Comparison: Children’s all-season barefoot shoes 2022

Comparison: Children’s all-season barefoot shoes 2022 Comparison: Children’s all-season barefoot shoes 2022

Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes Children Barefoot

Looking for children’s all-season barefoot shoes? We tested all the 2022 models and described them in detail. Read on to 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-high 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 right 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, in sizes 27–29 depending on which size 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 slope 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 overall shape including the toe box, sole flexibility and heel counter flexibility, and the depth of the tread.

Tested models

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

All-season models from Baby Bare are ideal for a fan-shaped foot, with a narrower heel and wide toes. They accommodate 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 CELOROČNÍ VELUR 29 (180 mm x 75 mm)

We compared two all-season Beda models – a classic cut and a model with a narrower ankle. Both 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 CELOROČNÍ NUBUK – 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 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 sloping toes. Thanks to the elastic, they’re lower over the instep, but you can swap it for a longer elastic or a lace and the shoes will then fit a medium instep too. 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, sloping toes narrow low to medium  very flexible medium slightly reinforced

 

 

FRODDO ANKLE-HIGH 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, taller winter models with an outdoor sole are 2–3 mm narrower.

width shape toe box heel instep sole  tread heel counter
medium tick dominant big toe, sloping 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; it bends across 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 improved water resistance.

Please note that older Bundgaard models tend to fit narrower feet.

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

 

D.D.STEP S073-25 CELOROČNÍ TENISKY 29 (185 mm x 75 mm)

D.D.step shoes are extremely soft – from the sole through 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, then slightly tapered.

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 straight from big toe to middle toe, then tapered medium to wider high  very flexible medium very soft

 

CAMPER PEU ANKLE-HIGH 29 (180 mm x 73 mm)

Camper all-season shoes fit average feet with a medium instep. They can’t be tightened well around a narrower ankle or heel. The toe box is slightly raised 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 choice 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 may feel too stiff after purchase. You can help by squeezing and twisting the shoes in your hands in different directions. This will make them more flexible.

For your very first barefoot shoe purchase, 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 on what to look out for when choosing and how to try the shoes on properly.

When is it time for a bigger size?

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 for new shoes. Don’t forget to measure your child’s foot regularly measure your child’s foot. 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.

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