Why choose Barefoot

Barefoot shoes generally have five main features:

·       They are shaped like a foot (rather than being pointy in the middle)

·       They are zero-drop (meaning flat, with no heel)

·       They have flexible soles

·       They have thin soles

·       They are securely attached

They usually also come with a much wider toe box than standard shoes, making them ideal for wide feet (though width varies between models) and are lightweight.

Because of this, barefoot shoes give children’s growing feet the space and freedom they need to develop naturally. Unlike traditional shoes that squeeze the toes or lift the heel, barefoot shoes mimic being barefoot—allowing toes to spread, arches to strengthen, and balance to improve. This natural alignment supports healthy posture and reduces strain on joints as kids run, jump, and play. By encouraging strong, flexible feet from the start, barefoot shoes help set the foundation for lifelong movement and mobility.

Our shoes are selected to mostly fit the criteria above, though we do include some ‘minimalist’ shoes too, with variation in width and thickness of sole between different models as some people may prefer slightly more cushioning. Some shoes may also have a very slight drop, which some people find acceptable. All of this will be clearly labelled in the descriptions, so please read them carefully!

Barefoot level: 0.5 (most barefoot) - 3 (more cushioned/thick but still ergonomic and minimalist)