How to choose barefoot shoes for older children and teenagers?

Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes Children Barefoot

We’ll show you how to choose barefoot shoes that are healthy, comfortable and stylish – plus tips on trusted brands and models.

Choosing the right barefoot shoes for older children can be a challenge. It’s no longer just you who has the final say, and it’s not only about whether the shoes are healthy and comfortable – they also have to be shoes your child actually likes. So how do you find the sweet spot between quality, price and your child’s taste?

What to focus on when choosing barefoot shoes for older children

The right size is essential

With barefoot shoes, it’s especially important that they fit properly. They shouldn’t pinch anywhere, but they also shouldn’t slip around. After measuring the foot, we recommend adding an allowance of 9–12 mm for closed shoes, while for slip-ons or sandals a little less is usually enough. Don’t forget to measure not only the length but also the width of the foot, because each footwear brand has a slightly different shape. In one of our previous articles, we explain how to measure feet correctly. Last but not least, when choosing the size, let your child’s comfort be the deciding factor.

Let your child try them on

Older children can usually tell for themselves whether shoes fit well. They can tell you if anything feels tight, or if the shoes are slipping off at the heel. What matters most is enough room for the toes and the ability to move naturally. Give your child time to try them properly – let them walk around, or even have a little run around the room. If you notice any issues or your child isn’t sure, try a different size or a different model.

Looks – finding the balance between style and function

School-age children often have a strong sense of style and may refuse shoes they consider old-fashioned or “weird”. Arguments about them being healthier than their dream branded trainers won’t get you very far. The good news is that there’s now a wide range of barefoot shoes whose design can easily match mainstream footwear, so you won’t have to choose between looks and function. What’s more, thanks to their foot size, older children can often choose from the wide range of adult barefoot shoes too.

Price matters

As a parent, with all the other things you typically need to buy at the change of seasons, price is understandably an important factor too. Choosing healthier barefoot footwear doesn’t automatically mean spending more. Often it’s the other way round, because with trendy shoes you’re mainly paying for a well-known brand name.

Another big advantage of barefoot shoes is the strong second-hand resale market. When your child grows out of them, it’s usually easy to pass them on – sometimes for more than half of the original price, depending on their condition. That’s another reason why it pays to look after shoes regularly.

Help them last as long as possible

Children’s shoes go through much more wear and tear than adults’ shoes, but they can still last for years if kept in good condition. What should you focus on to help them last?

Regular cleaning – remove mud and dirt ideally straight away, so the material isn’t damaged unnecessarily, and use suitable cleaning products. Don’t wash shoes in the washing machine unless the manufacturer explicitly states that you can.
Waterproofing – helps protect shoes against moisture and dirt. Apply to clean, dry shoes, even every 14 days if needed.
Drying properly – never dry shoes on a radiator or near any other direct heat source. Instead, let them air-dry at room temperature. It’s also ideal to take out the insoles and let them air out.
Keeping their shape – if your child won’t be wearing the shoes for a while, for example out of season, stuff them with paper so they keep their shape. Also watch out for crushed heels caused by putting shoes on and taking them off incorrectly.

Tips on specific brands

What should you look for if your child already has bigger feet? We recommend these brands, where you’ll find models for both children and adults – so you can even match styles with your school-age kids.

Froddo – a popular Croatian barefoot footwear brand for children and adults, especially thanks to its great price-to-quality ratio. You’ll find trainers, all-season shoes, winter boots and sandals in sizes 23–42.

Rayve – looking for the right shoes mainly for the city? Explore the range from Czech brand Rayve, known for premium materials, a flexible sole and plenty of toe room. With trainers in sizes 23–46, the whole family can find a pair.

MTNG – with this brand, you can’t go wrong. The range includes women’s, men’s and children’s models in modern designs that follow current fashion trends. Choose from comfortable trainers, elegant ballet flats and other stylish everyday shoes.

Joma - The brand offers quality footwear for women, men and children, suitable for sport as well as everyday wear. You’ll find comfortable trainers in a range of styles that combine comfort, function and modern design.

Skinners – if you want a truly barefoot feel for your children and they don’t mind an unconventional look, try the Czech sock shoes Skinners. Ideal for the outdoors, for exercise or even as a spare “pair of shoes” to keep in a bag wherever you go.

Leguano – if your child isn’t into bold colour combinations and prefers a more minimalist style, take a look together at the unique shoes from leguano. This is a German brand with premium quality and an exceptionally comfortable flexible sole. A major benefit – especially appreciated by parents – is that most models can be washed in the washing machine.

We know choosing shoes for older children can be tricky. That’s why we include a wide range of styles and brands in our selection. You don’t have to compromise – both you and your child can be happy. And if you’re not sure what to choose, you’re welcome to pop in any time. We’d love to see you in our shops in Prague, Brno and Zlín, where we’ll be happy to help.