Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes for Kids
Encouraging adventure and natural foot development, one hike at a time. Check out our guide to the best barefoot hiking shoes for kids.
Why Choose Barefoot Hiking Shoes for Kids?
Kids are natural explorers—and the right shoes should support, not hinder, their movement. Barefoot hiking shoes are designed to promote healthy foot development, with features like a wide toe box, flexible sole, and zero-drop heel. For children, this can mean better balance, stronger feet, and fewer complaints on the trail.
Whether your child is running through the woods, clambering over rocks, or just tagging along on a family hike, these barefoot hiking shoes combine trail-ready grip with foot-friendly design.
Here are the best barefoot hiking shoes for kids right now.
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Xero Shoes Prio
Start at Kids’ Size 12 | $65
The Prio Kids is a durable, lightweight sneaker-style shoe that’s great for hiking, running, and everyday play. It has a grippy, flexible sole and extra reinforcements around the toe for added protection. The tread is enough for trails, but not so aggressive that they feel out of place in an urban setting. These are a great all-purpose sneaker for hiking and everyday. The Xero Kids’ Prio is also available at REI.
Saguaro Hiking Sneakers
Start at Kids’ Size 7.5/EU24 | $60+ | Code KELLY15 for 15% off
Saguaro Shoes has several affordable barefoot hiking shoes for kids that we love. Styles are updated often, so it can be hard to keep track, but we’ve really liked styles with the sole pictured above. They have enough tread depth to give them some extra grip, and they have a great foot shape. Some have mostly knit uppers like the Agile, while styles like the Cocoa (pictured above) are reinforced with microfiber for better durability. Saguaro Shoes are already one of the most budget-friendly barefoot shoe brands, and code KELLY15 will get you an additional 15% off.
Saguaro Smart Sneakers
Start at Kids’ Size 7.5/EU24 | $44 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off
The shoes that launched Saguaro’s barefoot brand are still a staple in our hiking shoe lineup. They tick all of the boxes of what we look for in a barefoot hiking shoe, and they have the most affordable price point. They’re ultra-light, breathable, and water-friendly—perfect for hiking in warm or humid climates. The flexible sole and easy elastic lacing system make them great for little ones who want to do it themselves. These are our go-to for summer hiking trips, splashy creek walks, and everything in between.
Vivobarefoot Primus Sport or Trail Knit
Start at EU20 to Adult | $74 – $100 | Code BSG20 for 20% off
These shoes are ultra-lightweight and breathable with a flexible, grippy sole. The Primus Sport has moderate lugs for more versatility, while the Primus Trail Knit is meant to handle some tougher terrain, with a 2.5mm tread depth.
Freet Flex
Start at EU30 | $65 | Code KELLY for 10% off
The Flex sneakers from Freet are another lightweight sneaker that has just enough tread to make these a decent option for some casual summer hiking. The uppers are made from a very breathable but durable recycled mesh that can easily be worn with or without socks, and dry faster than most sneakers if they do get wet. These currently have low stock, but Freet has a few other styles that have a similar sole and breathable uppers, including the Hoppee, Keld and Tanga.
Wildling Tanuki
Start at Kids’ Size8/EU23 through adult | $89 – $119 | Free shipping code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE
Okay, this might not be what you initially picture as a hiking shoe, but on soft trails, these impossibly lightweight shoes feel like a second skin. You could say this for most of Wildling’s barefoot shoes, but we particularly love the Tank for its uppers made of Japanese Washi paper– they’re incredibly breathable and surprisingly durable. This pair pictured above is on its second owner and still holding up!
Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals
Start at Kids’ Size 12 | $45
This will be my older son’s fourth summer with the Z-Trails, which tells you all you need to know. These sandals are built for adventure: they’re padded enough for long days, grippy for hikes, and easy to kick off at the beach. While I personally don’t mind strap in-between the toes, my son isn’t a fan, so glad Xero has this option!
Why We Love These for Hiking
All of these barefoot shoes are:
- Foot-friendly – footwear that supports natural movement and healthy foot development
- Lightweight – No more lugging around clunky hiking shoes
- Versatile – Great for walking, hiking, and city exploring
- Durable – Tested on real kids, in real travel situations, and still going strong.
- Kid-Friendly – Easy to get on/off, comfortable, and approved by my favorite hiking buddies
Got a favorite barefoot hiking shoe for your kids? I’d love to hear what’s worked for your family—drop a comment below!
