As the barefoot shoe movement continues to gain traction, it’s exciting to see mainstream brands dipping their toes into the market. Zara has released a small collection of ‘barefoot’ shoes, and I was eager to put them to the test. I purchased four models for my daughter, Olympia, to assess their fit, design, and overall authenticity as barefoot shoes. While there are some great features, there are also some clear limitations.
If you’re searching for affordable barefoot shoes for kids, this review will help you determine if Zara’s options are the right fit.
The Shoes We Tried
I bought four different styles from Zara’s barefoot collection:
- Barefoot Leather Star Trainers (White) – EU 24 (£27.99)
- Barefoot Leather Strap Trainers (Pink) – EU 24 (£39.99)
- Barefoot Leather Sporty Ballerinas (Pink) – EU 24 (£27.99)
- Barefoot Colour Trainers (Pink) – EU 25 (£27.99)
Unfortunately, you might find that all of them are now sold out, thanks to my viral TikTok post about them.
These shoes are available for both boys and girls, with sporty trainers, smart leather shoes, Mary Jane styles, and sandals. The colour choices are lovely, and the pricing is excellent—far more affordable than many barefoot shoe brands for children.
Fit & Sizing: A Bit of a Puzzle
One of my biggest concerns with Zara’s barefoot shoes is the sizing. Olympia’s feet measure 14.9cm, and according to Zara’s size guide, an EU 24 should fit 14.9cm. Since she wears EU 24 in most other brands, I expected them to fit comfortably. However, they felt too small.
The EU 25 (15.6cm) gave her more room but still felt narrow, and the fit wasn’t quite right. It’s unclear whether Zara’s sizing is based on foot length or insole length, but in practice, these shoes seem to run small. Unfortunately, this was something I could only confirm after purchasing, as the range is not widely available in stores. By the time I realised we needed a different size, most were already sold out.
If you’re considering Zara barefoot shoes for toddlers, I’d recommend sizing up.
Shape & Design: Could Be More Foot-Shaped
The shoes do not taper at the toes, which is a huge plus. They allow the big toe to stay straight and don’t squash the forefoot. However, they don’t widen towards the front either—meaning they are not ideal for square or extra-wide feet. They have a uniform width throughout, which results in a loose heel fit and a snug toe box for wider-footed children.
Ideally, barefoot shoes should be widest at the toes and narrower at the heel to follow the natural shape of a foot. Zara’s version keeps the same width along the whole shoe, leading to a bit of a sloppy heel fit while still feeling restrictive at the front for square-footed kids like Olympia. A slight design tweak here would make a huge difference.
One positive design element is the removable insoles. This made it easier to check fit and see if Olympia’s toes were going over the edge—another indicator that these may run small. The insoles of the Mary Jane also have a super cute design, a small but thoughtful detail.
Materials & Flexibility: A Win for Barefoot Standards
While the fit isn’t perfect for us, the materials and construction are fantastic. The leather is soft and high-quality, and the shoes are beautifully made. The soles are thin, flexible, and fully barefoot-compliant, allowing natural movement and foot development.
There is no arch support, which is correct for a barefoot shoe, as feet should be able to strengthen and support themselves. The flexibility of the rubber soles is excellent, and the sneaker styles, in particular, feel durable enough for active play.
If you’re looking for high-street barefoot shoes for kids, these are among the most flexible options available.
Practicality & Wearability
A huge plus is that Olympia can put them on by herself. The fastenings (Velcro and straps) are secure and easy to manage for little hands. They feel durable and well-made, making them a great option for kids who need shoes that can handle playground adventures.
Comparison to Other Barefoot Brands
Olympia typically wears BGreater and Froddo Barefoot, which fit her square feet much better. Compared to those brands, Zara’s barefoot range feels narrower and more generic in shape. If your child has a naturally slim or average-width foot, these could work well, but for those with wider feet, a true barefoot brand may still be the better option.
One major downside is that Zara’s barefoot range only goes up to UK size 8 (EU 25). This is quite small, meaning they are only suitable for children up to around four years old. If Zara expands the size range, they could become a more viable option for more families.
Final Thoughts: A Step in the Right Direction
Despite the sizing and shape issues, I love that Zara is offering barefoot shoes and actually labelling them as such. Unlike many other high-street brands that sneak in misleading ‘wide fit’ options, Zara is openly promoting barefoot footwear, making it easier for parents to find and explore healthier shoe choices.
These aren’t perfect, but they are still better than most mainstream options. For parents unfamiliar with barefoot shoes, they are a great gateway option—more affordable, widely available, and well-designed in terms of flexibility and materials.
Would I recommend them? Yes, but with caveats. If your child has slim or average-width feet, these could be a great option. But for those with wider or square feet, you may find a better fit with specialist barefoot brands.
Zara is onto something here, and with a few refinements—wider toe boxes, a more foot-shaped design, and expanded sizing—these could be a real contender in the best barefoot shoes for toddlers and young children. Let’s hope they continue to develop this range!
Brit👣