The Ultimate Barefoot Shoe Fit Guide
Kelly Barcus is the creator of Barefoot Shoe Guide, a trusted resource for barefoot footwear reviews and recommendations. Her journey into barefoot shoes began with a search for more comfortable hiking boots—only to discover that a foot-shaped, minimal sole made her feet and body feel better.
With years of experience testing minimalist shoes for both adults and kids, she now helps families find comfortable, foot-friendly options for every adventure.
Finding the right fit for barefoot shoes is essential to ensure your child’s feet feel comfortable and develop naturally. Reima’s barefoot shoes offer ample space for growing feet and promote natural movement with a flat, flexible sole.
After testing and reviewing countless barefoot shoes, I’ve put together this simple checklist to help you find the perfect fit for your little explorer!
✅ Toe Wiggle Test – Can your kiddo wiggle their toes like they’re doing a happy dance? Shoes should have a wide toe box that allows toes to splay naturally. All of Reima’s barefoot shoes are anatomically shaped!
✅ The Thumb Rule – Leave about a thumb’s width of space (about 0.5 to 1.2 cm) at the front so those little feet have room to move. You can measure your child’s foot and compare it to Reima’s size chart. Or use the Volumental tool on Reima’s website—it turns your phone into a scanning device that measures for you!
✅ Snug but Not Tight – The shoe should hug the heel and midfoot just right—no slipping, no squeezing! Adjustable closures, like Velcro or laces, help ensure a secure fit. We love styles like the Hyppii waterproof boot for toddlers with a big Velcro strap—it opens wide to slip on easily, and straps down for the perfect fit.
✅ Light and Breathable – Heavy shoes? No way! Pick lightweight, breathable materials for all-day comfort. The Astelu are the perfect summer sneakers with soft, airy mesh.
✅ Regular Growth Checks – Kids grow fast! Check the fit every few months to make sure their adventure shoes aren’t cramping their toes. Many of Reima’s barefoot shoes have a removable insole, making it easy to pull out and check the fit.
