Comparison: Kids’ barefoot trainers 2023

Comparison: Kids’ barefoot trainers 2023 Comparison: Kids’ barefoot trainers 2023

Children Barefoot Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes

Looking for kids’ barefoot trainers? We tested every 2023 model and described them in detail. Read on to choose the right pair.

Spring is just around the corner, along with those first warmer days. All you need to do is pop some trainers on the kids and head to the playground or out for a day trip. To make choosing (and getting to the adventure) easier, we tried on all the brands you can buy trainers from this year. In our comparison, you’ll quickly find tips on models that could be a great fit for your child.

All you need to know is how to measure your child’s foot correctly and identify its shape. If you’re not sure, we’ll always be happy to help you in our shops.

How did we test the shoes?

Our tester, with foot measurements of 175 mm x 71 mm, tried on shoes in sizes 28–29, depending on which best matched the foot dimensions.

The feet are slimmer around the heel and ankle, with an average instep height. The first and second toes are the same length, then taper down.

What did we test?

As well as trying the shoes on, we tested (by measuring and by feel) all the parameters we consider important for a good fit—so the shoe doesn’t pinch, rub, or, on the other hand, feel too loose.

For each pair, we compared the inner length and width, heel width, instep height, the overall shape and toe box shape, sole and heel counter flexibility, and tread depth.

Tested models

PEGRES ALL-SEASON TRAINERS NUBUCK BF54

Pegres trainers have a fan-shaped fit with a beautifully wide toe box and a narrow heel. They’re suitable for a dominant big toe and tapered toes. In our shop you can get these trainers in smooth leather or nubuck, both with Velcro and models with elastic laces, which you can easily swap for standard laces if needed. New this year are canvas trainers, ideal for summer. All Pegres trainers fit best on a low to medium instep. The sole is 3 mm and very flexible.

width shape toe box heel instep sole  tread heel counter
medium to wide fan dominant big toe, tapered toes narrow low to medium  moderately flexible medium lightly reinforced

 

CAMPER SELLA KIDS Donkey White

Leather trainers from the Spanish brand Camper fit best on straight, medium-width feet with an average instep. If you remove the firmer shaped insole, you’ll gain more room and also excellent flexibility. The toe box is rounded and slightly lifted, so it’s not suitable for a dominant big toe. The sole is both glued and stitched for longer wear. All Camper trainers have a slightly reinforced heel counter. You can choose sizes 20–36 with their typical elastic laces, or practical Velcro.

width shape toe box heel instep sole  tread heel counter
medium straight rounded wide medium  very flexible medium slightly reinforced

The CAMPER DADDA model is overall less flexible due to a different sole, and completely stiff at the heel. 

FRODDO TRAINERS D-VELCRO

Froddo trainers are among the most popular —partly because they fit a wide range of feet, from medium to wider. The tick-shaped toe box is ideal for a dominant big toe. The moderately flexible sole is stitched and glued, with a practical toe bumper to protect the front of the shoe. There’s also a removable foam insole inside.

A clear advantage of Froddo, alongside the great price, is also the wide choice of models in smooth leather, suede, canvas, or a combination of water-repellent textile and leather. Fastenings include Velcro, classic laces or elastic laces. You can also choose between a classic smooth sole and a more rugged outdoor sole—on some models up to size 42.

width shape toe box heel instep sole  tread heel counter
medium tick dominant big toe, tapered toes medium medium  less flexible minimal reinforced

AFFENZAHN TRAINERS

Trainers from the German brand Affenzahn fit a narrow, straight foot with a medium instep. They don’t tighten well around a very slim ankle and heel. The anatomically shaped toe box is suitable for feet with a dominant big toe. The tested trainers in knit and the cotton model are moderately flexible with a slightly reinforced heel counter. By contrast, Affenzahn leather trainers are beautifully flexible from the sole right through to the upper.

width shape toe box heel instep sole  tread heel counter
narrow straight dominant big toe, tapered toes medium medium to higher  flexible minimal reinforced

BABY BARE FEBO GO

The Slovak brand Baby Bare has launched trainers that fit perfectly on a flipper-shaped foot, with a narrower heel and wide toes. The Go and Spring models suit a medium to higher instep and a wider ankle, while the Sneakers and Youth trainers fit better on a lower instep and a narrower ankle. The straight toe box offers generous space for a dominant big toe. Smooth leather trainers also have a practical toe bumper to protect the front of the shoe. You’ll find a moderately flexible sole and a firmer heel counter on all low-cut models from this brand.

width shape toe box heel instep sole  tread heel counter
medium fan dominant big toe, straight narrow low to medium  moderately flexible minimal reinforced

D.D.STEP TRAINERS 

The softest of all the models we tested are clearly D.D.step trainers. That’s why we also like to recommend them as shoes for new walkers. The sole has good grip and is also wrapped up over the toe, protecting it from scuffs. The toe box curves slightly on the big-toe side, so they’re not suitable for a dominant big toe. The removable foam insole helps regulate space inside the shoe and cushions impact.

D.D.step models come in different widths, which you can recognise by the model code. D.D.step with the number 073 is the widest. This model fits a wide foot with a high instep and a medium to wider heel. Models marked 070 and 063 are narrower.

width shape toe box heel instep sole  tread heel counter
wide fan angled at the big toe medium to wider high  very flexible medium very soft

BEDA TRAINERS

Beda trainers fit wide feet with an average instep, heel and ankle. The straight, anatomically shaped toe box is ideal for a dominant big toe with toes in a straight line. Overall, the shoes are beautifully flexible with a heel counter that’s slightly reinforced with several layers of material. Besides models in suede and smooth leather, you can also get trainers in mesh or textile. All models also have a removable foam insole.

width shape toe box heel instep sole  tread heel counter
wide straight straight medium medium  very flexible minimal lightly reinforced

Choosing kids’ barefoot shoes that truly fit well isn’t always straightforward, so for the very first purchase we recommend bringing your child to one of our shops —as well as Prague, Beroun and Zlín, you can now also find us in Brno—where our expertly trained staff will help you find the best brand and size for your child. They’ll also help measure your child’s feet and advise what to look out for when choosing, and how to tell whether the shoes fit properly.

When is it time to size up?

The younger the child, the faster their feet grow. The foot needs space in front of the toes of at least 4 mm. So if the allowance is less than 4–5 mm, it’s time for new shoes. Don’t forget to measure your child’s feet regularly. For the very youngest, even every month; for nursery-age children once every two months; and for schoolchildren once every quarter, so you find out in good time when it’s time to buy new shoes.

After that, you’ll be able to handle the next purchase easily yourself via our e-shop. If you’re registered, you also get free delivery and free returns if needed.

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