Question 1

What are the Best Barefoot Sandals For Kids?

samantha · Accepted Answer

Two kids standing side by side with their feet visible wearing kids colorful barefoot summer sandals from Zeazoo

Barefoot kids sandals are a healthier alternative to sandals that are less friendly to little feet! They have a wide toe box, flexible sole, and a secure fit so your child can run and play without discomfort.

Below you will find our favorite barefoot sandals for kids that let their toes be free while still protecting them from hot pavement, insects, and other summer-time hazards.

Close toed barefoot sandals

We love closed toed sandals for kids best, because they stay really secure on the foot while still being breathable and practical for play.

A child wearing navy blue Reima Rantaan barefoot budget friendly inexpensive summer sandals

Reima Rantaan - Use [sc name="reima-first-purchase"] for 20% off your first purchase. These are a great budget option that breathes well and is high quality.

Sideview of Feelgrounds Arcade barefoot vegan kids sandals in navy blue and orange worn by a child

Feelgrounds Arcade - These are a good breathable vegan option for kiddos wide with feet.

A young child's feet in Wildling Feather barefoot partially closed toe sandals with an ultra minimal flexible outsole

Wildling Feather - Use code [sc name="wildling-free-shipping"] for a one-time free shipping offer. The lightest weight sandal there is!

A close up of a child's feet standing on rocks in a stream of water wearing blue Vivobarefoot Ultra barefoot sandals water shoes

Vivobarefoot Ultra - The Ultra Bloom (available seasonally) is a favorite water friendly shoe for us! Comes in the full size range for big and little kids. Use code [sc name="vivobarefoot-coupon"]

Ten Little Splash sandals in an aqua green color being worn by a toddler. The wide toe box is at the forefront of the image and they are being worn as a barefoot replacement for Crocs for toddlers

Ten Little Splash Sandals - Our fave water-friendly budget sandal for little kids! Goes up to US kids 13

Zeazoo - Use code [sc name="zeazoo-code"] for 5% off. We also carry Zeazoo sandals for kids & adults at Anya's Shop! These have a natural chrome free leather lining so are gentle on skin.

A young girl in embroidered denim wearing white Tikki Aranya barefoot leather sandals for kids with colorful polka dots

Tikki Aranya - Another gentle natural sandal for kids. We carry some at Anya's Shop as well.

Closed toe barefoot sandal from Freet Barefoot

Freet Zennor - Good for big kids with high volume feet. Use code [sc name="freet-feet-code"] for 10% off

A young child wearing barefoot neoprene Seasider Be Lenka sandals. They are orange and resemble a clown fish.

Be Lenka Seasider - Use code [sc name="belenka-code"] for 5% off

Strappy barefoot sandals

We love all the following brands that make barefoot sandals for adults and for kids.

Earth Runners affordable barefoot sandals for big kids

Earth Runners - Use code [sc name="earthrunners-code"] for 10% off

Luna Sandals - Use code [sc name="luna-sandals-code"] for 10% off

A side view of a pair of feet standing on concrete wearing black vegan Shamma Cruzers cheap barefoot sandals

Shamma Sandals - Use code [sc name="shamma-sandals-code"] for 10% off

A toddler flexing their feet in Unshoes Keota sandals to show the easy flexibility of these barefoot sandals

Unshoes Keota - Use code [sc name="unshoes-code"] for 10% off

Click here for a full list of Barefoot Sandals for Kids

Question 2

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).

Question 3

Are There Durable Barefoot Shoes for Kids?

Anya · Accepted Answer

A common concern I hear from parents is whether barefoot shoes are durable enough for kids' play. Especially because quality barefoot shoes can be expensive, this is a valid concern. In this article on the Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids we specifically address which brands are the most durable so you can best decide! In my experience, the durable kids barefoot shoes we recommend are comparable to regular kids shoes in their longevity.

But it's important to remember that shoes bear the brunt of all our activities - we really put them through the wringer standing, running, hiking, and playing on the rough ground in them. Dirt, scuffs, and wear are a natural part of using shoes.

Depending on how your child moves and their preferred activities you might experience wear more or less quickly than others, and there are always a few duds in the might mix that break down prematurely. So while we've done our best to accurately test and review the shoes here, it's always possible you have a different experience.

If the main concern for you is the cost of having to replace shoes, check out My Favorite Budget Barefoot Shoes for Kids for a lower cost entry point.

Question 4

When Do I Need to Buy My Child New Shoes?

Anya · Accepted Answer

Kids feet are constantly growing, and it can be hard to know how often to check their shoes and order new ones. Ideally a child will have a minimum of 12mm of extra length in front of their shoes, so once they become shorter than that, it's time to find a new pair. The best way to determine whether your child's shoes fit is the Plus12 device, it works for adults too!

Sonja, a professional shoe fitter in the UK, recommends the following timetable as a rough guide for when to check your kids' shoes:

"First walkers – every four to six weeks.
Toddlers and preschoolers – every six to eight weeks.
Primary school aged children – every three to four months.
Secondary school aged children – every five to six months."

Kids Barefoot Shoe FAQ

What are the Best Barefoot Sandals For Kids?

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

Are There Durable Barefoot Shoes for Kids?

When Do I Need to Buy My Child New Shoes?

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