The Origins
Bobux began in New Zealand, born out of a moment that feels very familiar to anyone who has ever watched a small child take their first steps. Back in 1991, founders Chris and Colleen Bennett wanted something better for their daughter’s developing feet. Finding nothing that quite honoured natural movement, they made their own soft leather shoes at the kitchen table.
What started as one thoughtful solution quickly grew into a globally recognised name in healthy footwear. From those early soft soles to today’s carefully engineered barefoot shoes, Bobux has always stayed close to its original purpose, supporting natural foot development through flexible, minimalist design. Their evolution into Step Up, i Walk, and Alpha ranges reflects how feet grow and move at every stage.
With more than three decades of experience in making footwear for growing feet, Bobux has a very clear understanding of what really matters. For them, comfort and healthy foot development come down to a careful balance of flexibility, adjustability, breathability, weight, and fit.
Their shoes are shaped to follow the natural contours of the foot rather than forcing it into a standard mould. Soft leathers and breathable knits keep things light and allow feet to move and adapt as they should. Fastenings are simple, practical and easy to adjust, making everyday wear that little bit easier.
And because real life is anything but gentle, durability fits easily alongside all of this. Bobux shoes are built to handle the running, climbing, scuffing and general chaos that comes with active little feet.
Who are Bobux For?
You might find yourself drawn to Bobux if you are looking for:
- Barefoot shoes for babies, toddlers or older children that prioritise healthy growth and natural movement
- Flexible, zero-drop footwear that supports developing feet without restriction
- Well designed shoes that balance foot health with everyday practicality
- Styles that have been refined through years of real-life wear
From first cruisers to confident adventurers, Bobux covers a wide spectrum. The Step Up range supports early walkers finding their balance, i Walk is designed for more confident movement and everyday play, and the Alpha collection continues that barefoot philosophy into bigger sizes with a slightly more refined, grown-up feel.
A Bobux Shoe for Every Kind of Day
One of the things Bobux does particularly well is covering real-life wear for each stage of development, the rhythm of the year, and everything that comes with it.
First steps
The very beginning of a baby's journey to independence. Soft, flexible and forgiving, these are the shoes that follow along, allowing feet to find their own way naturally.
Everyday shoes and trainers
For the steady pace of daily life, school runs, playgrounds, and weekends that seem to disappear too quickly. These are the shoes that do a bit of everything, balancing flexibility with the durability needed for all-day play.
School shoes
Smart enough to meet the brief, but still unmistakably foot-friendly. Bobux are a popular choice with parents and kids, managing to strike that balance of structure and comfort without over-engineering.
Sandals for warmer days
Light, breathable and easy to wear, these come into their own for holidays and sunny days. Quick-drying styles make them just as useful for water, beach, and everything in between.
Boots and colder weather styles
When the weather turns, Bobux leans into warmth and protection without losing that all-important flexibility. These are made for damp days, frosty mornings, and feet that want to stay cosy.
Size And Fit
Bobux sizing is generally consistent and easy to work with once you know the ranges.
Step Up is designed for early walkers and tends to have a slightly more accommodating fit through the upper, allowing for that soft, developing foot shape. Xplorer soft shoes start at a teeny 2.5UK and remain the go-to choice for cruising and those important first steps.
i Walk and Kid + offers a bit more structure while remaining highly flexible, and tends to suit medium-width feet and fit a higher instep well.
Alpha expresses a more design-led collection, giving a little more room for personal style while still supporting natural movement. Bobux describe Alpha as having all the benefits and trust of a classic Bobux fit - taken to the extreme.
Across all ranges, you can expect foot-shaped toe boxes that allow the toes to spread naturally, flexible soles that promote natural movement, and zero drop construction that nurtures your child's balanced posture.
Why Bobux are a great Fit for HLS
Bobux is one of those brands we love to recommend. Their new collections are always eagerly anticipated and always filled with joy and colour. We have followed their journey for years, and what has always stood out is their commitment to doing things properly without losing that sense of fun.
Their shoes strike that balance we are always looking for, the ability to genuinely support natural foot function while still standing up to real life. School runs, muddy parks, rushed mornings. They understand the reality of wear as much as the theory of foot health.
We also really value how clearly their ranges are structured. The progression from Step Up to i Walk and Kid +to Alpha reflects the developmental stages our children will go through, which helps take some of the guesswork out of choosing the right shoe.
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.
