Kids Barefoot School Shoes - Brand Comparison

Brand Comparison Guide

School shoes are worn for 35 hours per week—choosing the right pair is vital for growing feet development, comfort, and posture. Happy Little Soles offers a curated collection of barefoot-friendly school shoes—zero-drop, flexible, wide-toe designs—from brands like Bobux, Vivobarefoot, Bundgaard, Froddo, Paperkrane, Plae, Young Soles, Be Lenka, and Freet City. Here's how they stack up.

Brand Comparison Table

Feature	Bobux	Vivobarefoot	Bundgaard	Froddo	Paperkrane / Plae	Young Soles	Be Lenka	Freet City
Sole thickness	4–6 mm zero-drop	4 mm zero-drop	4 mm zero-drop (school)	4–6 mm Vibram, zero-drop	4 mm flexible soles	4 mm zero-drop	4–6 mm zero-drop	4 mm zero-drop
Flexibility	Very flexible	Highly flexible	Highly flexible	Flexible	Flexible	Super flexible	Super flexible	Very flexible
Toe box	Moderate-wide	Medium–wide	Wide	Wide	Medium-wide	Medium	Extra wide	Extra wide (vegan)
Fit categories	Slim → medium feet	Medium → wide	Medium width	Wide feet	Medium width	Medium width	Extra-wide fit	Extra-wide fit
Material	Soft leather / synthetic	Leather / recycled	Leather	Chrome-free leather	Leather / synthetic	Soft leather	Leather / vegan options	Vegan leather
Vegan options	Limited vegan	Yes, several vegan	No	No	Some models	Some vegan	Yes	Fully vegan
Durability	Good leather build	Premium materials	Strong leather build	Durable Vibram soles	Good quality	Durable school grade	Durable with wide fit	Vegan and robust
Price (approx)	£55–65	£55–70	£38–45	£45–60	£50–60	£50–60	£60–70	£35
Best for	Slim-medium feet, formal	Medium-wide, all-day wear	Sporty school look	Wide feet, active play	Bright colours, mid-width	Stylish heritage school wear	Extra-wide feet, vegan	Extra-wide & vegan

Brand Highlights

Bobux

Anatomically designed by pediatric podiatrists—zero-drop, flexible sole encourages natural movement
Narrower fit options suitable for slimmer feet (e.g., Rova range)

Vivobarefoot

Medium-to-wide fit with thin 4 mm soles; smart, minimalist school styles

Bundgaard

Sporty, fully flexible zero-drop designs; recommended for medium-width feet

Froddo

Chrome-free leather, Vibram soles, wide fit for active kids

Paperkrane

Paperkrane Kids Barefoot School Shoes | Happy Little Soles UK

Colourful, medium-width barefoot options; a favourite in the mid-range Wildsoles lineup

Plae

Medium-width barefoot option; another favourite.

Young Soles

Heritage-styled school shoes with super-flexible 4 mm zero-drop soles—perfect if you liked Bobux

Be Lenka

Extra-wide bouncing range now in school styles; zero-drop, highly flexible, vegan options available

Freet City

Rare vegan extra-wide shoe, vegan leather, zero-drop flexible sole; fantastic for very wide feet

Which Brand Should You Choose?

Slim or narrow feet → Bobux (e.g., Rova, Leap)
Medium-width feet → Vivobarefoot, Bundgaard, Paperkrane/Plae
Wide feet & active play → Froddo
Extra-wide feet & vegan preference → Be Lenka, Freet City
Heritage style & flexible sole → Young Soles

All brands above offer zero-drop soles, barefoot freedom, and flexible designs, ensuring healthy foot development. Choose based on your child's foot width, style/flexibility needs, and any preference for vegan or heritage-styled leather options.