Barefoot shoes are a healthy modern alternative to standard kids shoes. They come with a number of benefits for foot health (learn more via our barefoot shoe guide); but parents sometimes wonder if this comes at the cost of durability.
The truth is, barefoot kids shoes can be just as, if not more, durable than traditional footwear, thanks to a mixture of construction methods and materials which make them strong and flexible. Find out more with Prenta Shoes.
Features that make kids shoes durable
Kids shoes are durable if they incorporate the following features:
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Premium materials - Strong materials such as leather, patent leather, suede and more are well known to be strong, breathable and flexible.
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Flexibility - Shoes that are too rigid wear out easier and break faster. Flexible materials and builds are less likely to split, scuff or become damaged.
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Quality manufacturing - Effective quality control during manufacturing ensures materials and manufacturing exceed industry baselines.
On top of these features, Prenta Shoes ensure rigorous testing to guarantee that kid’s shoes are safe and durable, as well as suitable for children’s active lifestyles. Each supplier goes through a vetting process against strict safety and quality standards.
How durable are barefoot shoes?
Barefoot shoes are very durable. Many of the features of traditional shoes which barefoot omits actually reduce the chances of certain materials or structures breaking down. For example, barefoot shoes don’t include thick midsoles, which typically wear out fast in traditional shoes.
In barefoot shoes, you’re mainly relying on strong/flexible uppers and soles, which don’t tear or split easily. Achieving this is mainly based on materials, which is where suede, leather and other similar materials are best.
What can affect how long barefoot shoes last for your children
Whilst barefoot shoes are strong and durable, there are factors which can impact how long they’ll last for your children.
One factor can be your child’s walking patterns. Children who drag their feet, for example, are likely to wear down the soles of their shoes faster. The good news is that barefoot shoes are designed to promote healthy and natural walking patterns, so this isn’t normally too much of an issue.
Another factor is the growth of the child’s foot. Naturally, kids feet grow fast and often unpredictably. Whilst this is largely unavoidable, all shoes from Prenta incorporate ‘happy toe zones’, so you’ll know exactly when the shoes need replacing. This helps avoid replacing the shoes too soon, which can be a waste of money.
Barefoot vs standard kids shoes: Will they both last?
Whether or not kids' shoes will last isn’t necessarily based on the type of shoes, but more on the build, materials and what they’re used for.
As a result, both barefoot and standard kids shoes can last long periods of time, particularly if they are constructed using high quality materials and methods.
In school settings, shoes can wear down quicker as they are worn for longer periods of time, and children love to run around in the playground! As a result, barefoot school shoes and traditional school shoes are generally likely to last a shorter amount of time than shoes which are only worn at weekends, for example.
A bonus that comes with barefoot shoes is that they are designed to support healthy foot development. Not only is this beneficial for the future development of your child, but it also means shoes can last longer as there won’t be damaging walking patterns which cause shoes to become worn down faster.
Extending the life of kids barefoot shoes
As with any type of footwear, taking good care of barefoot shoes can help to extend their lifespan. This can include regular cleaning and maintenance.
First of all, it’s important to hand wash your barefoot shoes instead of throwing them in the washing machine. Machine washing can affect adhesives, soles, stitching and more, so it’s preferable to consider hand cleaning using a damp cloth where possible. You can also use suede and nubuck cleaner to clean, condition and soften the materials, extending lifespan.
On top of this, hygiene and protection is key. This includes waterproofing shoes and eliminating strong odours. Our waterproofing spray is the ideal solution to create a breathable barrier against the elements.
