14 Incredible Barefoot Shoes for Kids Reviewed

Barefoot Shoes for Kids

barefoot shoes for kids

Photo Name What We like
Fulham Kids The ground sole has a lug to enhance extra traction Waterproof hence ideal for both wet and dry season Repurpose plastic that enhances durability
gobi eco Gobi Eco Kids Has a multi-terrain rubber sole Repurposing plastic increases durability Removal thermal insole offers four-season protection
xero prio kids Prio Running and Fitness Shoe Have a wide toe box to enable toes spread and relax Highly flexible to enable the feet to bend, flex and move Tend to be lightweight for easy wearing
Ababa Leather Kids The sticky rubber rocker offers excellent grip The materials are of high-quality Have excellent design and durable
Primus Junior Mesh Made from animal-free material Repurpose plastic help improve durability The tough rubber sole offers excellent traction

Vivobarefoot have a range of barefoot shoes for kids. Assuming that we can agree to say, we are trained out of our natural way as children. As a child, I would often play barefooted. This was something that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Much to the horror and annoyance of parents and guardians. They wanted to make sure that my feet were protected.

I would always end up with a pair of shoes which I felt at the time was dragging me. Fast forward to today, I keep my shoes on at all times. The natural way of being in contact with and feeling the ground has gone over time.

My default is to have shoes on. It does not have to be that way. With barefoot shoes for kids, you can finally let your kids roam freely, without hindrance. Allow them to feel!

We will introduce you to Vivobarefoot children’s range, and highlight key features.

Review of Barefoot Shoes for Kids

FULHAM LEATHER KIDS

Like most parents, you may want to start your child off with a solid, protective shoe. We are talking about one that covers the entire foot. The Vivobarefoot Fulham Leather Kids is a great pick. It is warm, made from wild hide leather.

The elastic gore and webbing tabs located at the back of the shoes means that they are fairly easy to put on and to remove.

Just as adults love a good pair of Chelsea boots, Vivobarefoot Fulham leather shoes give kids their own version.

Key Features

  1. Strong Rubber sole
  2. Wild Hide Leather
  3. Removable Thermal insoles
  4. Faux Shearling Lining
  5. 5 x Puncture Resistance

Pros

  • Warm, and generally weatherproof.
  • Thermal insulated.
  • Easy to get on and off.
  • Can take a battering.

Cons

  • Maybe a little large around the ankles.
  • Could have had an all-black variation of these for formal occasions.

Average Rating

4.9 out of 5.0 stars

FULHAM RUBBER KIDS

If you like the ones above, you will also like these ones. The design is similar. They are geared towards active kids. Those who love to get their feet and hands dirty. In this case, the upper and sole are both made of rubber. Giving them that welly boot feeling children love.

They have the elastic pull up panel for ease when putting them on or removing them. Let your little adventurer explore in the Fulham Rubber Kids.

Key Features

  1. Tough Rubber Sole
  2. Rubber Upper
  3. Canvas Lining
  4. Removable Thermal Insoles
  5. Vegan
  6. 5 x Puncture Resistant Sole

Pros

  • Vegan – No animal products used in making this.
  • Winterproof
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Couldn’t fault these

Available in olive and indigo.

Average Rating

5.0 out of 5.0 stars

PRIMUS BOOTIE KIDS: Barefoot shoes for toddlers

The Primus bootie is a firm favourite among parents and toddlers alike. Toddlers usually do not like to have shoes on. These shoes are designed to change that.

You have here, a perfect mix of strong, tough and stylish. It is made to take on the toughest of weather elements. All the while, keeping your little one’s feet dry.

For the colder days, it comes with thermal insoles that are removable.

Key Features

  1. Wild Hide Leather
  2. Weathertight Nylon
  3. Removable Thermal Insole
  4. Tough Rubber Sole
  5. Waterproof design

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Stylish
  • Available in 2 variants
  • Great Traction
  • Flexible
  • Easy to put on and remove

Cons

  • None that we have noted so far

They are available in terracotta and indigo.

Average Rating

5.0 out of 5.0 stars

PRIMUS BOOTIE JUNIOR

If your kids have out the smaller version of these, they can get the Primus Bootie Junior. They share the same features that you would have come to expect from the smaller ones. Only this time, the material is that little bit tougher.

Weight: 161g

Average Rating

4.9 out of 5.0 stars

PRIMUS SCHOOL KIDS

Getting barefoot shoes that can fit seamlessly into school life is a challenge. Thankfully, Vivobarefoot tends to pay attention to what consumers ask for. The Primus School shoes are made with enough strength to take the crazy of playground life.

The upper part is made of wild hide leather. This is why they are so tough. They come with velcro straps, two on either foot.

The soles are made of very durable leather, which is also thin enough to let the kids feel the ground.

Key Features

  1. Wild Hide leather outsole.
  2. TPU sole.
  3. Convenient Velcro straps.
  4. Cork Insole.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and remove.
  • 5 x Puncture Resistant soles.
  • Recycled foam
  • Robust
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not good enough to take on the winter.

Comes in size 8 till 2.

Average Rating

4.9 out of 5.0 stars

PRIMUS SCHOOL JUNIOR

For the kids a little older, the Primus School Junior is a good pick. They are visibly made for rougher activities.

Features

Similar to the Primus School Kids

Pros

Similar to the Primus School Kids +

  • Wide toe box
  • Soft leather

Cons

  • Some size issues

Comes in size 3 to 6.

Average Rating

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

VivoBarefoot GOBI Eco KIDS

The adult version of this shoe is a top seller. Why not share that same design with the little ones. It is designed in the form of a desert boot. It has a pull tab and a quick secure toggle for easy putting on and removing.

The upper leather is scarred. They are extremely lightweight, at about 300 grams.

Key Features

  1. Wild Hide Leather
  2. Leather Footbed
  3. Removable Insoles
  4. 5 x Puncture Resistant
  5. Vegetable Tanned

Pros

  • Durable
  • Classic Vivobarefoot Design
  • Warm
  • Soft leather
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Surprisingly difficult to get on in smaller sizes.

Average Rating

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

MINI PRIMUS

The mini Primus is designed to get rid of the limitations to the movement that usually comes with wearing shoes as a toddler. They allow your feet to move the natural way that they were made to. Being both lightweight and very tough is a bonus.

For the rainy day, they come with water-resistant soles.

Key Features

  1. Breathable Mesh
  2. 5 x Puncture resistant
  3. Made from recycled PET plastic

Pros

  • Vegan-friendly.
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Various designs to choose from

Cons

  • Wish they came in adult size as well 🙁

Average Rating

5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Top Barefoot School Shoes

MIA LEATHER JUNIOR

Here’s another barefoot shoe designed to allow natural movement. They have a lot of toe space. Mia’s are vital for good movement. They deliver lightweight and flexible sole. That also brings a reasonable amount of sensory feedback.

The upper is made from wild hide leather. It is perforated to allow breathability.

Pros

  • Hide Leather
  • Perforated Upper

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Average Rating

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

WYN JUNIOR

For the warmer day, the Wyn Junior is a great pick. It has a velcro strap and an open upper. They are lightweight and as well as durable. It is made of wild hide leather.

The beauty of it all is that it suitable for school shoes. They have been noted to allow kids a little more freedom than regular shoes.

Key Features

  1. Wild Hide leather
  2. Open foot design

Pros

  • Easy to put on and remove
  • Accepted in schools
  • Lightweight
  • 5 x Puncture Resistant

Cons

  • None that we have picked up.

Average Rating

4.8 out of 5.0 stars

WYN LEATHER KIDS

Almost identical to the ones above.

5.0 out of 5.0 stars

ULTRA KIDS

These are a good pick for a day on the beach or other wet areas. They are made fro lightweight, water-resistant material. The design is simple and comfortable. They are flexible.

They come in three different, bright and colourful designs.

Key Features

  1. Vegan
  2. 5 x Puncture resistant
  3. Velcro Strap

Pros

  • Super lightweight
  • Water-resistant material
  • Lightweight and bendy
  • Colourful

Cons

  • None

Average Rating

4.9 out of 5.0 stars

Top 3 Kids Active

PRIMUS KIDS MESH

This is the child’s version of the Primus lite. They have flexible soles that give plenty of toe room. The soles offer incredible sensory feedback, keeping you in touch with the ground at every step.

Every pair you buy is a tiny step in the right direction for the planet. They are made from recycled PET plastics that would otherwise end up in the oceans or in the landfill. The lacing mechanism is great for kids. It gives them ease of adjustment.

Key Features

  1. Breathable Mesh
  2. 5 x Puncture Resistant
  3. PET plastic Mesh
  4. Non-Marking TPU Leather

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible soles
  • Toggle lace fastening

Cons

  • Often criticised for appropriation.

Average Rating

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

PRIMUS JUNIOR MESH

Another one designed in homage to the incredible Primus lite. It is a tried and tested designed within the adult market. The breathable upper mesh is made from PET plastic bottles. These bottles are recycled and turned into the yarn you see here.

They are extremely light, at a low 78 grams.

Key Features

  1. No-sew construction
  2. Made with PET recycled plastic.

Pros

  • Super lightweight
  • Breathable
  • 5 x puncture resistance
  • Vegan

Cons

Average Rating

5.0 out of 5.0 stars

PRIMUS COLOUR KIDS

This is straight out of Wales. A little boy from Wales designed the shoes. They are made from PET plastic bottles, which have been turned into yarn. The yarn creates a breathable mesh over the upper sole.

The soles offer good grip.

Key Features

  1. Breathable recycled PET Mesh
  2. Non-Marking TPU Outsole
  3. 5x more puncture resistant 
  4. Vegan
  5. Fashionable

Pros

  • Cheery coloured.
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Don’t fit wide feet

Average Rating

4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Final Thoughts

Make use of the tables for the top 3 picks in each category. If you have any questions, drop them in the comment section below. Otherwise, enjoy these barefoot shoes for kids.

Hi there. This is Clare. Dave and I manage this site. We are outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the content is about products that we love using or have researched.
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