As autumn settles in and the weather turns unpredictable, now is the perfect time for a footwear health check.
Whether you are new to barefoot shoes or you've been wearing them for years, a quick look over now can help feet stay comfortable, dry, and well supported through the chilly seasons.
Have Your Feet Grown Since Spring?
HLS Foot Measuring Device - Accurate Sizing for Perfect Fit | Happy Little Soles
If you have children, chances are this will be a big yes. It's surprising how much growing can happen over a summer. Those sandals we optimistically put away for next year may well be tight, and the same rule applies to last winter's footwear.
Even adults can find their footwear preferences change as the seasons do. If you've been wearing thin socks or no socks at all during our incredibly warm summer, it's worth checking that your favourite autumn shoes still feel comfortably roomy.
A good fit should let your toes spread naturally, even with winter-weight socks.
Will Your Shoes Work With Thicker Socks?
Solmate Socks | Colourful Mismatched Socks for Kids & Adults
It's an annual revelation: that feeling of pulling on the chunky socks, when for months our feet have been unhindered and free to wriggle in the sunshine.
Barefoot shoes should never rely on squeezing feet into place. If thicker socks make a shoe feel restrictive across the toes or through the forefoot, it may be time to reassess the fit.
It's an easy fix most of the time: if your shoes have laces, loosen them to accommodate this extra layer, or if they are buckled, nudge down a notch.
Freet Bootee 2 Brown | Waterproof Barefoot Hiking Boots
This is especially important for anyone new to barefoot footwear. Unlike conventional shoes, barefoot shoes are designed to allow natural toe movement, so maintaining that space remains important all year round.
Check the Condition
Froddo | Froddo Barefoot Shoes, Boots, Sandals & Canvas
Before temperatures really drop, give current footwear a once-over.
Look for:
- Worn Soles
- Damage around flex points
- Loose stitching
- Tired insoles
- Areas where waterproof membranes may have given up
Children in particular have a special ability to wear shoes hard without mentioning it. They can say their shoes are fine even if the sole is hanging off, so catching small issues early can extend the life of shoes and help prevent wet feet and panic buying when the weather turns.
Is it Time to Reproof?
Shoe Accessories | Shoelaces, Insoles, Polish & More
Waterproof and water-resistant shoes, like rainwear, benefit from occasional maintenance.
Mud, dirt, and everyday wear can reduce the effectiveness of waterproof treatments over time.
A good clean followed by a shoe care session can improve performance and help your favourite winter shoes and boots last another year.
If you're unsure whether your shoes need attention, now is a great time to check before the school run, dog walk, or commute turns soggy.
What's Your Winter Routine?
Froddo Up Trail Boots Beige | Waterproof Barefoot Boots
The right shoe for a glorious September afternoon may not be the one to go for in late November.
Think about where your shoes will be taking you over the coming months. Is it:
- School runs
- Woodland walks
- Everyday errands
- Playground visits
- Commuting
- Weekend adventures
You don't need a shoe for every occasion, but having the right one ready before the weather changes is far easier than trying to find a solution during the first cold snap.
Don't Forget Your Own Feet
Froddo | Froddo Barefoot Shoes, Boots, Sandals & Canvas
As parents, we're usually the first to spot when our kids' footwear needs replacing or freshening up. Our own shoes don't always get the same level of attention.
It's worth taking a moment to check the footwear we rely on every day.
Are they still comfy? Is there room for thicker socks? Are they ready for a dark, wet morning's trudge to work or school?
A quick size check, condition check, and a blast with the waterproofing spray could be all that's needed to keep our feet happy through the colder months. Maybe even treat them to a cosy pair of fleecy or thermal insoles.
Give your winter footwear a bit of attention now, and you'll thank yourselves in the depths of winter when your feet are cosy and dry.
Let's Get Winter Ready
Froddo Up Trail Boots Beige | Waterproof Barefoot Boots
If your footwear check reveals a few gaps, there are simple ways to help your shoes work harder through autumn and winter.
A fresh application of weatherproofing spray or a solvent-free nourishing cream like Famaco's Eco Cream can help keep dampness at bay, while a pair of warm, breathable socks can make chilly mornings much more comfortable without compromising fit. Natural fibres like wool and bamboo are particularly good at helping feet stay warm while still letting them breathe.
If last year's winter boots have been outgrown or have reached the end of the road, now is a good time to think ahead before the real chill comes. Waterproof boots, cosy linings and weather-ready, grippy-soled shoes tend to grow in appeal as the temperatures drop.
Sole Runner Women's Larissa 2 Black | Barefoot Winter Boots
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.
