Barefoot kids sandals are a healthier alternative to the typical sandals you find at the store. They have a wide toe box, flexible sole, and a secure fit so your child can run and play without discomfort – and so their little feet can move and feel the ground beneath them. All of this is so important for their development!
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.
Be Lenka Zest (US & EU) – New for 2026, the Zest is a reasonably priced, functional kids sandal. Breathable, a good shape for growing feet, and adjustable to be secure on different foot types.
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. If you live outside the US, shop Be Lenka EU here.
Wildling Feder (US & EU)- Use code ANYA for €5/$10 off your purchase. The lightest weight sandal there is! If you’re outside the US/Canada, shop Wilding Shoes here.
Vivobarefoot Ultra (US, UK, EU)- 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 ANYASREVIEWS25OFF for 25% off
Ten Little Splash Sandals (US) – Our fave water-friendly budget sandal for little kids! Goes up to US kids 13
Zeazoo (EU & US) – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. We also carry Zeazoo sandals for kids at Anya’s Shop for easier US access! These have a natural chrome free leather lining so are gentle on skin.
Reima Rantaan (US & EU)- Use ANYA15 for 15% off your first purchase. These are a great budget option that breathes well and is well made. Best suited for average or slimmer kid’s feet.
Lang. S by Tikki Shoes (EU)- Another gentle natural sandal for kids.
Feelgrounds Arcade (EU) – These are a good breathable vegan option for kiddos with wide feet. You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off your order.
Common Tread (US) – Beautiful leather sandals that are super soft and very flexible!
Freet Zennor (US, UK, & EU) – Good for big kids with high volume feet.
Little Love Bug Company (US) – US 2-12. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Strappy barefoot sandals
We love all the following brands that make barefoot sandals for adults and for kids.
Be Lenka Miami (US & EU)- Samantha’s daughter loves how pretty they are, and that they aren’t too delicate to play in!
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. If you live outside the US, shop Be Lenka EU here.
Earth Runners (US) – Use code ANYA for 10% off
Luna Sandals (US) – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Aylla Arena (EU) – Just like Birkenstock, but better for your feet! Samantha’s daughter adores this model from Aylla. They sole isn’t super thin, but still pretty flexible! These are best suited for long, slimmer feet.
Unshoes Keota (US) – Use code ANYA for 10% off
14 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Sandals for Kids”
I am surprised the Nemo by Igor did not make this list. Is the toebox not wide? Because it is definitely zero drop and more flexible than the Ten Little
Hi Hayley! No reason that one was left off the list other than the fact that we haven’t tried them personally. I checked them out at the PedTerra booth at the Expo last year though and they are a great option!
I chuckled at “Feelgrounds Arcade, for kiddos wide with feet” – it took me a moment to realise it was meant to be “with wide feet”! Thanks for all the work, it is so appreciated.
Ha! Good catch 🙂 It now reads correctly. Thanks for your kind words!
Hi Anya,
Would you be able to make a review of kids shoes based on the thickness of their soles/groundfeel, and the overall weight of the shoes? I just recently bought spring/autumn bf shoes for my kids and I’m a bit bummed that they feel heavier than my own adult shoes.
Noted! In sandals we consider lightweight flexibility to be pretty important in kids shoes, so everything on this list has been vetted by us. But some are lighter than others.
Thanks for the list! Your discount code is not working for Reima Rantaam. I’m in Canada if that matters.
I believe it only works on the US website, so if Canada has its own domain then that might be why.
Hello! I was trying to use your discount code for the Reima Rantaans but it doesn’t seem to be working. Is that no longer valid? Thanks for all you do!!
Hi! Sorry about that, the new code is ANYA15 for 15% off.
Thanks!
I wish the Zeazoo were more durable. I only expect a season out of them but they quickly showed wear and tear. The Tikki held up decently.
Do you have a POV on the Reina? I was concerned because it said not for concrete and that it didn’t do well near pools / water. The sole seemed like it’d be slippery?
Hi! Thanks for the list, I’m curious if you’ve seen or tried DD Step sandals and have an idea of the width they work for?
Hi Christine, unfortunately we don’t have any first-hand experience with that brand. I suggest searching in our community group to see if anyone else has some experience.