I get a lot of questions about minimalist footwear options for kids, and it’s a topic that I’m very passionate about. I feel strongly that kids should be in shoes that respect natural foot shape and allow for normal function and development. With that in mind, I thought it might be worthwhile to write a post listing the shoes that I put on the feet of my own kids with a bit of commentary on each.
I have three children: a 2 year-old boy (that’s him in the photo above sporting his Merrell Flux Gloves), a 7 year-old girl, and an 8 year-old boy. Given a choice, they prefer to be barefoot most of the time, and this is a habit that I encourage. But, there are times when shoes are needed, so this list presents the shoes that they wear most often.
I’ll start with the shoe that all three of my kid’s absolutely love and that would be their preferred option 99% of the time if allowed to choose on their own:
I can already hear the gasps of horror, but the venerable Croc is a favorite in my household. It’s cheap, practically indestructible, and easy to put on and take off (minimal parental assistance needed) – the benefit of this is it means they are more likely to just pull them off and go barefoot. Although it is well-cushioned and has a bit of heel lift, I’m willing to accept that given the fact that they are incredibly roomy and will not scrunch up their toes. Crocs may be the least restrictive option available for a kid’s foot short of a loose fitting moccasin.
Now, because my older kids are in elementary school and gym class will not allow Crocs, they have more traditional looking shoes that they wear as well. For my 8 year-old boy, his current “running” shoe is the Merrell Barefoot Flux Glove:
The Merrell Flux Gloves are awesome kid shoes because they’re zero drop, minimally cushioned, super flexible, and provide a roomy toebox. The Vibram sole is very durable – the same sole is found on the kid’s Trail Glove which my son wore for most of the last school year without wearing through it – the kid’s Trail Glove is another great option:
One issue my son had with the Trail Glove is that the toe bumper began to separate from the upper material – I think the black portion of the upper at the tip of the toebox shrunk a bit after getting wet which let to the delamination. It never progressed beyond being a cosmetic defect, so not a big deal, and he could have cared less.
Some parents may balk at the price for the Merrell kid’s shoes ($65.00 for the Flux Glove, $60.00 for the Trail Glove), but my take would be that if you are buying a shoe that your child will be wearing for 7-8 hours per day at school, better to spend a bit extra on something that is flat and roomy and does not constrict their growing feet (though mine were review pairs provided by Merrell for review, I will happily buy another pair when he outgrows his current pair of Flux Gloves, and have spent a roughly equivalent amount on a pair of NB Minimus kid shoes). Given that my son’s Trail Gloves lasted for most of the last school year, I have no issues with the cost of these shoes (especially since we adults often don’t hesitate to throw down a hundred bucks or more for a pair of running shoes that might get used for a few hours a day at most).
My daughter also wore the girl’s Merrell Trail Glove last year, and she was a big fan. This year she has been wearing the Skechers GoRun girl’s shoes:
The kid’s version of the Skechers GoRun (currently available for girls only)differs from its adult counterpart in lacking the midfoot “bump” or rocker that is present in the adult shoe (I’ve done some shoe development work with Skechers and shared my opinion that the kid’s version should have no bump and should be as flat as possible – was pleased with the final product they sent me, though I’d love to see it zero-dropped). Although the kid’s GoRun is fairly soft, it’s super flexible (both longitudinally and torsionally), fairly roomy, and has a minimally structured upper (e.g., no heel counter). The heel-forefoot differential is about 4mm, so much less than the shrunken-adult monstrosities that many manufacturers put on the market for our little ones.
In addition to the Skechers shoe, my daughter also has a pair of the girl’s Merrell Flux Glove (provided free of charge by Merrell for review purposes), which in my opinion is probably the best kids shoe available right now:
Until recently, Merrell did not make their barefoot line in toddler sizes. I was pleased to see that with the release of the Flux Glove, they now have “barefoot” shoes for the little guys. My 2 year-old was in Robeez for most of his early toddling days, but now when his “piggies” aren’t free he wears either Crocs or the toddler Flux Glove (just like his big brother, except his have a velcro closure):
As you can see, I’m a big fan of the Merrell Barefoot shoes for my kids. If I had to pick just one shoe for them to wear, it would either be the Flux or Trail Glove for all three of them. I did recently buy a pair of the New Balance Minimus Trail kids version for my son, but they are still too big for him (dad got his size wrong…). These strike me as another decent option – probably wider in the forefoot than the Merrells, but less flexible and they have a slight heel lift.
So there you have it, my picks for kids footwear. If you have any additional suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The Merrell Barefoot Kid’s &Toddler Flux Glove can be purchased at Zappos
The Merrell Barefoot Kids Trail Glove can be purchased at Zappos
The Skechers GoRun youth girl’s shoe can be purchased at Skechers.com. Use code ENT15 to save 15%.
Below is another photo of my son sporting his fancy new shoes:
About Peter Larson
awesome, great that more options are becoming available more often, even getting rid of a skechers bump, cool lol, when i have kids someay, i will say i’d be extremely picky about heel lifts, or squishy stuff, but by then i hopefully won’t need to worry
My three girls wear plimsolls (pumps) much of the time, this types of shoes have been around since well before my childhood, the only difference seems to that there is greater range in designs of the upper. The sole is flat and totally flexible, zero support and as long as you shop around can get ones which don’t cramp the toes.
I also wear plimsolls when not running, as long as you shop around you can find them with reasonable lasts – but I’ve found that often the adult versions tend to have a pointy more “fashionable” last that just cramps your toes. Costs can very from £5 to into the £30’s depending upon how “fashionable” they are. I don’t have any pretensions so make do with the black cheap ones.
Plimsolls have long been used, and often stipulated, for school gym classes in the UK, so it’s quite a firm part of peoples childhood memories. However, I’ve found for running they just aren’t breathable enough, have sufficient grip or hold your foot securly enough so I haven’t’ run too many miles in mine as an adult.
I wonder if the US and other is missing countries are missing out on these low cost, minimal shoes as I’ve not seen them discussed as a solution for a minimal footwear.
I have two daughters, ages 11 & 5. Though they have plenty of shoe options provided by their mother and grandmother, both of them wear Toms shoes most of the time. flat, flexible, and slip on. Many times they’ll even beg to wear them.
I have two girls, the oldest is almost two and I love the fact that she has plenty of options. I got her a pair of the Merrell Flux and she loves them. Not sure if it is because there are 0-drop, roomy, and super flexible or because they are purple. Either way, I love the fact that she has quality footwear options.
I’ve been wearing the Skechers GoRun Ride for about 6 weeks and really enjoy them. I keep waiting to see a GoRun version for my 6 yr old son. Do you know if one is coming? It seems strange that they only have a girl’s model currently.
Good question – I think they have a boy’s Ride coming out, but need to check.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
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My older daughter is loving her NB minimus kids.
Great article…wish I had this kind of info and choices when I raised my kids. Thanks for the great reviews!
Thanks, Pete. Great stuff as usual. Any experience with the toddler version of the Saucony Kinvara? I recently picked up a pair of Kinvara 2’s for my 2 year old. I don’t think they’re zero drop, but they are unbelievably flexible, much more so than his Crocs. Any thoughts on buying kids’ shoes in wide to allow more natural foot motion and minimize foot restriction?
For my 2 year old son, we get the Champion Toddler Impact II Runner. They are very CHEAP, very flat, and very flexible. He can run in them. I like the the crocs, but those shoes tend to have a “stubby” toe box in them, and I can’t tell you how many times he has fallen when taking off to run in shoes like them.
Thanks for the great post. As a father of two young boys, this is an important issue for me.
Vivobarefoot makes several different kids shoes, including a kids Neo in both velcro and lace-up versions. Unfortunately, they’re even more pricey than the Merrells, and I have no idea what their durability is like. We haven’t tried them (because of cost), but I expect they’re great shoes (zero-drop, roomy, flexible, no cushion).
My 6-year-old son has been wearing Trail Gloves for about a year and absolutely loves them. My 8-year-old son doesn’t like how they look. He also found the Kinvara and the NB Minimus uncomfortable. We ended up getting him some indoor soccer shoes (Adidas Samba), which he thinks look very cool (and they do). They appear to have little if any heal lift and relatively little cushioning. They’re not as flexible as the Merrells, but still not bad. I think indoor soccer shoes generally tend to fit the bill (not much heal, not much padding, pretty flexible), so that might be an option for people to keep in mind.
My daughter had a pair of Vivobarefoot Pally shoes – very durable but expensive. My son doesn’t care for the look of their shoes though. Not athletic enough.
My daughter (7) is on her second pair of Pallys and wore her Vivo rubber boots until they were so short in the foot that the back seam split (I couldn’t find replacements. Just today saw that Amazon here is carrying them. I did get her a pair of Vivo sandals and Chelsey boots, neither of which she wore. I’m still trying to eBay the sandals but will keep the boots for my son, just in case. I just don’t have a ton of options in rural Bavaria, and I know Vivos fit, so suck it up, pay the duty and buy less.
Those shoes are just precious!
My kids always had to wear dress shoes in school. I suppose I’d try to find the same thing in those. Low drop, good flex, roomy toe box, encourage barefoot time?
Yep, Vivobarefoot makes some dressier options, and Merrell has a few for girls now as well.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
Pete, I got 2 pairs of nikes roadrunner you had recommend before and loved them on my near 3 year old. They seem completely flat with a thin layer of rubber between the feet and the road. I absolutely love them and get a lot of compliments from people about them. I was surprised you didn’t mention them in this post.
Forgot hat one, need to add it. I agree, awesome shoe for little ones!
Sent from my iPad
Does New Balance make the MR00 in kid’s sizes too? It’s my absolute favourite shoe, and I’d be very, very happy if I could get a pair for my kid brother when he outgrows his Nike Frees.
Speaking of which, these appear to be a decent option too – kid-friendly closure system (velcro main strap plus elastic), and he runs a lot more than in his previous Crocs or traditional kid’s shoes.
Good question – as far as I’m aware they do not make the MR00 for kid. Would be a great option! I have heard that Altra is making a flat kids shoe.
Sent from my iPad
Thanks for the great article. I was at the New Balance store in Skowhegan Maine and COULD NOT get my 7 year old daughter to go for the kids minimus. They only had dark blue and black.No girly colors, = no deal. I am going to try and get her into some Merrells.
THANKS
You can get girly colors of the Minimus at Zappos :)
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
public service announcement – Brooks now makes the PureFlow for kids… super cushy, flexible and low drop, big toe box and flashy colors. Even my 9yo daughter LOVES them, and as a budding fashionista she had previously avoided sneakers (and the color pink) like the plague.
I need to take a look at a pair of these, they look promising.
—-
Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
I got my son (18 mos old) a pair of Kinvara 2s at a thrift store a couple weeks ago and my wife and I love them, as does he. He’s always bringing them to me and saying “shoes”. He seems to have a really easy time running around in them compared to other shoes he has.
Why no love for the Converse All-Star and the various cheap knock-offs?
Zero rise, low cushion, low price, minimal construction.
My 2yo son has a pair of those from Target as well – solid shoe, but not quite as flexible as some of the others.
—-
Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
I cannot agree more with what is said here.
Most kids shoes like this start at toddler sizes 10. What about for my daughter, almost 3, size 8? What do we do for her?
Merrell Flux Glove comes in toddler sizes – my 2 year old son wears them.
—-
Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
Maybe I’m missing something: link to merrell.com… starts at size 10. Can you point me to a link with smaller sizes?
Here’s the link to the toddler version at Merrell.com: link to bit.ly. They also have it at Zappos: link to bit.ly
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
My kids have been in snow boots all winter. Do I have to be careful putting them in a minimalist shoe like these?
Mine wear snow boots outside, but not at school or in the house, so I don’t worry too much about the boots.
Merrell has stopped making the barefoot flux glove for young toddlers, smallest size is now 10. So sad, I was planning on getting them for my son’s 2yr bday and summer. Back to the drawing board.
I was trying to buy a second pair for my little guy and noticed that. Shame as it was the best toddler shoe I’ve seen, my son’s first pair is still going strong after nine months of wear and he still hasn’t outgrown the ample toebox.
Sent from my iPad
Merrell are cool in terms of their design,etc. I am not sure why they stopped making shoes for kids. Maybe they didn’t think that the line was profitable. However nowadays more manufacturers are developing children’s clothing and footwear.
My son and my wife have both been wearing Merrell Trail Gloves for a few years. We love them! Thing is, they’re not warm or waterproof, and we live in upstate NY. He’s been in Bearpaw sheepskin boots for the winters (and rain boots or snow boots as needed) but he doesn’t like the bunchiness of the fleece inside. We’re looking for something that’s not all about the mesh like the trail glove (and it doesn’t look like the flex glove is an improvement). Merrell just came out with their new kids line and it looks like they’re backing off the barefoot in favor of “minimalist” – more cushion, less ground feel, still low/no drop. ARGH!
What would you recommend for us?
Been thinking of writing a post on this with updates about what my kids are wearing. The options are limited as kids get older, so I have mine in shoes with cushion but that retain a wide fit (I think the latter is most important). My older two kids are in the Altra Instinct Jr., 3 year old is in the Merrell Mix Master Jam. The Merrell is cushioned but is pretty flexible and fits nice and wide.
I would be extremely grateful for an update to this article! Such limited options now—no kids barefoot merrells anymore! My kids (8-yrs and 6-yrs) have been wearing those for several year and I need to find a good replacement. We’ll check out the Altra Instinct Jr. but would love to have a rundown on what else is out there.
Merrell is sill making a kid’s Trail Glove: link to zappos.com
We also have had good luck with the Merrell Mix Master Jam and Altra Instinct Jr.
oh my goodness, you’re right! There IS a trail glove on zappos. I couldn’t find it at all on merrell’s site so I thought they were completely gone. Thank you!
No worries, happy to help!
What are your thoughts on the pediped line? They make infant to size 4.5 kids and their tag line is “the next best thing to bare feet.” Trying to find a good shoe for my active 2 year old little guy. Hopefully something that doesn’t break the bank!
Haven’t really looked into them as my youngest is about to turn 4. Flat, wide and flexible is the key I think for little guys.
Hi there –
What a wonderful article! By chance, do you have any updates on what is available for toddlers in 2014; that would be great! I can’t find the shoes you mention for my twin boys (almost 2 but not size 10 yet).
THANKS!!!
Unfortunately no, my youngest is about to turn 4 so haven’t been on top of the toddler options. We were big fans of Robeez when he was smaller.
Jessi C-B
I find very little options for toddlers. The Merrells for toddlers mentioned in the article are no longer available. From the Merrell website, it looks like Merrell kids will now be made by Stride Rite, who does not have any minimalist toddler shoes on their website. Too bad, the Merrell toddler shoes were cute. The New Balance does not have any minimalist toddler shoes. I keep striking out. I am curious about the KidOfit shoes but unsure if they are good. I don’t want to spend that much money if they are duds. Let me know if you found anything.
I too was wondering if anyone had any experience with kidofit or Soft Star footwear.
My kid has had 2 pairs of soft stars. They are great but expensive. He needs a new pair and i’m going to try kiddo maybe
Try the Keen Chandler CNX.
I would also love to hear of any recommendations for a 2 year old. My son is currently in a 6/7, but I can’t find anything nice until at least a size 10!
My son has worn softstar shoes since he could walk. They are ideal for growing feet and there is a wide range of styles and colors to choose from. The also make a line of shoes for children as well as adults, including barefoot running shoes. Once my son got more concerned with looks and fashion, around age 5, I got him a pair of shoes from vivobarefoot. I wear their shoes too and must say they have an epic feel and are my favorite shoes. My son still wears softstar mocs as his indoor shoes at the public waldorf school he attends. I make a very modest income, but I get my son only the best footwear. Quality shoes are one of the only things I do not compromise on or approach with a frugal attitude. Happy trails!
Hi there! I would love to know your recommendations for toddlers with tiny, infant-sized feet? ie, Infant 2!
Thank you
We always used Robeez when our kids were little: link to robeez.com
Pete,
Who knew you had advice for kids shoes? I guess I should have considered it before I bought shoes for our 4 kids.
Still, based on your previous advice for adult shoes and the fact that my kiddos have Saskatchewan sized feet, I outfitted them with Nike Frees. I’m pleased with them and they love the shoes – especially the color choices.
Thanks for the virtual help,
~J
Ha! I didn’t mean to comment in the size of the feet of anyone who inhabits Saskatchewan! *Sasquatch sized feet was my intended word choice.
There goes my Saskatchewan readership! :)
No problem Jenn!
Peter, I found this post yesterday because Merrell has left me high and dry and I was searching for options for my kids: 5, 8, and 9. Their barefoot line is quickly drying up. I can’t even find the trail glove anymore. It is clear that Merrell has stopped making these shoes. If you can find them, they are leftover stock. A couple of sizes are still available but not my kids’.
They have been running around in these Merrell Gloves for a few years now. They’re active, they’re strong, and they love these shoes. They actually cried when I told them I couldn’t find any more anywhere in their sizes. I spent all evening looking (Amazon, Zappos, Shoes.com, you name it)
I was also a fan personally of Merrell’s Barefoot line. I’ve had a half a dozen pairs of them and I’ve liked them a lot. My feet have not been happier since I was a teenager and ran around barefoot myself.
I’d like to hear what you decide to do for your children now.
Looks like all the kid’s Trail Gloves have been moved from Zappos to 6pm.com, which is essentially their clearance site: link to 6pm.com. Depending on size, you might be able to get one for your youngest.
I share the same frustration with you, good kids options are drying up. My older guys have Altra Instinct Jr’s and some SKechers GoRun Rides. The latter aren’t ideal but they are pretty roomy at least. And they all prefer Crocs to most anything else. Have also been recommended the Keen Chandler CNX, but have not seen it in person.
The only option should be Vivobarefoot…the original barefoot shoe and ONLY natural movement shoe with a puncture resistant sole….
Are you able to advise if the Boys’ Skechers GOrun Ride – Supreme are the same 4mm drop? I cant see the drop specified anywhere for kids shoes.
Link here:
link to skechers.co.uk
Any idea of differences between goRun and GoRunRIde?
Thanks
My kids have the GoRun Ride and they seem about 4mm, not sure about the Supreme. The GoRun is a bit less cushion in the adult version, haven’t seen the new kids version in person yet.
Thanks.
I will give them a go. My son (7) has just started with me.
Anything has to be better than the huge heeled running shoes.
As a 40 year old adult I have just moved on to the go run and my running has improved hugely. Annoyed it too me this long.
I just want to mention a couple options for toddler barefoot shoes for those scrolling through the comments! :) I’ve spent SO many hours searching for options and these two have been “foot”savers since Merrell stopped making the flux glove (and many other barefoot shoes, it seems!).
KidOFit kidofit.com
SoapBoxShoes link to etsy.com
I’ve used shoes from both brands for my daughter as a two/three year old and we both love them (and she has had chubby/wider feet as well).
Also check our the Keen Chandler CNX, my son has them and they are roomy with a thin sole.
The picture of them looks like such a chunky sole! Is it just how it appears from the outside, then?
Yes, looks chunky from outside but very flexible. The rubber is pretty thin and wraps up the sides making it look thicker than it is. I need to write a post about them with some pictures.
Do the Kidofit fit small or big?
They fit true-to-size from my experience, but the great thing about those is that they come with 2 pairs of inserts that you can use to adjust the fit of the shoe (and also velcro on the back to adjust how it fits the heel).
From their website: “A set of inserts, which comes with the shoes, can be used to reduce the space inside the shoe when the fit is too wide or too loose. As the foot grows, the inserts can be removed, extending the life of the shoe.”
my faves are soft star shoes, and they do more than mocs too :)
I’m wondering about shoes for my kids and for the kids to come to my for school program. this article is a bunch of years old and I’m wondering if you have done in the review of the current 2015 and soon to be 2016 lines of shoes for kids and toddlers. I’ve been looking into plae shoes and we have been using soft stars and also would love to hear about your review of vivo barefoot and if you can give a review for toddler up to elementary school that be great hoping that we continue to find shoes but my daughter has a very narrow foot… Sounds good but actually it makes for extra blisters sores rubbing and discomfort so that she won’t wear her shoes she likes Crocs as well but again they are good for running around barefoot would actually be better but a lot of places have glass and things that make her need to have shoes. Thanks for your help!!!!
Check out the Keen Chandler CNX – great kids shoe, my 5 year old son has had a pair for quite awhile and they are very durable and have a very thin sole. Proibably the best kid’s shoe I have purchased: link to anrdoezrs.net
Has anyone tried Stonz boots? They make baby booties with soft soles that seem super minimal. I think I’m going to get them for my boys.
I have used the rain bootz… They have zero heel rise but not particularly minimal. But we have been trying out MyMayu boots and they seem to be working out well so far! link to mymayu.com
I would also love to hear of any recommendations for a 2 year old. My son is currently in a 6/7, but I can’t find anything nice until at least a size 10!
Hello,
My husband and I are very big Merrell lovers, they are the only shoes we wear. Our 7 year old (size 3) has been wearing them for the last 2 years, but we cannot find them anymore nor can we find any for our 4 year old(size 9)…. any ideas where we could buy some?
Has anyone tried the new website called http://www.KidsShoes.com
I keep reading about it and was about to size my kid on their new app.
What school shoes do you recommend? Most of the recommended shoes here comprised of several colors. I need a solid black or navy for boys.
Vivobarefoot has 1, but my son doesn’t really like the look.
Thanks so much!
My wife always gets confused about my son’s shoe wear.There are lots of varieties in the market, but the best suitable and comfortable one is still a question!
thanx for clearing my doubts.Useful Blog for every parent out there.
Thanx for sharing.
I’m trying to figure out whether the shoes I’ve been putting my son in are minimalist:
Merrell Jungle Moc?
Pediped Frank?
Thank you!