Why are your shoes ‘minimal’ and ‘barefoot’?

Minimal, barefoot shoes allow your feet to maintain their natural mechanics, allowing for an authentic, natural walking experience. They have a roomy toe area that aligns the toes properly and improves foot stability. This is particularly crucial for baby’s growing feet! Minimal shoes are flexible and lightweight, providing more sensory feedback and helping you connect with the ground you walk on. Soft Walker Shoes takes this approach to help build a stronger and healthier foot structure, while also improving balance, posture, and reducing the risk of foot problems. Welcome to the dark, umm, crunchy side!

What materials are used to make your shoes?

Soft Walker Shoes are made from full- and/or top-grain leather because it offers the greatest strength, durability, water resistance, and appealing aesthetics of the various kinds of leather. We never use synthetic ‘leathers’. Soles are cut from bull hides while uppers are cut from cow hides. Add-on rubber soles are made from 100% recycled content, water-resistant rubber for extra durability while maintaining flexibility of the shoe. The shoelaces we use are 100% cotton and manufactured in the US.

Are your shoes really handmade?

You bet they are! Each pair of Soft Walker Shoes is cut, assembled, sewn, and packaged with love and care by our own hands. Any teeny tiny imperfections you might see means that your shoes have character and are one of a kind!

My kids are crazy, will these shoes hold up?

Look, kids can be rough. Soft Walker Shoes have been known to trail walk, tree climb, puddle jump, and so much more! Durability is often a KEY factor when parents decide to buy something for their children, and we are here to earn your confidence. Since we pay close attention to detail and use high-quality materials, our shoes are made to accompany your kids on every step of their journey!

I got my shoes, but how do I care for them?

Did your shoes get dirty? Just use a bit of soap and warm water to wash the leather. Do your shoes need to dry out from getting wet? Just stuff them with an absorbent cloth and roll them around in your hands to soften them up after they are completely dry. Are your shoes a bit dry and crusty from so much use? Rub a bit of leather dressing/conditioner into your shoes as specified on the product instructions (do NOT use leather polish). See our Care Instructions page for more details.

Can I wear socks with my shoes?

Soft Walker Shoes are meant to be worn barefoot, however, you can absolutely wear socks! It is advised that the first 2-3 times the shoes are worn that this is done WITHOUT socks so that the leather sole can form to the foot. After this, wear any socks you’d like.

Do you accept returns and exchanges?

Soft Walker Shoes does not accept returns or exchanges. Please reference our Fitting Guide to ensure that you purchase the correct size(s)!

How long will it take for me to get my shoes?

Please allow us 7-10 business days to handcraft your made-to-order shoes. Once the order has shipped you will receive a shipping email with tracking information. When ordering Ready to Ship shoes, you can expect them to be shipped within 1-2 business days.

Can I buy an adult sized pair of shoes for myself?

We are currently working on expanding our size range to include women’s sizes. Stay tuned for updates by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!