sizes EU 18-36. Use code [sc name="zeazoo-code"] for 5% off.

All White Shoes

Origo Shoes - Sizes US 8T-4Y. Use code [sc name="origo"] for 10% off.
Softstar Shoes - Sizes US 6C-5Y (custom option)
Ten Little - Sizes US 4C-13. Read my Ten Little review here

Question 4

Are There Barefoot Rubber Rain Boots For Kids?

samantha · Accepted Answer

A pair of bright yellow barefoot rain boots from Ten Little being worn by a child in thick mud and water

Yes! Heavy, heeled, clunky rain boots can be a thing of the past with these foot-friendly options. The following options are all barefoot-friendly rubber boots for kids, but keep in mind that some have a slightly tapered toe box. Bundgaard and Ten Little have the most foot shaped kids rubber rain boots right now.

Wildling Ranidae – The same rain boot we love for adults, also comes in kids sizes! You can get a one-time free shipping offer with code [sc name="wildling-free-shipping"]. If you’re outside the US/Canada, shop Wilding Shoes here.
Koel – These wellies also have a great toe box shape and are a good choice. We carry these at Anya’s Shop in the US!
Saguaro – Sizes EU 24-34. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
Bisgaard - All zero drop except "Rain" model.
Bundgaard rubber boots - All these wellies are zero drop except the Sailor boots. Customers outside the US can order directly from Bundgaard.
Oaki Rain Boots - Rubber boots are zero drop, neoprene boots are not.
Original Hunter Classic
Ten Little - Toddler/little kid sizes US 6-13. Read the review here

Find a more complete list of kids waterproof barefoot shoes below! It also includes tips for waterproofing and sealing any barefoot shoes.

Waterproof Barefoot Kids Shoes

Question 5

Barefoot Shoes In Big Kids Sizes?

samantha · Accepted Answer

Close image of a pair of kids Vivobarefoot Primus Trail hiking shoes with a wide toe box and flexible sole

The options for barefoot shoes for big kids are getting better all the time. Here's some of our favorite brands that bridge the gap between little kid and adult sizes.

Be Lenka - Sizes EU 25+. Use code [sc name="belenka-code"] for 5% off. Read my Be Lenka Kids Review
Freet - Sizes EU 30-36. Get 15% off with my code [sc name="freet-feet-code"]. Read my Freet Review
Magical Shoes - Size EU 18-35. Use code [sc name="magical-shoes"] for 10% off.
Mukishoes - Sizes EU 24-35. Use code [sc name="mukishoes-code"] for 5% off
Origo Shoes - Sizes 8T-4Y. Use code [sc name="origo"] for 10% off.
PaperKrane - Sizes EU 16-42. [sc name="papercrane-code"] for 10% off
Softstar Shoes - Sizes infant-Youth 4
Sole Runner - Sizes EU 25-35
Splay - Sizes US 8C-M13. Read my splay review here! Get 10% off with code [sc name="splay-code"]
Tikki - Sizes EU 19-39. Read my Tikki review here
Tadeevo - Size EU 31-36. Use code [sc name="tadeevo"] for 5% off
Vivobarefoot - Sizes US 5C-6Y. Use code [sc name="vivobarefoot-coupon"] for 10% off
Wildling Shoes - Sizes EU 19-35. Read my Wildling Reviews here. Use code [sc name="wildling-free-shipping"] for a one time free shipping offer. If you are outside the US/Canada, use this Wildling Shoes link.
Xero Shoes - Sizes US kids 12- 4Y
Zuna Shoes (US only) - Sizes US 12-4Y. Read the Zuna review here

For a full list of options in big kid sizes, click here!

Question 6

Are There Foot-Friendly Socks For Kids?

samantha · Accepted Answer

There aren't a lot of options, but here are a handful of foot-shaped socks for kids!

Amazon - This is one of the only places I've found toe socks for kids
Plus12 - My boys don't like toe socks, but they love these anatomical socks! You can also order Plus12 from Wildling Shoes
Magical Shoes - 99% Merino wool socks with a wide toe box and non-skid bottom. Use code [sc name="magical-shoes"] for 10% off
Foot Buddy - Tube socks with no heel cup and relaxed toe box. Use code [sc name="foot-buddy"] for 20% off

Question 7

How Do I Measure My Kid's Feet to Pick a Shoe Size?

samantha · Accepted Answer

Picking out a kids barefoot shoe size can feel daunting. But because they are growing (and each brand's sizing is different) it's always best to use current foot measurements to select a size based off the brand's size chart. You want your child to have a minimum of 12mm extra length in their shoes, so that means new pairs can have up to 17mm extra length for growing room.

Here are my best practices for measuring kids' feet:

Measure twice just in case.
Measure both feet and order based off the larger foot.
Measure in the evening when feet are largest.
For wiggly kids or very young kids, it can be helpful to tape your paper to the floor.
Make sure your child is standing and putting their weight on the foot you are measuring.
If you plan on having them wearing socks, make sure you measure with the socks on.
Add about 15-17mm to foot length to find the internal shoe length you should aim for (plan on less than sandals, and more for boots)

Below is a video that explains two ways to measure your child's feet. I like the wall method best because it is most accurate, but I usually do both to compare.

https://youtu.be/0s6Z_Mu74IM

Once you have your measurements, read this FAQ on how to use a size chart to select a size!

Question 8

Are There Affordable Barefoot Shoes For Kids?

samantha · Accepted Answer

Top down view of 3 children's feet in Saguaro inexpensive Amazon shoes that are barefoot friendly.

Yes! You don't have to sacrifice your budget for foot health. Here are my top 3 picks for affordable barefoot shoes for kids.

Splay - [sc name="splay-code"] for 10% off. Read my Splay reviews here
Saguaro
Whitin
Origo Shoes - [sc name="origo"] for 10% off
Cior Water Sandals

Read more about these in my Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids article!

Question 9

My Child Has Flat Feet, Should I Worry?

Anya · Accepted Answer

The good news is flat feet is normal in babies and children and will usually develop into fully functional feet overtime. In fact, the extra fat in the midfoot of small children is protective! Reducing impact on the still-developing bones. Kids don't usually develop a visible arch until around age 6 or 7, after the extra fat has disappeared.

And even then you don't need to rush in with arch support if they still have flat feet. As long as your child has no diagnosed musculoskeletal issues and is developing normally it's best to let them use their feet so their muscles and tissues can strengthen naturally.

Bernie Landels' book Finding Their Feet is a great place to learn all about a child's developing foot.

Question 10

Do Kids Need to Transition to Barefoot Shoes?

Anya · Accepted Answer

A top down view of two pairs of feet facing each other wearing Mukishoes barefoot shoes - on the top are the feet of a small child wearing Mini Moss green sneakers with orange laces and rainbow eyelets. On bottom is an adult's feet wearing the Saffron rust colored sneaker with white laces

The beautiful thing about kids wearing barefoot shoes is that most of them don't need to transition. Their feet came equipped with everything they need to support themselves! And because they haven't yet spent years in restrictive footwear that ability is usually still available to them. Most children are able to start wearing barefoot shoes without skipping a beat.

If your child is older and has already been using supportive, heeled footwear (especially for athletics) then they may need more time to adapt to barefoot shoes. Sore feet and legs at the end of the day after wearing barefoot shoes are an indication they need to take it more slowly. For my best transition advice, check out the FAQ on How To Transition To Barefoot Shoes.

If your child is needing a transition period, check out these Kids Transition Barefoot Shoe Brands:

Otherwise, you can start checking out barefoot shoe options for kids.

Question 11

Where Can I Find Barefoot Dress Shoes For Kids?

samantha · Accepted Answer

3 Photo Collage of 2 girls and a boy wearing dress clothes and barefoot dress shoes - Little Love Bug company, Vivobarefoot, and Lisbeth Joe

If your kiddo needs to dress up for a special event, but you don't want them to complain constantly about being uncomfortable - barefoot dress shoes for kids is the answer! Or maybe your child needs color, sparkle, and glitz in their life - these brands look fancy, but feel comfortable for little feetsies. Here are some of our favorites:

Vivobarefoot - Black mary janes and lace ups in sizes US [sc name="vivobarefoot-coupon"] for 10% off
Little Love Bug Company- Affordable and cute options for ballet flats and oxfords
Ten Little - We like their mary janes and ballet flats!

Click here for a full list of Barefoot Dress Shoes for Kids

Question 12

Can My Child Wear Hand-Me-Down Barefoot Shoes?

Anya · Accepted Answer

Some people have heard that it's bad to wear used shoes because the sole might be worn unevenly. But when it comes to barefoot shoes, that advice need not apply. Barefoot shoes are already thin, flat, and flexible so wearing them doesn't result in deformation of the sole.

That means you can safely pass down barefoot shoes to multiple children until they completely fall apart!

If you are concerned about fungus or bacteria, simply hand wash the shoes with vinegar and/or baking soda than dry them thoroughly (I use a vent dryer).

Kids Barefoot Shoe FAQ

Should Kids Wear Barefoot Shoes?

What Barefoot Shoes Are Best for Babies & Toddlers?

Where Can I Find Barefoot School Uniform Shoes?

Are There Barefoot Rubber Rain Boots For Kids?

Barefoot Shoes In Big Kids Sizes?

Are There Foot-Friendly Socks For Kids?

How Do I Measure My Kid’s Feet to Pick a Shoe Size?

Are There Affordable Barefoot Shoes For Kids?

My Child Has Flat Feet, Should I Worry?

Do Kids Need to Transition to Barefoot Shoes?

Where Can I Find Barefoot Dress Shoes For Kids?

Can My Child Wear Hand-Me-Down Barefoot Shoes?

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