Summer is on it's way and at Happy Little Soles we have spent alot of time curating our new collection of barefoot kids sandals. This year has been particularly challenging as we have been unable to restock on one of most popular barefoot ranges, Tikki.
Barefoot sandals have always been more challenging to source as we find alot of suppliers that we rely on for barefoot shoes tend to stiffen their sole units for children's sandal use. This seems to be due to the challenges of keeping the sandals safe when there is much less upper material to secure a very flexible sole unit.
In recent years we have managed to source a good range of more open options for older children, such as the Skye from Bundgaard and the Olymp from Zeazoo. However in this Blog post we are just going to focus on the options for younger children where the cage style, or a more enclosed toe, is usually the best option to ensure little toes are protected whilst still being out in the sunshine!
The Tikki Nido Sandal was an excellent enclosed sandal, providing the ultimate barefoot sole unit in a range of colours and fun designs. It has been hard to find alternatives but we are pleased to be able to offer a range of options that we feel offers similar barefoot credentials and fit to Tikki.
Below we are happy to introduce you to some great sandals from Froddo, Bundgaard, Zeazoo and Old Soles. Do bear in mind though that all these brands offer other sandals as well. It is the ones listed below that we find the most barefoot and therefore most suitable as an alternative to Tikki.
Old Soles
For the very littlest feet the Old Soles range of first sandals like the Sandy and Wave sandals are perfect for pre-walkers and new walkers alike. They are on a thin and flexible sole, made from a nice grippy rubber, with a super soft leather upper . A wider and deeper fit they have a good adjustment around the ankle for lots of foot types and come in sizes from a UK3 to a UK6.
Zeazoo
The Zeazoo caged sandals are an excellent option as well. They are not quite as thin in the sole (at 4mm rather than 2mm) or quite as wide as the Tikki Nido. However they are still a lovely barefoot option with a super flexible sole and soft vegetable tanned leather upper and they come in a great range of colours and styles. They range in size from the UK6 through UK8 in the Goby and up to UK12 in the Marlin.
Bundgaard
Bundgaard has long been our go to brand for wider fitting wellingtons but it is also fast gaining popularity for it's range of barefoot sandals. We have a great range of dress sandals for older kids and the restocked Skye sandal proved a big hit last season as a more casual sporty option. However for the younger kids the Sebastian sandal is hard to beat. It is on a zero drop and super flexible crepe rubber sole unit which is 4mm thick and extra wide in fit. The leather upper is really nice and soft with a vegetable tanned chrome free leather lining which is great for the most sensitive of feet. Sizes start at the UK6 and go up to a UK12.
Froddo
The Avi sandal from Froddo is a welcome addition to their sandal range and is on their new Flexy barefoot sole. This is a Vibram sole which is zero-drop with a nice shape to the toe box. It is the thickest sole of all of our options at 6mm thick but is lovely and wide and a great hard wearing option. They are all made with a Chrome free leather lining and Chrome free, fixed leather insole. Sizes start at a UK3.5 and go up to a UK9.
