Benedykt’s First Proper Review
Benedykt has been testing barefoot shoes for most of his life – it’s one of the perks of having a mum whose job is talking about shoes on the internet. He’s worn dozens of pairs over the years, but usually his “review” stops at something like “they’re good” before running off to play.
But this time was different.
Now 8 years old, Benedykt really understands what I do for work. When his new Freet Hoppee Juniors arrived, he wanted to be properly involved – not just putting them on and giving me a thumbs up, but answering real questions, thinking about how they felt, and sharing his thoughts with you all like a mini reviewer. I barely had to prompt him. He was focused, thoughtful, and gave honest feedback entirely from his own experience.
That’s also why the photos in this post were taken a few weeks after we first received the shoes – because he’s been wearing them a lot. We wanted to give a genuine review, not just based on a fresh unboxing, but after some proper real-world use.
And what a brilliant pair of shoes they’ve been.
Freet Hoppee Junior (Blue) – The Basics
We tested the Freet Hoppee Junior in blue, size EU 36 (UK 3), which is part of Freet’s newer kids’ line aimed at older juniors and tweens. Unlike the smaller sizes (which use velcro straps), the 34–38 range comes with an elastic lace fastening. For us, that design choice was an absolute win – Benedykt doesn’t yet tie laces, and these shoes slip on and off easily without needing to faff around with modifications or extra elastic laces.
At 8 years old, Benedykt is already in a UK 5 in most barefoot brands, which means finding junior-friendly shoes that don’t look like toddler designs can be tricky. The Hoppee fits the bill perfectly. It’s stylish, breathable, super flexible, and clearly designed with active, growing feet in mind.
According to Freet, the Hoppee is a minimal everyday barefoot shoe for juniors that’s:
- Quick-drying
- Breathable
- Durable
- Grippy
The upper is made from a tough, breathable flyknit, and the sidewall stitched outsole gives it a sturdier feel compared to some softer-soled barefoot brands, while still keeping that full flexibility. It’s a lovely balance.
Sizing – You Should Size Down
One thing to note – and I really want to emphasise this – is that the sizing runs large. Really large. We originally ordered Benedykt’s usual size, confirmed with measuring, but it was unwearably big. We had to return and go down a full size.
Freet now notes on their product page that most customers find this model runs large and recommend sizing down if between sizes. I’d take that advice one step further and say absolutely size down unless your child is right at the top of their current size.
The good news is, once we got the right fit, it was spot on – no rubbing, no pressure points, no fiddly adjustments needed. Just comfort from day one.
Benedykt’s Thoughts – In His Own Words
Here’s what Benedykt had to say about his Hoppee Juniors, with questions and answers included so you can hear his full experience clearly:
👟 Feel and Fit
- What do the shoes feel like on your feet?
“They feel soft.” - Are they comfy to wear all day?
“Oh yeah – I’d even sleep in them.” - Can you wiggle your toes inside them?
“Yeah, easily.” - Do they feel tight anywhere or just right?
“They feel just right.”
🏃♂️ Movement and Play
- Can you run fast in them?
“Yeah.” - Are they good for climbing or playing at the park?
“Yeah.” - Do you feel steady when you’re walking or jumping in them?
“I feel fine and natural.”
🧦 With or Without Socks
- Do you like wearing them with or without socks?
“I like wearing them in both ways – it doesn’t bother me. There’s no difference so I can pick.” - How do they feel if you wear them barefoot? Hot, cool, soft, itchy?
“They feel fine – not sweaty or itchy.”
👀 Style and Look
- What do you think they look like – cool, weird, sporty?
“They look great, and they are my third favourite colour. My favourite colours are black and white, but I went for blue to be different and I still love them.” - Would you wear them to school or just for playtime?
“I would wear them to school if I could! But we have to wear smart black shoes. So I wear my Freet if I go out after school like when I go to Scouts and at the weekend.”
🧼 Practical Bits
- Are they easy to get on and off by yourself?
“Very easy to put on and take off.” - Do they feel different to your other shoes? How?
“All of my other shoes are from different barefoot brands, and I am always happy with my shoes as long as they’re the right size and are barefoot.” - Would you want another pair like them – why or why not?
“I’d have them again when my feet grow, and there’s nothing I’d change.” - Which barefoot shoe attribute is the most important to you?
“Ground feel – because when you have your foot on a thicker sole, it makes my feet feel like they don’t move correctly.”
That last one really struck me. He’s never said anything like that before – not in his own words – and it shows just how much barefoot awareness he’s picked up over time. At 8 years old, he already understands proprioception better than most adults.
Why I Still Love Working With Freet
I’ve loved working with Freet and supporting their longstanding brand over the last few years. They’re a true British barefoot company with heart, strong ethics, and exceptional after-sales care. Sarah, Andy and the rest of the team are kind, down-to-earth people who genuinely care about the products they put out into the world.
It’s not just the shoes – though the shoes are consistently excellent. It’s the way they do business. They prioritise durability and natural movement, while remaining mindful of their environmental impact. They’re constantly refining their materials, including innovations like recycled coffee grounds. Their packaging is recyclable, and where possible, they donate faulty pairs to Shoe Aid – helping reduce landfill and support families in need.
I’m also thrilled to announce that they’ll be exhibiting at the UK’s first Barefoot Shoe and Foot Health Expo this September. It’s going to be an unforgettable event, and I’m proud that Freet will be part of it.
Final Thoughts & Buying Options
The Freet Hoppee Junior is a fantastic barefoot option for older kids. It’s easy to wear, flexible yet tough, and strikes that sweet spot between minimalist function and proper durability. If your child is growing out of traditional junior shoes and needs something breathable and supportive for active days – this is a brilliant choice.
Just don’t forget – size down.
Buy directly from Freet in the UK with code BAREFOOTBRIT10 (within the UK, but if you are USA or EU, they have regional websites and warehouses)
From Happy Little Soles with code BAREFOOTBRIT10 in the UK
Benedykt has loved being part of this review and I’ve loved watching him take ownership of it. His feedback has been genuine and unfiltered, and the fact he wants the same pair again when he grows out of these says everything you need to know.
Brit 👣