Essentials with a Healthy Twist
The start of a new school year always brings excitement—and sometimes a little stress—as parents prepare their children with the right essentials. From crisp uniforms and sturdy school bags to lunch boxes and stationery, the list can feel endless. But at the heart of every back-to-school checklist should be one key item: a pair of comfortable, durable, and healthy
At Happy Little Soles, we believe back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean compromising on foot health. Barefoot shoes give children the freedom to move, play, and learn with natural comfort, while supporting healthy development during those all-important growing years.
Why Choose Barefoot Shoes for School?
Children spend up to 30 hours per week in their school shoes, making them one of the most important purchases of the year. Traditional school shoes can be stiff, narrow, or overly cushioned, which may restrict natural foot movement. Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, are designed to
- Support natural growth with wide toe boxes for proper alignment.
- Encourage balance and coordination through thin, flexible soles.
- Promote strong, healthy feet by allowing toes to spread and muscles to strengthen.
- Provide comfort all day long, even during playground adventures and classroom focus.
Why not take a look at our wellies and rainsuits for those forest school days, or our trainers for PE lessons, ensuring children have the right barefoot-friendly footwear and clothing for every part of their school week.
Top Tips for Back-to-School Barefoot Shoe Shopping
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Look for a Wide Toe Box
Ensure there’s enough room for toes to wiggle and spread naturally.
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Check for Flexibility
A good barefoot shoe bends and flexes easily, allowing the foot to move naturally.
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Opt for Zero Drop
Choose shoes without a raised heel—this keeps posture neutral and reduces unnecessary strain.
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Prioritise Quality and Durability
School shoes need to withstand daily wear. Choose trusted barefoot brands that balance flexibility with hard-wearing materials.
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Fit Matters Most
Always measure your child’s feet before buying new school shoes. Our online size guide is a helpful tool to make sure you find the perfect fit. Remember that children’s feet grow quickly, so check sizing every term.
Caring for Your School Shoes
Good care is just as important as a good fit when it comes to school shoes. Taking time to look after them ensures they last longer, stay looking smart, and protect your investment. At Happy Little Soles, we stock a range of shoe care products and accessories designed especially for barefoot shoes, including:
- Natural shoe polishes from Chainbridge Honey Farm – perfect for keeping leather shoes nourished, protected, and looking their best.
- Insoles – handy for adjusting fit or adding extra warmth as the seasons change.
- Shoe labels – a practical essential for school, helping to ensure shoes always find their way back to the right feet!
- Socks and tights from MP Denmark – high-quality, comfortable options that pair beautifully with barefoot shoes, offering breathability, durability, and style.
By teaching children to care for their shoes—and pairing them with the right accessories—you encourage responsibility, comfort, and longevity.
Prepping Children for the New Term
Back-to-school isn’t just about buying supplies—it’s also about helping children feel confident and prepared. Here are a few extra barefoot-inspired tips:
- Practice wearing new shoes indoors to break them in gently before the first day.
- Encourage movement at home—barefoot play on safe surfaces builds strong feet and good balance.
- Create a calm routine the week before school starts—healthy sleep, fresh air, and outdoor play set children up for success.
- Make sure PE kits, forest school gear, and school bags are ready alongside their new shoes for a smooth start to the term.
Barefoot Brands We Love for School
At Happy Little Soles, we carefully select shoes that meet barefoot criteria while looking smart for the classroom. Some of our go-to options include:
- Vivobarefoot – sleek, durable school shoes designed with healthy movement in mind.
- Be Lenka – stylish, barefoot shoes for older children.
- Froddo Barefoot – practical and flexible shoes, perfect for everyday school wear.
Why Barefoot is Best for Back-to-School
Back-to-school season is the perfect opportunity to invest in your child’s health from the ground up. By choosing barefoot shoes, you’re giving them the freedom to learn, play, and grow with natural comfort and support.
And don’t forget: with the right care—using polishes, insoles, socks and tights from MP Denmark, and labels—school shoes will not only support healthy feet but also last the whole school year and beyond. Plus, with our range of wellies for forest school and trainers for PE, your child will be ready for every adventure the term brings.
Make this school year their most confident and comfortable yet—with Happy Little Soles by their side.
