Barefoot in the Winter — Is It Really Possible?

Many parents discover barefoot shoes in the warmer months — those light, flexible sandals or sneakers that let little feet move naturally. But as soon as autumn arrives, the question comes up: “Barefoot in the winter — is that really possible?”

The short answer is yes, absolutely. Children’s feet don’t stop growing or developing when it gets cold outside. In fact, freedom of movement and proper posture are just as important in winter as in summer. The key is finding shoes that combine the healthy barefoot principles — flexibility, zero drop, and a wide toe box — with proper warmth and protection from the elements.

At Minimus, we design our winter boots with exactly this balance in mind: to keep small feet warm and dry, but never restricted. As a Latvian brand, we know what real winters mean — with snow, ice, and temperatures well below zero. In fact, our story began with this exact need: to create boots that protect children’s feet from the cold while still letting them move naturally.

Our very first model — the Robin 2 Boots — were inspired by our oldest son, Robin, and named after him. He was the reason we started this journey, and those boots remain our bestseller to this day. They’re soft, flexible, and lined with cozy faux fur for comfort during the cold months, while still keeping the true barefoot feel that children’s feet need.

This season, we also introduced a new favourite — the Bear Boots 🐻. With their playful bear face and little ears, they bring joy to every step. Built on our proven barefoot sole, they are fully flexible and designed for natural movement even in freezing weather.

For the very first steps in winter, we’ve created Redstart 2 Booties and Little Bear Booties — soft, insulated, and feather-light first walkers that let babies and toddlers explore the world without stiffness or weight.

So yes — barefoot in the winter is possible. With the right pair, children can run, climb, and play freely, even in frosty weather, while their feet continue to grow strong and naturally shaped.

Warmth should never come at the cost of healthy movement — and that’s exactly what Minimus barefoot winter boots stand for.