Comparison: Children’s all-season barefoot shoes 2022

Looking for children’s all-season barefoot shoes? We tested all the 2022 models and described them in detail. Read on and choose the right pair.

Autumn is here, and with it the time to get your little ones into shoes that will keep their feet warm and dry right through to spring. Ankle-height all-season shoes are the first choice for most parents — but how do you find your way around such a wide range of models and brands and pick the ones that fit exactly as they should?

How did we test the shoes?

We tried the shoes on a child model with foot measurements of 174 mm x 71 mm, using sizes 27–29 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 the toes taper down.

What did we test?

Alongside trying the shoes on the foot, we tested (by measuring and by feel) all the parameters we consider important for a shoe to fit well — so it 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 shape of the shoe and toe box, sole flexibility and heel counter, and the depth of the tread.

Tested models

BABY BARE FEBO FALL 28 (183 mm x 73 mm)

Baby Bare all-season models are ideal for a fan-shaped foot, with a narrower heel and wide toes. They fit a low to medium instep. The toe box is straight, with space for a dominant big toe. All models have a membrane, a practical toe bumper to protect the front of the shoe, and a very soft heel counter. The sole is moderately flexible with minimal tread.

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

 

BEDA ALL-SEASON VELVET LEATHER 29 (180 mm x 75 mm)

We compared two Beda all-season models — a classic cut and a version with a narrower ankle. Both models are made from suede with a water-repellent membrane, with a beautifully soft sole and a heel that’s slightly firmer thanks to several layers of material. The classic-cut shoes fit best on wide feet with a higher instep and a wider ankle.

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

 

BEDA ALL-SEASON NUBUCK – narrower ankle 29 (184 mm x 75 mm)

The second Beda model fits better on wide feet with a medium instep, a medium heel and ankle. The Velcro straps are too short to tighten properly over a high instep. Like the first Beda model, this one also has a membrane, plus a practical toe bumper. The sole is beautifully flexible, and the heel counter is slightly firmer thanks to several layers of material.

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

 

PEGRES CELOROČKY BF52 28 (180 mm x 73 mm)

Pegres all-season shoes have a fan shape with a beautifully wide toe box and a narrow heel. They’re suitable for a dominant big toe and tapering toes. Thanks to the elastic, they’re lower over the instep — but you can swap it for a longer elastic or a lace, and then they’ll also fit a 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, tapering toes	narrow	low to medium	very flexible	medium	slightly reinforced

 

 

FRODDO ANKLE BOOTS ALEX 28 (184 mm x 72 mm)

Froddo shoes fit a wide range of feet, which is why they’re among the most popular. They’ll suit most children, except those with very narrow feet or, on the other hand, very wide and chubby feet. They have an ideal ‘tick’ shape with space for a dominant big toe. A big advantage is the stitched-and-glued sole — the type that stands up best to damp — and the rubber toe bumper protecting the front of the shoe.

Please note that the newer, higher winter models with an outdoor-style sole are 2–3 mm narrower.

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

BE LENKA PLAY 29 (188 mm x 75 mm)

Be Lenka all-season shoes are ideal for a medium to wider fan-shaped foot. They have a beautifully shaped toe box suitable even for a dominant big toe. The heel is narrower and not reinforced. The vulcanised rubber sole is nicely flexible lengthways; across the width it flexes with a firmer squeeze. 

width	shape	toe box	heel	instep	sole	tread	heel counter
medium to wider	fan	dominant big toe, straight	narrow	medium	moderately flexible	medium	soft

 

BUNDGAARD BLAKE VELCRO 28 (180 mm x 74 mm) 

Bundgaard all-season shoes have an ideal toe box shape. They’re suitable for wide, straight feet with a high instep and a dominant big toe. The sole is moderately flexible, and the heel counter is reinforced. The shoe also includes a removable insulated insole and a membrane for increased water resistance.

Please note that older Bundgaard models tend to fit a narrower foot.

width	shape	toe box	heel	instep	sole	tread	heel counter
wide	straight	straight from big toe to middle toe, then angled	wide	high	moderately flexible	medium	firm

 

D.D.STEP S073-25 ALL-SEASON TRAINERS 29 (185 mm x 75 mm)

D.D.step shoes are extremely soft — from the sole to the heel counter to the upper — and they often soften even more with wear. The sole has good grip with a medium tread and a practical rubber toe bumper. The toe box is optimal: straight up to the third toe and then slightly angled.

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 of them. 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	straight from big toe to middle toe, then angled	medium to wider	high	very flexible	medium	very soft

 

CAMPER PEU ANKLE BOOTS 29 (180 mm x 73 mm)

Camper all-season shoes fit average feet with a medium instep. They can’t be tightened well on a narrower ankle or heel. The toe box is slightly lifted and rounded, so it’s suitable for feet where the middle toe is the longest. The sole is glued and stitched for longer durability, and if you remove the insole it’s also beautifully flexible. These shoes are a good option for children who need a firmer heel counter.

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

Tip: Especially for smaller children, some shoes can feel too stiff straight after purchase. You can help by squeezing and twisting them in your hands in different directions — this will make them more flexible.

For your very first purchase of barefoot shoes, we recommend taking your child to one of our shops, where our specially trained staff will help you choose the brand and type that fits your child best. They’ll also advise you what to look out for when choosing and how to try the shoes on properly.

When is it time to size up?

The younger the child, the faster their feet grow. A 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 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 can spot in time when it’s time to buy 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