Comparison: Children’s barefoot trainers 2023

Looking for children’s barefoot trainers? We tested all the 2023 models and described them in detail. Read on to choose the right pair.

Spring is just around the corner, along with the 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 out every brand 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 children.

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

How did we test the shoes?

We fitted the shoes on a child model with foot measurements of 175 mm x 71 mm, using size 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?

Alongside trying the shoes on, we tested 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—using measurements and hands-on checks.

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

Tested models

PEGRES ALL-YEAR 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. We stock these trainers in smooth leather and nubuck, both with Velcro and models with elastic, which you can easily swap for laces if needed. This year’s new addition is 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. However, if you remove the firmer, shaped insole, you’ll gain more space and also excellent flexibility. The toe box is rounded and slightly lifted, so it isn’t suitable for a dominant big toe. The sole is both glued and stitched for longer durability. All Camper trainers have a slightly reinforced heel counter. You can choose from sizes 20–36 with the brand’s 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 rigid at the heel. 

FRODDO TRAINERS D-VELCRO

Froddo trainers are among the most popular not least 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 and suede leather, 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. On the other hand, 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 introduced trainers that fit perfectly on a flipper-shaped foot, with a narrower heel and wide toes. The Go and Spring models are for 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. The smooth leather trainers also have a practical toe bumper to protect the front of the shoe. A moderately flexible sole and a firmer heel counter can be found 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 tested models 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 the 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 suede and smooth leather models, 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 children’s barefoot shoes that truly fit well isn’t always straightforward, so for your very first purchase we recommend bringing your children to one of our shops —you can now find us in Brno as well as Prague, Beroun and Zlín—where our specially 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 consider 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 extra allowance is less than 4–5 mm, it’s time to buy 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 a quarter—so you can spot in good time when it’s time for a new pair.

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

What else might interest you on this topic?

• PODCAST: Edita Prošková and Hana Tonarová: First children’s barefoot shoes
• From first steps to healthy, strong feet: a guide to choosing first shoes
• How to measure your foot correctly and why barefoot shoes need extra allowance