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Children Barefoot Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes
Why are barefoot shoes a great choice even in winter, and how do you pick the right pair? We’ll advise you on care, and share the most popular brands and models.
In winter, children love running in the snow, building snowmen and whizzing about on sledges. For all these adventures, it’s important that their little feet stay warm and dry, while still having plenty of freedom to move. Quality barefoot shoes not only protect against cold and damp, but also support natural foot development. Thanks to a thin, flexible sole, children can feel the ground better, which is key for healthy foot development and overall walking stability. Winter barefoot shoes help your little ones feel comfortable and secure with every step.
You might be thinking: why should children wear barefoot shoes in winter at all? It’s cold, and feet need warmth and extra protection. But children generally move around more, so they tend to feel warmer than we adults do.
Another issue is that classic winter boots often restrict the foot too much and prevent natural movement. That can negatively affect not only foot development, but also gait and overall posture.
By contrast, winter barefoot shoes offer:
This means children can keep developing their natural movement skills in winter too, while strengthening the muscles in their feet.
Of course, it’s essential to choose the right winter barefoot footwear that combines a natural shoe shape with protection from cold and moisture.
When your toddler takes their first steps in winter, you might wonder whether they even need shoes. After all… they’re not walking much yet and spend most of their time in a pushchair or carrier.
The right winter soft booties or overshoes will protect little feet from cold, damp and knocks, while also letting children enjoy their first steps outdoors.
Whether you choose classic soft booties or winter overshoes, focus on quality materials, enough room, and a soft, flexible sole.
You’ll find more information about barefoot footwear for the very youngest children in the article From pushchair to first steps: How to kit out the youngest children for winter.
Tip: Don’t leave smaller children wearing shoes in the pushchair inside a footmuff. Sweaty feet in shoes cool down quickly and can be absolutely freezing by the time you get home.
Once your child has been walking independently for at least two months, choosing the right winter shoes becomes much more important. One common mistake is opting for stiff boots with thick soles, believing they’ll best protect sensitive little feet from winter weather. In reality, these shoes restrict natural foot movement, which can lead to improper development, deformities and poor posture.
How can you tell good-quality winter barefoot shoes for first steps?
The right winter barefoot shoes for new walkers should have a soft, flexible sole that your child can bend as they walk. This type of shoe, often called prewalkers, is specially designed for the needs of first steps.
Some of the most popular prewalker models include BOBUX XPLORER, available in various versions – from all-leather models to insulated styles with faux fur. These shoes are an ideal choice for children who start walking during the winter months. Their lightweight, low-cut design allows free ankle movement, supporting better stability when walking.
But what if it’s really cold outside?
Parents often worry that low-cut shoes won’t protect children’s ankles enough. However, with today’s milder winters and the right functional socks or tights, children can manage a typical city winter in these shoes without any issues. If you still want extra ankle protection, you can add wool leg warmers or use children’s snowsuits with cuffs to help keep legs warm.
If you’re planning a longer time in the snow, you can easily pair winter barefoot shoes with REIMA overshoes, which provide extra protection against damp and cold.
Once your child turns into a little whirlwind, it’s time to adapt your shoe choice to their higher activity levels. Children are constantly on the move and need shoes that let them jump, run and explore the world.
So if you’re looking for ideal winter shoes for your little rascal, focus on lightweight, flexible barefoot models made from waterproof materials or with a waterproof membrane.
If you spend lots of time in the mountains, taller winter barefoot models can be a good option, offering better protection in deep snow. But if you live in a town or city, ankle-height models are usually enough – they’re lighter, more practical and tend to stay on the foot better. Active children whose feet sweat more can often get through winter even in all-season barefoot shoes combined with a warm wool insole.
Tip: Functional merino socks are a must for winter months, as merino keeps feet warm and wicks moisture away.
When choosing winter barefoot shoes for children, the most important thing is to measure their feet carefully and pick the right fit for your child’s specific size and foot shape. We’ve described exactly how to do this in detail in the article The complete guide to measuring children’s feet: Tips and mistakes to avoid. Once you’ve measured, you can start trying shoes on. When choosing the size, don’t forget to allow extra room for warm socks or winter insoles.
We’ve picked out a few tips on specific brands and highlighted their strengths. We’ll also be happy to advise you in person in all our shops in Prague, Brno and Zlín.
CRAVE
Winter barefoot shoes CRAVE come from the naBOSo workshop and meet all the requirements for comfortable, natural walking. You can choose leather models with a membrane and warm faux fur lining or this year’s new addition: barefoot snow boots. All models fit medium-width to wider feet and offer generous toe room. For indoors, pop your little ones into insulated soft booties CRAVITOS.
FRODDO
Children’s winter shoes FRODDO from the Croatian brand are a great choice for cold days. These high-quality leather shoes with a protective toe bumper come in a range of styles – from ankle boots to tall boots and snow boots. Some are available up to size 42. Thanks to the sheep’s wool lining, your children’s feet stay warm. They’re medium width, so they provide enough space for natural movement, and they’re also great value.
BEDA
Children’s winter shoes BEDA from the trusted Czech brand are an ideal choice for children with wide feet. These shoes in smooth or suede leather are lightweight, flexible, and come with a membrane and warm faux fur lining, so little feet stay dry and warm. They fasten easily with Velcro and have a practical toe bumper. There are two versions – they differ in width around the ankle, so they can fit every little barefoot fan beautifully.
BABY BARE
Children’s winter shoes BABY BARE are a perfect choice for little adventurers. The all-leather design delivers both style and function, while the thin, flexible sole supports natural foot movement. They’re ideal for wider feet and easy to put on thanks to Velcro fastenings. They also have a practical protective strip around the toe area to help prevent wear. Insulation with faux fur and a membrane ensure warmth and protection from damp.
PEGRES
Winter shoes PEGRES are ideal for children who need lots of toe room and maximum flexibility. Made from high-quality certified leathers, their stitched sole stands up to even the most demanding play. You can choose smooth or nubuck leather, in two widths – for medium and wide feet. The shoes are insulated with wool or faux fur, complemented by a membrane for protection against damp, and include a removable insulated insole for extra comfort.
D.D.STEP
Children’s winter shoes D.D.STEP are a perfect choice for children with wider feet and a higher instep. They offer plenty of toe room and an extremely flexible sole that adapts beautifully to children’s feet. Most models are made from smooth leather and have a practical toe bumper for extra durability. Children love them for playful details such as pictures or light-up soles, while parents appreciate the affordable price and solid workmanship.
Always remember that even when choosing winter barefoot shoes, it’s important to consider your child’s individual foot shape and specific needs. Each model has unique features that may suit different types of children’s feet.
The lifespan and performance of winter shoes depend not only on build quality, but also on proper care. This is doubly true for leather barefoot shoes. A common mistake is using harsh cleaning products or drying shoes too close to a radiator. This can damage the material and reduce performance.
With the right care you’ll significantly extend the life of your shoes and preserve their water repellency and breathability.
Choosing the right winter shoes is essential for healthy development of children’s feet. The key is to choose barefoot footwear that respects the natural shape and movement of the foot, while also protecting it from cold and damp.
Let your child’s age and activity level guide you – from soft booties for babies to durable, stylish shoes for schoolchildren. Focus on quality materials, an anatomical fit and trusted manufacturers. And don’t forget regular care, which extends the life of the shoes and preserves their properties.
Always keep in mind that every child is different and has individual needs. In our naBOSo specialist footwear shops, we’re always ready to help you choose expertly and kindly – for you and your little ones.
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