Old Soles: Fun, Flexible First Shoes

Origins

Old Soles was founded in 2008 in Sydney, Australia, by designer Vicki Lever. It was her response to a need for footwear that supports children's healthy foot development while still being wearable and well-designed for today's kids. 

Right from the start, Old Soles centred its designs on soft leather construction, creating a wonderfully flexible shoe. Over time, the range has expanded to offer older children the same practicality and fit across different stages of development. Now they reach over 25 countries worldwide, and thousands of little kids are growing up wearing Old Soles barefoot shoes.

Old Soles at Happy Little Soles

Our Old Soles shoe collection focuses on first steps and newer walkers, all selected for their soft materials, flexible soles, and overall wearability, with a nice variety of shoes to suit most adventures.

Boots - Perfect for cooler days, Old Soles boots give more coverage and protection around the ankle. Choose adjustable fastenings for a secure fit, or elasticated sides for easy on and offs.

Trainers - Breathable materials, simple fastenings combined with a cool, casual look, make Old Soles trainers a practical choice for everyday exploring. 

Sandals - A standout choice for warmer weather, combining breathable, open design with the same soft, foot-friendly construction the brand is known for. They give plenty of airflow to keep little feet cool, while secure straps ensure they will stay on all day. 

The Old Soles Fit

At one end, you have some of the more structured Pave styles, which still stay soft and flexible but offer a little more coverage and support, making them a reassuring option for early walkers.

Within the Pave range, styles like Pavesta tend to feel lighter and more relaxed, with a slightly softer, more forgiving fit that works well for everyday wear.

At the most minimal end sits the newer Barewalk range, designed to feel as close to barefoot as possible. With thinner soles, a zero-drop design and plenty of flexibility, they allow for more natural movement and ground feel than the classic styles.

In simple terms, it’s about choosing the level of structure that feels right – from a bit more support through to a truly barefoot feel.

 

 

Sizing

The Old Soles barefoot shoes in our collection start at a tiny size 1, which makes them a great option for early walkers and first steps.  You can read more about the best footwear for your baby's first steps and new walkers in our essential guide, Every First Step Matters: A Guide to First Walker Shoes 

Generally running true to size, Old Soles tend to have less built-in growing room than some other brands. Because of this, it’s best to focus on choosing the right size rather than sizing up too much. The soft leather is lovely and forgiving too, so it will naturally mould to the shape of the foot over time, making each pair feel even more comfortable with wear.

For the warmer months, a few styles really stand out. Old Soles sandals are always a favourite, combining soft leathers with open, breathable designs that keep feet cool while still feeling secure and easy to wear all day. They strike that balance between freedom and support beautifully.

For something a little more covered, the Pavesta Pave is a lovely lightweight trainer option, with its flexible feel and sparky touch thanks to its cute leopard print detail.

 

 

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.