With September looming we are hoping to provide a comprehensive overview of all things school shoe related.
A question we often get asked at HLS is what we recommend as a barefoot alternative to a Plimsoll for indoor and PE use.
A barefoot plimsoll has long been a challenge for us to source for a whole variety of reasons. The options available on the high street options are so cheap that there isn’t really any way of producing a competitively priced product with barefoot construction methods. The market is also relatively small as the UK is one of the few countries with the need for black school options.
On the face of it high street plimsoll options can be promising, they are generally completely flat and many are quite flexible. However they are often very thick in the sole, very narrow in the toe box and can be difficult to get a good fit around the ankle. This can make them unstable and cause feet to grip with the toes.
We are always on the look out for more options but usually have to get creative with our recommendations! Read on to see what we have come up with!
Trainers
One of the first things we always suggest is to double up with your trainer and get a pair of all black trainers to use for school PE and general sport and play. This can be very cost effective if you need trainers anyway and we do have a number of good options for black trainers and should have something for every foot type as follows;
The Merrell Trail Glove is a good option if you need a narrower trainer and suits narrow and narrow to medium width feet;
The Vivobarefoot Kids Primus Trail Knit Eclipse is good for medium to wide feet;
Vivobarefoot Kids Primus Trail Knit Eclipse
The Sole Runner Puck is a great trainer or sports shoe for a wider foot.
The Freet Flex are also a great option for wide to extra wide feet.
Indoor Shoes and Plimsolls
If plimsolls are just needed for occasional light use, or mostly indoor use, then a cost effective option is to look for a soft soled shoe;
Slipfree are a lovely little fabric shoe with a non-slip sole that is great for occasional indoor use and as a slipper;
The Tikki Ziggy are slightly more robust with a leather upper and a super thin 1mm rubber outsole. They are lovely and soft and great for indoor use and as an indoor PE shoe;
A step up from this for a bit more durability and light outdoor use is the Bundgaard Tannu. A soft leather shoe but one with a full rubber sole. It is a medium width but with a nice toe box and so soft that it should fit all but the widest feet;
Our Customer Service team are always on hand to answer any specific questions and help you find exactly the right option for you. Please feel free to get in touch.
