Origins
Primigi is an Italian footwear brand with a long history in making shoes that are built around comfort and durability first. Founded in the 1970s, their focus has always been on supporting natural movement, with a strong emphasis on flexibility, lightness and construction.
In recent years, that same thinking has been refined into a more barefoot-led approach. Rather than starting from scratch, Primigi have taken what they already understand about fit and wearability and applied it to a newer, more barefoot-led range.
Who Do They Appeal To?
Primigi’s barefoot range will appeal to those looking for a more flexible, lower-profile option from a brand that already understands everyday wear.
They sit in a useful middle ground. Without being too minimal, they are noticeably light and flexible. For many, that makes them a comfortable step into barefoot footwear without feeling like a big shift.
They work well for day-to-day use, school, and general wear where something practical, reliable and easy is needed.
Primigi at Happy Little Soles
Primigi caught our attention because they bring something slightly different to our shelves. A long-established brand, now turning its focus towards more flexible, foot-shaped designs. They bring that consistent quality, combined with straightforward construction, and the overall finish is wonderfully dependable.
Their barefoot range is easy to wear and holds up well. A straightforward option for everyday use, especially for children who just want to get on with their day. Our range so far includes:
Trainers
Available with either elastic laces or simple velcro fastenings, Primigi’s barefoot trainers are light, flexible and easy to wear day to day. They feel soft underfoot but still hold up well to regular use.
The textile and nappa leather uppers give them a slightly more refined finish, with brighter colours that kids will love. The fit is secure, so they stay comfortable no matter what they get up to.
Waterproof Boots and Shoes
Primigi’s waterproof styles use a Gore-Tex membrane, which makes them a practical choice for changeable weather. They keep water out without closing everything in, so feet stay comfortable even when it’s warmer than expected. Useful, reliable options for the kind of days where you’re not quite sure what the weather will do.
Sandals
The sandals are straightforward and easy to get on with. Lightweight, flexible and built on a thin Vibram sole, they allow good ground feel without losing grip. They’re made for active kids who don't stop moving.
For smaller feet, the fisherman-style sandal is a particularly wearable option. It offers a bit more coverage while still allowing natural movement, making it a good starting point for early walkers and beyond.
The Primigi Size and Fit
Primigi barefoot shoes tend to come up fairly true to size in length. It’s always worth checking the size guide on each product page, as fit can vary slightly from one brand to another.
The Primigi fit tends to suit narrower to average-width feet, and the sizing covers a good, practical range across children’s sizes.
The toe box is more generous than their traditional lines, but still more structured than some barefoot brands. This makes them a good option for those who find very wide, unstructured shoes too much.
Heel hold is secure, and uppers are soft enough to adapt with wear, which helps with overall comfort.
What We Love About Them
Primigi have taken their history of Italian design, knowledge of children's footwear, and technical know-how to develop their barefoot range that is practical and easy to wear. It's a natural extension of what they have done well for fifty years, now with a fresh, more natural twist.
More Help
We’ve created a space filled with advice to help you get the very best from your barefoot shoe shopping. From detailed sizing guides, resources and blogs, to tips on making the most of our delivery options, you’ll find it all in The Advice Hub.
If you’d like a little more tailored support, do get in touch. Our Customer Service team love talking all things barefoot and are always happy to help.
We hope you love your purchase, but if something isn’t quite right, we offer free returns. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
