Review of Affordable Barefoot Shoes I Found on AliExpress & Amazon

When it comes to barefoot shoes for children, finding a balance between affordability and functionality can be a challenge. Recently, we tried out a pair of barefoot shoes that are available on both AliExpress and Amazon, and I’m excited to share our experience. This post contains affiliate links.

The Shoes: An Overview

These shoes are a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative for parents looking to introduce their children to barefoot footwear without spending a fortune. Available in several colours, including black and pink, they cater to a wide range of preferences. Here’s what you need to know about them:

• AliExpress Price: £12 (though I paid £15.35 including shipping)
• Amazon Price: £22

Both options offer the same shoes, but the key differences lie in price and ease of returns. We opted for AliExpress, where the shoes arrived within 10 working days. Although slightly cheaper, Amazon provides the advantage of easier returns if needed.

Why These Shoes Are a Great Choice

My son Sylvester has been thrilled with his new shoes. They come in a vibrant colour that he absolutely adores—it’s very much “him” in style and personality. Despite his relatively narrow feet, he appreciates the roominess of these shoes, which makes them an ideal choice for those with wider or high-volume feet.

Here’s why these shoes stand out:

• Flexible Design: The shoes are flexible and allow natural foot movement, which is crucial for developing strong, healthy feet. The soft and bendable materials let Sylvester move freely, mimicking the benefits of barefoot walking.
• Anatomical Shape: These shoes are designed to respect the natural shape of the foot. They have a wide toe box and zero heel rise, allowing toes to spread out and feet to function as intended.
• Affordable Barefoot Shoes: For those new to barefoot shoes or on a budget, these shoes are an excellent option. They provide the essential barefoot attributes without the hefty price tag of high-end brands.

What to Consider:

While the cheaper price is appealing, there are some drawbacks to consider. The lower cost might mean that these shoes may not be as durable as more expensive, branded alternatives. However, they still deliver on the core barefoot principles, making them a solid choice for everyday wear.

Functionality Compared to Higher-End Brands

Sylvester’s new shoes perform admirably, offering similar functionality to his previous favourite, the Vivobarefoot Ludo. The flexibility and anatomical design make them just as functional, and he’s happy to wear them for various activities, from casual play to more active pursuits.

I bought Sylvester an EU34 based on the fact he currently fits perfectly in his Vivobarefoot Ludo EU33. I am conscious that many items that are sold on AliExpress do come small, but I would say they are accurate according to their own sizing. His feet are 22.2cm in length.

Recommendations

If you’re considering these shoes, here’s what I recommend:

• For a Budget-Friendly Option: Go for the AliExpress link if you’re comfortable with slightly longer shipping times and want to save a bit.
• For Convenience: If ease of return is a priority, purchasing from Amazon might be the better choice despite the higher price.

In summary, these shoes offer a perfect blend of affordability and functionality for those seeking to introduce their children to the benefits of barefoot footwear. They may not hold up as well as more expensive brands, but they’re a fantastic starting point for families looking to explore barefoot options without breaking the bank.

If you’re interested in trying these shoes for yourself, you can check them out on AliExpress or Amazon.

Brit👣