Vivo Barefoot shoes fell apart - can anyone recommend similar for a 4yo?

[elbowz]

I know it's a bit hippy, but really like the idea of barefoot soles for my four-year-old. He's on the go all day, loves climbing trees and gymnastics.

He adored his Vivo Barefoot shoes that he got for Christmas, but they've worn through already. Vivo say not covered by guarantee (we bought them a month before giving them to him, so was technically over 6 months). Can't believe that they don't expect their shoes to last more than a few months -- they are NOT cheap!

So need to find a different brand, but Bobux (and Clarks) seem quite chunky. Leguano seem to be only swimming shoes. Willing to spend a bit as planning to pass on to his brother.

Would love any of your ideas or recommendations (or even ideas of keywords to search online). Thanks!

Sorry that I can't give a recommendation but I'm disappointed to hear about the Vivo shoes not only falling apart but the pretty poor customer service too. I'd looked at them for DS (he's still a toddler but for when he's older) but now I'd think again.

DS wears Pepino shoes which are great and are designed with chiropractors or something like that but these might just be for toddlers/too babyish for your big boy. They're not 'barefoot' either. DS is a very very active boy and I've been amazed at how well the pepinos have taken mud, water, sand, climbing, jumping etc and still look brand new.

I agree with you regarding the barefoot studies for feet. I do think that the mini Adidas/Nikes etc are really cute but they're so clunky and heavily platformed, I just can't imagine they do much good for little feet.

Have a look at the Happy Little Soles website.

I quite like the Plae shoes for my children. I find with bobux the Velcro straps wear out before the rest of the shoe. Plae tend to last a bit longer.

My eldest is about out of the sizes now, so we may have to get Vivos for her at some point. I have some myself and find them pretty good. I have bought her (and me) some Camper shoes recently and been pleased with them, but you have to really look at the pictures to see how minimal they are.

I don’t think the bobux are particularly chunky. The soles are really flexible, which is very different to the Clarke’s shoes.

Ooh thanks. Happy Little Soles looks good. And will check out Plae and the Pepinos.

Some googling also suggests Feelmax, if I can find anywhere that has sizes in stock - have you heard of them?

Yeah - we found the same with the velcro on the Bobux. Although their customer service was amazing and swift. Would def try them again for non-velcro winter options.

Bobux are a great brand if you’re looking for more of a barefoot shoe. All their shoes have soles super lightweight and flexible Soles. Obviously the bigger sizes have more robust soles but probably the least chunkiest compared to other ‘non barefoot’ shoe brands.