DIY Barefoot Toddler Sandals – Two Beginner-Friendly Patterns

Barefoot Background

We’re a barefoot shoe family. For years, we’ve chosen footwear that supports natural movement, sensory feedback, and healthy foot development. When our toddler wanted sandals, I couldn’t find anything that met our barefoot standards—so I made them myself.

These DIY barefoot toddler sandals are:

• 🦶 Wide toe box

• 🟰 Zero drop

• 🌀 Flexible sole

• 👣 Designed for sensory feedback

They’re beginner-friendly and made with soft leather on a regular sewing machine—no special tools or skills required.

Get the Bundle for Sandal 1 & Sandal 2

These Barefoot Sandals are wonderful for toddlers

I'll admit that when I set out to make these, I had my doubts about their durability and functionality, but I was motivated because our 2.5-year-old kept insisting day after day that she wanted to wear sandals.

Having now experienced them I am so happy to share they are more functional and durable than I was expecting, and my toddler is loving them! I made my husband some barefoot sandals as well with the same sole, and he is loving his more and more as well - check out how to make Barefoot Adult Sandals here.

If you're looking for TRULY barefoot sandals for your toddlers - these are great. They're minimal, but protective and, tried and tested with Elba running, jumping, climbing, sliding and riding her bike in them (on all sorts of terrain).

List of Supplies for making Barefoot Toddler Leather Sandals

Two Sandal Types to Choose from

I couldn't decide which type I wanted to make - so I made two. One where the toe cover is attached to the strap and one where the strap is separate from the toe cover.

Sandal Type 1:

SANDAL TYPE 1 PATTERN & INSTRUCTIONS

Sandal Type 2:

SANDAL TYPE 2 PATTERN & INSTRUCTIONS

FREE VIDEO TUTORIAL

For both Sandals I have provided the pattern for free (without written instructions), and the option to support me by purchasing it with clear step-by-step written instructions on Etsy, and because I know that I appreciate seeing how to make something visually - I have uploaded a step-by-step Youtube Tutorial.

Watch the Youtube Tutorial Here

In the video I make both Sandal Type 1 & Sandal Type 2. How to make them, and what you need is almost exactly the same, with minor changes when sewing the parts.

Explore and More

Check out Sandal Type 1 here and Sandal Type 2 here. The written instructions and the video tutorial include a list of the supplies needed and my recommendations.

The Sandal Patterns are currently only in one size - as I make more shoes for our toddler I will upload more patterns, and more sizes. The current size will fit approximately a 2- to 3-year-old toddler. My kiddo wore them for several months (she is just over 2.5 years old). The foot length is 14.5cm, but Elba is still wearing hers and her foot length is now 15.3cm (the Velcro, elastic and soft leather mean they fit for longer without compromising on being barefoot).

If all things Barefoot Shoes interests you - I have more patterns, and how to's coming, but I also share my recommendations for shoes that I purchase for each season. I share here on my website and on my Youtube channel.

You can join my mailing list below to stay updated (No unnecessary filling of your inbox at all!).

And you can check out my ETSY shop for more patterns (and other things).

Get the Bundle for Sandal 1 & Sandal 2

Hope this is valuable on your barefoot journey :)

Carmen