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 still 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 – it also matters whether your child actually likes them. So how do you find the right balance 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 every 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 rubs or, on the other hand, 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 in the room. If you notice any issue 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School-age children often have a strong sense of style and may refuse shoes they think look outdated or “weird”. Arguments about them being healthier than their dream branded trainers won’t get you very far. Luckily, 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 anymore. What’s more, thanks to their foot size, older children can often take advantage of the wide selection of adult barefoot shoes too.

Price matters

As a parent, with all the other things you usually need to buy when the seasons change, 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 the well-known name.

Another big advantage of barefoot shoes is how well they hold their value second-hand. When your child grows out of them, it’s not unusual to pass them on for more than half of the original price – depending on their condition. That’s also why it’s worth looking after the shoes regularly.

Make them last as long as possible

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

Regular cleaning – ideally remove mud and dirt straight away so the material doesn’t get unnecessarily damaged, 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.
Proper drying – 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 for specific brands

What should you look for if your child already has a bigger foot? 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, mainly 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 the 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 choose.

MTNG – you can’t go wrong with this brand. 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 design, 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 is more of a minimalist, take a look together at the distinctive shoes from leguano. It’s a German brand with premium quality and an exceptionally comfortable flexible sole. A big 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 anytime. We’d love to see you in our shops in Prague, Brno and Zlín, and we’ll be happy to help.