Best Barefoot Shoes for Toddlers
The best barefoot shoes for toddlers have thin, flexible soles and a wide toe-box. This allows a young child to naturally develop strong, healthy feet!
Do you know how many times a toddler falls when learning how to walk? I don’t have an exact statistic, but as I’m watching my 10-month-old start to transition from crawling, to pulling up, to shuffling along, I can tell you, it’s a lot!
Learning how to walk and run is hard enough without shoes that make it more difficult. When I was a first-time parent, I bought shoes that I thought would be good for my new toddler. They seemed to fit him just right, they were “sturdy” so they’d protect his feet, and they were super cute! But that “sturdy” aspect was the problem – they were incredibly rigid and inflexible.
As I transitioned to barefoot shoes several years ago, I realized how important a thin sole that allows flexibility and ground feel is in allowing my feet to move and function naturally. My toddler needed that same flexibility, especially as he was still learning how to walk. My first child has been wearing minimalist and barefoot shoes for several years, and I now have a baby that is just starting to wear shoes.
After several years of testing, I’m sharing my reviews of the best barefoot shoes for toddlers.
While more and more barefoot shoe companies are starting to make children’s shoes, it can still be hard to find options in the smallest sizes for toddlers. Most of the shoes on this list start at size US3/EU18.
If you’re looking for larger sizes for older kids, check out these posts:
What to look for in Barefoot Shoes for Toddlers
Of course, we start off with the regular list of barefoot features, because the goal is always to mimic walking like you’re barefoot, from toddler through adult.
1 Wide Toe Box – Look for shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot. For a toddler, that’s fairly wide and chunky. The toe box should not taper, but rather have plenty of room for the toes to properly splay and wiggle.
2 Thin, Flexible Soles – Soles should provide protection, but still allow for a sensory connection to the ground beneath and easy movement. For early walkers and toddlers, soft-soled shoes like leather moccasins can be a great option. Very thin and flexible rubber soles work well too.
3 Zero-drop Platform – A zero-drop platform means a flat sole, just like our feet. Even some traditional toddler sneakers have a slight heel raise, which tilts them forward, putting them in an unnatural position.
There are a few additional features I look for specifically in toddler shoes
Wide Openings – Toddlers are famous for their chunky, chubby feet! Shoes should open wide so those little feet can slide in easily without a struggle.
Easy to Secure – Once the foot is in, it needs to stay put. Adjustable closures, like a velcro strap across the top, help you get the right fit and prevent slipping.
Lightweight – Toddlers are still developing strength and coordination, so heavy shoes can make walking more tiring and awkward. Look for shoes that feel almost weightless.
Breathable & Easy to Clean – Playtime can mean sweaty feet, dirt, and spills. Materials that are breathable help keep feet dry, and easy-to-wipe or machine-washable fabrics make life easier for parents.
Durable for Crawling & Play – Toddlers often alternate between walking, crawling, and scooting. Reinforced toes and quality stitching help shoes hold up to rough use without sacrificing flexibility.
Safe, Non-Slip Outsole – A thin barefoot sole is key, but it should also have good grip for playgrounds, tile floors, and other slippery surfaces to help prevent falls.
For more information about shoe types and foot development in toddlers, see the frequently asked questions section at the end of this post.
Barefoot Shoes for Toddlers
Magical Shoes Barefoot Toddler Shoes
Leather Uppers | 3.3 mm non-slip Rubber Sole | Sizes EU18 –23 | Starting Retail: $56 | Code KELLY for 10% off
Magical Shoes is one of my favorites for toddler barefoot shoes. The Magical Shoes Baloo were one of my baby’s first barefoot shoes, and over 4 years later he’s still wearing their toddler and kids styles. Every pair has fit my chunky toddler’s feet perfectly, they go on easily, and—most importantly—he keeps them on without protest.
The Magical Shoes toddler lineup includes everything from summer sandals to cozy winter boots. Most styles have 3.3mm non-slip rubber soles. I’ve found that I actually like this better than the suede soles you’ll often find on toddler moccasins; the rubbers soles are almost as flexible, more durable, and don’t accumulate dirt the same way.
Most styles also use very soft leather for uppers, though some use more breathable fabrics, like the Rico shoes. For a more classic sneaker style, check out the Milo. For the cutest fisherman sandals, try the Janu.
The ZiuZiu winter boots look a little chunky, but feel almost as light and flexible as their everyday styles. And they’re fully lined with merino wool, perfect for keeping their feet extra warm.
Almost every pair of their toddler shoes has a velcro strap over the top of the foot that allows them to open wide and create a secure fit.
Sizing: Sizing starts at EU 18, so these are perfect for those toddlers with tiny feet that are just learning to walk.
Ordering and Shipping: Magical Shoes is based in Poland, but offers worldwide shipping for as little as 6 Euros. Use code KELLY for 10% off your entire purchase at Magical Shoes. If you’re based in the US, you can also order Magical Shoes from the online retailer PedTerra, which offers free shipping and free returns in the US. Use code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra.
Wildling Toddler Barefoot Shoes
Textile uppers like cotton, linen and wool | 2.5mm rubber and cork soles | Sizes: US2.5/EU18 and up | Starting Retail: $59 | Free ship code: AWN_BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE
There’s so much to love about Wildlings: they’re among the most flexible shoes you can find, made from high-quality natural and sustainable materials (including plenty of vegan options), and they have a distinctive style all their own. Most importantly, my kids find them incredibly comfortable—my son still adores his “fox shoes” as he calls them, and we’ve all had at least one pair in our everyday rotation for the past five years.
The main drawback for some toddler styles is that many use laces, which can take a bit more time to put on and tie compared to velcro. That said, Wildling has been introducing more velcro styles in smaller sizes (we loved the Lago for spring), and regular laces can easily be swapped for elastic ones that cinch tight.
The other consideration is durability. Wildlings are designed to be lightweight and flexible, and with their unique soles, they can be a little more delicate. My kids aren’t especially hard on shoes, and ours have always lasted until they were outgrown, though I have noticed a few loose stitches on the cut-out Ninja soles. Those soles are wonderfully flexible, but they might not hold up well for toddlers who use their feet as brakes on a balance bike (though, to be fair, most shoes won’t). Some of the newer fall and winter styles, like the Arnidoise, now feature a full coverage rubber sole that wraps up around the sides and toe box, adding a more durable bumper. These are called the “resouled” styles.
Wildling’s toddler barefoot shoes, found in the Cubs section of their website, feature a 2.5 mm flexible sole and soft uppers for a true barefoot feel. Many styles are scaled-down versions of their kids’ and adults’ shoes, so the whole family can match. Most are made from sustainable vegan materials like organic cotton, linen, and hemp, with winter options that use responsibly sourced wool.
For the lightest sandal ever, check out the Feather sandals. And Wildling now has rain boots for both kids and adults! The Ranidae boots are amazingly light and flexible.
Sizing: Wildling has a printable Fit Kit to help you determine the correct size, which includes a growth zone of approximately 1/4 inch. I’ve found this accurate for both of my kids and myself. For reference, I typically wear an EU38 in Wildlings based on my 23.3cm foot measurement.
Ordering and Shipping: Wildling shoes can be purchased directly on their website (they don’t sell through third party retailers). Shipping is free to the US with orders over $200, and your first return is free. Otherwise, shipping to the US is about $10. Use code AWN_BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping on your first order. Depending on where you live, you can shop the US or International Wildling website.
Find a full brand review of Wildling here.
Softstar Moccasins and Ramblers
Leather Uppers | Suede or Vibram Pyramid Sole | Sizes: 3 and up | Starting Retail: $50 | Free Shipping
Softstar makes buttery soft leather shoes and moccasins. The soft-soled leather moccasins start at size 3 (for ages 6 – 12 months), and go up to size 5 and are made for early walkers to be worn mostly indoors. It’s best to let babies be barefoot as often as possible, but these soft sole shoes are great for indoor places that require shoes, like daycare and preschool.
The Rambler, Laguna Sandal and Merry Janes are also great barefoot shoes for toddlers. They feature leather uppers and a zero-drop, super-flexible 3mm Vibram Pyramid sole.
Every shoe is handcrafted in Softstar’s Oregon workshop, and many of the shoes can be customized with different colors. The customizability of these shoes continues with its sizing, where you can order narrow, regular, wide, or extra wide width shoes. Softstar’s regular width is already wider than what you might see for typical toddler shoes. The wide option is great for those toddlers with particular wide feet (what Softstar has lovingly dubbed “Potato feet.” ) If you think this may be your toddler reach out to their customer service team to confirm measurements).
My son wore the Ramblers with Vibram bottoms until he outgrew them, and they held up well. They were so easy for him to slip on and had good grip. When the leather was starting to look worn, it quickly shined up with some polish.
Ordering and Shipping: Shipping is free on all orders in the US. There is a minimum spend of $150 for free shipping outside the US, otherwise the cost is $12.
Vivobarefoot Toddler shoes
Leather, wool, mesh or knit uppers | Rubber Soles | Sizes: US5/EU20 and up | Starting Retail: $62 | Code BSG20 for 20% off
Vivobarefoot iis one of the biggest names in the barefoot shoe world, and their Pluma knit is a fantastic pick for those wobbly first steps. They have a sock-like stretchy knit upper and rubber sole (I think of them as the “glow-up” version of those affordable toddler sock shoes you’ll see on Amazon). They’re easy on, easy off, but still have a secure fit. The grippy rubber sole keeps slips at bay, and clever flex-point gaps make them super bendy (kind of like Wildling’s original ninja soles).
The Pluma starts at EU18, but once your toddler hits size EU20, there are mini versions of many of Vivobarefoot’s most popular styles. The Primus is a classic, and comes in two different versions for toddlers: the Primus Sport with mesh for breathability, and the Primus knit with leather and wool uppers. Other toddler styles include Gobi sneakers with leather uppers and a large velcro strap, Gobi boots, and even their Chelsea boots.
Vivobarefoot has launched several initiatives to keep its shoes out of landfills and on feet. The Primus’ thin and flexible sole doesn’t mold around the feet, which means they are great to pass on or resell.
Use code BSG20 for 20% off at Vivobarefoot.
Common Tread Leather Moccasins
Leather Uppers | Rubber Soles | Sizes 2 and up | Starting Retail: $35 | Code KELLY for 10% off
Both Common Tread styles open wide for easy on and off, and fasten securely with Velcro. The leather is buttery soft yet feels built to last. They’re just about as flexible as soft-soled shoes but come with a grippy, durable rubber sole that can handle more wear and tear.
ShooShoos Soft Sole Leather Moccasins
Leather Uppers | Suede Soles | Sizes 2 and up | Starting Retail: $35 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off
Soft Sole Leather Moccasins are an excellent option for barefoot toddler shoes because of how flexible they are. The leather uppers and suede soles provide that thin layer of protection, but the feet can bend, flex, stretch and wiggle all they want.
ShooShoos have a range of cute designs with animal cut outs decorating the front. These styles feature elastic around the opening for a secure fit.
They also have simple solid moccasins in colors like pink, blue and black. These have a velcro strap over the top of the foot to secure instead of elastic.
For the colder months, there are extra cozy options, like these moccasins lined with fleece, or these thicker slippers lined with fluffy wool.
Shipping starts at $5 in the US, and shipping on all orders over $50 are free. Use code KELLY10 for 10% off your purchase.
**Note that only the pre-walker and soft-soled moccasins fit the features of a barefoot shoe. The shoes for older children do not fit the criteria of a barefoot shoe.
Bisgaard Baby shoes
Cotton or Wool uppers | Rubber sole inlay | Sizes: 3 and up | Starting Retail: $62
Bisgaard is another brand that makes cute and function barefoot shoes for toddlers. The uppers are made from cotton or wool, and feature a large velcro strap to secure the feet. The bottom has a rubber sole inlay, making these very minimal and flexible toddler shoes.
These baby barefoot shoes are available from online retailer PedTerra, which offers free shipping and free returns in the US. Use code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra .
Saguaro Shoes
Synthetic uppers | Rubber Soles | Sizes: EU24 and up | Starting Retail: $40 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off
Saguaro shoes has a large selection of kid’s barefoot shoes that keeps on growing. They do start at EU24, so these might not fit your new walkers, but they’re great for the latter end of the toddler years and moving into little kids. My 3 year old has loved a lot of the cute and warm pull-on boots (like these Jumpy boots), and their mesh sneakers are an affordable and practical staple for summer ringing up at around $37 for a pair.
PaperKrane Toddler Shoes
Leather, wool, mesh Uppers | Rubber inlay soles | Sizes: 4 and up | Starting Retail: $60
PaperKrane is known for their fun, brightly colored designs. Many styles have sizes starting at US4. For toddler sizes US 4-7, the “Midi” soles feature a rubber inlay instead of a full rubber sole, which makes them soft and flexible (see the third photo below). Larger sizes use the full rubber sole, which is still very flexible, and a bit more durable for older kids.
PaperKrane is an Australian brand, but their barefoot toddler shoes are available from US retailer PedTerra (with free shipping and free returns in the US!).
Use code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra.
Other minimalist kids shoes to check out (in Alpha order)
The list above represents my top recommendations for barefoot and minimalist kids shoes, but I wanted to include a more comprehensive list of all of the healthy shoes for kids.
** One of my favorite places to shop for barefoot kids shoes is the online retailer PedTerra. They carry a lot of small, amazing European brands, and offer free shipping and free returns in the US. You can use code KELLY for 10% off your purchase at PedTerra.
Know of any other great healthy, barefoot and minimalist shoe brands for children? Let me know in the comments below!
Anatomic Shoes – Anatomic both offers super affordable barefoot shoes for kids! These linked ones are $18! Use Code KELLY for 10% off on PedTerra.
Bobux – Soft sole moccasins through big kid shoes. Bobux are more of a minimal shoes vs a barefoot shoe, meaning their wider and more flexible than most traditional shoes, but not as much as most of the barefoot shoes on this list.
Baby Bare – Make sneakers, sandals, and boots with high quality Italian leather. Despite baby in the name, these wide, minimalist shoes go up to US Big Kid 2/EU33. Use code KELLY for 10% off on PedTerra.
Bar3foot – Cotton canvas barefoot sneakers for kids. Use code KELLY for 10% off on PedTerra. These are a good fit for wide, high volume feet.
Bisgaard – Cute and function barefoot shoes for kids. The uppers are made from cotton or wool, and feature a large velcro strap to secure the feet. The bottom has a rubber sole inlay, making these very minimal and flexible toddler shoes. These kids barefoot shoes are available from online retailer PedTerra, which offers free shipping and free returns in the US. Use code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra.
Cat & Jack Toddler Parker Sneakers – This Target brand makes a pair of canvas velcro sneakers called they Toddler Parker Sneakers. These are a compromise shoe as they’re reasonably wide, but do taper in the toe box. The insole has some extra padding in the heel, so remove to make it zero-drop. They’re incredibly affordable at $10 for a pair.
Etsy – I’ve found several Etsy retailers that hand make minimalist leather shoes for kids. While some only go to toddler sizes, others go up to bigger kids sizes (Ebooba’s largest is for 7-8 year olds). When you’re searching Etsy, look for shoes that are thin, flat and flexible. Here are a few Etsy Shops to check out:
Feelmax – Finnish brand with kid’s shoes start at size EU24. Shoes are reasonably priced (under €40), but shipping to US is around €30.
Foot Buddy Kid’s Shoes – Children’s minimalist shoes in Toddler sizes 8-12. Prioritize durability with large toe bumper and thicker soles. They are zero drop with a wide toe box. Retail is $39. Use coupon code 12KELLY12 for 12% off on Amazon.
Freet – British brand with wide shoes starting at size EU 30. Use Code KELLY for 10% off.
Froddo – Shoes start at baby US 1 and go up through big kids. Full line of leather sneakers, sandals and boots. Use code KELLY for 10% off on PedTerra.
Jack & Lily – affordable baby, toddler and kids barefoot shoes.
PaperKrane – Kids barefoot shoe company from Australia known for their fun, brightly colored designs. Code KELLY for 10% off on PedTerra.
Robeez –Soft-sole leather moccasins for toddlers.
Skinners – Skinners are more like durable socks than shoes, but they are a great option for a kid that needs no fuss footwear. They’re machine washable and have a 500 mile life span.
Ten Little Sneakers – Affordable barefoot shoes for kids that have simple, classic styling. These are more of a minimalist shoe with somewhat thicker, stiffer soles. They have vegan leather and canvas sneakers as well as sandals and rain boots.
Tikki Shoes – Leather and vegan leather wide kids shoes and sandals made in Romania.
Tough Little Piggies – Flexible moccasins with reinforced toe boxes for durability.
Zeazoo – Girl’s barefoot shoes, sandals and boots in bright, bold colors. Use code KELLY for 10% off on PedTerra.
Barefoot is Best
Going barefoot let’s feet be feet!
After talking about all of these shoes, it is important to note that barefoot is best, so keep the shoes off as often as you can! Without anything getting in their way, the feet’s muscles and ligaments can move and develop naturally. The muscles will strengthen as they’re used. If you have strong feet, you don’t need shoes with arch support or ankle support or any other kind of support; your feet will be able to support themselves, just like they were made to do.
Walking barefoot also means a toddler can receive sensory input from their surroundings. A physical connection to the ground helps improves a child’s awareness, balance and sensory-motor development.
While barefoot is best as often as possible, a toddler needs shoes to protect their feet in all the new places they’ll be walking through. Shoes that allow a toddler’s feet to function as close to barefoot as possible is the next best thing when they can’t be barefoot. Starting a toddler off with healthy footwear is one of the best things you can do for their physical development.
If your baby isn’t quite to the walking stage yet, you may be deciding on which baby carrier to buy–check out this review of Tula vs Ergobaby.
You should add Camper to the list.
How would Livie & Luca compare to Bobux? Struggling to find youth sizes now (size 1) that she’s outgrown toddler sizes that still fits her desire for “cute” shoes.
hi thanks for the information, as there are no barefoot shoes for children around. i found these http://www.colline-store.com what do you think?