The Best Barefoot Shoes for Toddlers in Spring and Summer
- Carmen Fourie
- May 8
- 4 min read
As a fancy barefoot shoe wearer - I pick these above the usual brand name barefoot shoes for toddlers.
When our daughter Elba started walking, we knew we wanted to keep her as close to barefoot as possible to support her natural foot development. I love these genuine leather barefoot shoes for their flexibility, quality, and versatility. We've used them in all four sizes, from when she took her first steps to now, at 2 years old, as she rocks the largest 18-24 month size.
Here's why these shoes are our go-to for spring and summer.
Why We Love These Barefoot Shoes
Watch the sizing!
These shoes run a bit big, which has worked out perfectly for Elba's growth spurts. At 13/14 months, she started with the smallest size. For the remainder of Spring, Summer and Autumn, she moved to the next size up. A year later, at around 2 years old, she was barely squeezing into the 18-month size and is now thriving in the 18-24 month size. The roomy fit allows her toes to spread naturally, which is crucial for healthy foot development.
Note: Elba is wearing 18 to 24 months now and is typically size 6/7 (23EUR) in other shoes.
Ultra-Flexible for Natural Movement
The soft leather sole is so flexible that Elba can feel everything she walks on, almost as if she's barefoot. This is exactly what we want for her—true sensory feedback from the ground. She can grip climbing structures at the park with her toes, ride her balance bike with ease, and walk to the park without any restriction. The shoes bend and move with her feet, supporting her natural gait and strength. Check out this photo of her climbing—those toes are working their magic!
Genuine Leather for Natural Comfort
We’re big fans of natural materials, and these genuine leather shoes check that box. While we do use shoes made of other materials when needed, we prioritize leather for its breathability and durability when it’s affordable. Surprisingly, I’ve tossed these shoes into a gentle hand-wash cycle a few times, and they’ve come out looking great—no damage to the leather at all.
Sockless and Independent
We use these shoes without socks, which we prefer because socks can slightly restrict toe movement. Elba’s feet stay comfortable and odor-free, even on warm days. Plus, at 2 years old, she loves that she can slip these on and off herself. It’s a small win for her independence and makes our outings smoother.
Where and When We Use Them
These barefoot shoes are our warm-weather MVPs for spring and summer. Their soft soles make them ideal as indoor shoes for places that require footwear or are a bit dirty, like playgroups or indoor play spaces. Outdoors, they’re perfect for neighborhood walks, playdates, park visits, and low-key adventures. Elba wears them to walk to the park, ride her balance bike, and climb playground structures.
We even used a thrifted version of these shoes for our Costa Rica trip, intending them to be disposable if they got ruined. To our surprise, they held up beautifully as her only shoes for the entire trip, handling everything from sandy beaches to jungle paths.
When We Don’t Use Them
These shoes aren’t designed for cold weather, so we swap them out for warmer winter shoes when temperatures drop. While we might use them indoors during winter for specific situations, they’re not our go-to for chilly days.
We also don’t use them for rugged nature walks or trails. At her exploratory age, Elba loves climbing over fallen trees and splashing in creeks, and these soft-soled shoes don’t offer enough underfoot protection for untamed terrain. While they can handle occasional splashes (and dry out fine), they’re not water shoes, so we avoid getting them wet regularly.
For nature walks, we currently use mesh water shoes, and before it was warm enough, we used thrifted European barefoot shoes (Filii brand, scored for $5 in great condition!).
In early spring, when snow and ice are still melting, Elba wears her rain boots (check out my rain boot blog post for more). As soon as it’s warm enough, we switch to the mesh water shoes for outdoor adventures.
Our Barefoot Philosophy
As a barefoot family, we prioritize the least amount of shoe possible. Barefoot is our first choice, followed by these ultra-minimal leather shoes. We only opt for thicker-soled shoes when it’s too cold or the terrain poses a real risk to her safety and movement. The natural toe spread, unrestricted movement, and sensory feedback these shoes provide are incredible for Elba’s development. Watching her climb and play with confidence, using her toes to grip, is a joy.
Looking Ahead
I’m a bit sad that Elba is already in the largest size of these shoes. Once she outgrows them, I’ll be on the hunt for a similar moccasin-style barefoot shoe to continue supporting her natural foot development.
Tips for Barefoot Shoe Shopping
If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend checking local marketplaces for barefoot shoes. We’ve found amazing deals, like the $5 Filii pair, in nearly new condition. It’s a great way to try barefoot shoes without breaking the bank.
For more on our barefoot journey, check out my blog, where I share updates and tips. My husband Ian and I mostly wear Vivobarefoot shoes ourselves, and we’re passionate about keeping our family as close to natural movement as possible.
These barefoot shoes have been a game-changer for Elba, and we can’t recommend them enough for toddlers in the warm months. Happy barefoot adventuring!
Carmen
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