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.