Our soft sole barefoot kids’ shoes are durable and flexible enough for the playground, but comfortable enough for the classroom. Kids need footwear that will allow them to move freely as they run wild. Let their feet flex, spread and move naturally when they're young so they’ll develop a strong, healthy foundation. Our versatile collection of minimal leather kids’ shoes includes slip-ons, sandals, boots, moccasins, slippers, Mary Janes and more. Choose from neutral shades of black and brown or bold expressions including every color in the rainbow. Or, use our customizable option to let your kids choose their own unique color combinations!
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Barefoot-Inspired Minimal Kids' Shoes
Which Shoe is Best for Your Child?
Use our handy chart below to compare our child shoe styles and find the best fit for your needs. Remember that all Softstar shoes are made from soft, eco-friendly leather and lightweight, flexible soles for healthy foot development. For children in particular, this is important as the bones in their feet are still forming and not fully ossified until ages 9-11. We believe shoes should provide protection from the elements while doing their best to mimic barefoot conditions.
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| Roo Moccasin | Scount Moccasin | Rambler | Classic | Merry Jane | Laguna Sandal | North Star | |
| Summary |  A soft and flexible slip-on moccasin with sheepskin insoles. Ideal for indoor and light outdoor use. |
 Similar to our Roo moccasin, but with suede insoles to keep feet cool in warm temperatures. |
 Easy to slip-on with a rubber sole for increased durability on the playground. |
 A classy fitted style for all occasions. "Closed" design keeps out water, debris and snow. |
 Mary Jane style with adjustable buckle. Great for both outdoor play and dressy occasions. |
 Easy Velcro strap and open toes and heels keep feet cool on warm summer days. |
 Versatile for cold weather: lace cuff-up for a sheepskin boot or cuff-down as a slip-on winter shoe. |
| Features |
Our signature moccasin, and suitable for all ages from 0-99! Roos feature lush sheepskin insoles, suede outersoles and natural leather uppers to allow our most unrestricted barefoot-like movement. Cozy to wear around the house and preferred by schools that require soft-soled classroom shoes. Also recommended for encouraging healthy foot development in early walkers. |
Like Roos, Scout moccasins allow a maximum range of flexibility for free movement. Scouts feature a suede insole and outersole with a thin memory foam midsole. Great for keeping feet cool on hot days. |
A slip-on style similar to our moccasins, but made with a rubber outersole for enhanced durability. Still a good first walker shoe and great for rough outdoor play. Also acceptable for schools that require soft classroom shoes. |
The first shoe made by Softstar in 1985, and still a family favorite! Upper is made from a single piece of leather stretched around the shoe for a classy fitted design. Features a Velcro closure for easy on/off. Great for outdoor play, but can also work for formal occasions with the right colors. |
A classy minimalist version of the traditional Mary Jane, but they make feet so happy we had to call it "Merry." |
Keeps kids cool on hot days! Open toe and heel not only provide ventilation, but also give a little more growing room before your kids need to size up. Features a Velcro closure for easy on/off. |
Great for keeping feet warm on chilly days! Made with our genuine sheepskin fleece hides for extra cozy insoles and cuffs, which can be worn up or down. |
| Leather |
Choose from suede leather or smooth full grain Sublime leather (a slightly softer, more flexible version of our Nova leather). Suede feels cozier, Sublime is easier to clean. |
Smooth Sublime leather uppers with suede outersole. |
Smooth Nova leather. |
Smooth Nova leather. |
Smooth Nova leather. |
Smooth Nova leather. |
Smooth Nova leather. |
| Closure |
Elastic (slip-on). |
Elastic (slip-on). |
Elastic (slip-on). |
Velcro strap. |
Buckled strap. |
Velcro strap. |
Laces, but can be made into a slip-on shoe if laced cuff-down. |
| Innersole |
Sheepskin only. Our genuine sheepskin fleece naturally wicks moisture and helps keep feet dry. |
Suede only. |
Suede only. Removable sheepskin insoles can be purchased separately. |
Suede only. Removable sheepskin insoles can be purchased separately. |
Suede only. |
Suede only. |
Sheepskin only. Our genuine sheepskin fleece naturally wicks moisture and helps keep feet dry. |
| Outersole |
Suede leather sole; will become smooth and shiny with wear. |
Suede leather sole; will become smooth and shiny with wear. |
6mm rubber Pyramid sole. Extra durable 9mm Rugged Trail soles also available for sizes 8+ (recommended for kids who play rough and wear through shoes quickly). |
6mm rubber Pyramid sole. |
6mm rubber Pyramid sole. |
6mm rubber Pyramid sole. |
6mm rubber Geo soles. |
| Wide? |
YES! Wide width options are available, and this flexible shoe stretches well to adapt to big feet. Elastic can also be adjusted after shoe is made if more ankle room is needed. |
YES! Wide width options are available, and this flexible shoe stretches well to adapt to big feet. Elastic can also be adjusted after shoe is made if more ankle room is needed. |
YES! Wide width options are available, and this shoe will stretch a little to adapt to big feet. Elastic can also be adjusted after shoe is made if more ankle room is needed. |
Fitted design is not as accommodating to extra wide feet as our other styles, but wide width options are available. |
YES! Wide width options are available. This shoe's open front and adjustable strap allow this shoe to easily accommodate large or tall insteps. |
Works well for most wide feet... better than the Classic, but not as roomy as a wide Roo or Rambler. |
Wide widths are available, but fitted design is not as accommodating to extra wide feet as our other styles. |