Store spotlight: Young Soles, British-style kids' shoes and barefoot styles

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Young Soles is a children's footwear brand set up in 2014 by designer Louise Shill, who couldn't find shoes she liked for her daughter. Based in Colchester, it takes grown-up British classics such as brogues, Mary Janes, T-bars, Chelsea boots and loafers and makes them in children's sizes, mostly in soft leather and in family-run European factories. It suits parents who want school and weekend shoes with a bit of character, and anyone looking for barefoot-style shoes that don't look like trainers.

Since 2022 the brand has offered a zero-drop barefoot sole, which is flat from heel to toe. It now runs through a whole Barefoot Collection of shoes, boots, sandals and trainers. Prices are in pounds, and the barefoot styles mostly cost between £58 and £64.

What's worth a look

• Darcey T-Bar Kids Barefoot Shoe in black leather, currently £58 (larger sizes up to £66). A classic T-bar on the barefoot sole that works as a school shoe, and it also comes in silver, rose, berry, navy and chestnut.
• Logan Kids Barefoot Chelsea Boot in tan leather, currently £64. Elastic sides make it easy for small children to pull on themselves, and there are black, navy and berry versions too.
• Pele Kids Barefoot Sneaker in white leather, currently £63. A simple leather trainer for children who want something sporty without giving up the flat, flexible sole.
• Sidney Brogue Kids Boot in tan burnished leather, currently £85. This is one of the brand's longest-running designs: a proper lace-up brogue boot on the original sole, also sold in green, rose, silver and black patent.
• Last Chance Sandals, where many leather sandals such as the Spike, Sonny and Heidi styles are currently £29, down from between £53 and £72. Sizes are limited, but it is a good place to buy ahead for next summer.

Current offers

• Barefoot Universe: code BU10, from our list. Check the terms when you apply it at checkout.
• Join the free Fan Club and get £10 credit in your Piggy Bank to spend on an order. Credit lasts 12 months.
• Recycle and Reward gives £10 store credit for each worn pair of Young Soles shoes you send back, wherever you bought them.
• Free shipping on orders over £100.
• If you exchange or return for store credit instead of a refund, they add an extra 10%.

How to save more

• Sign up to the Fan Club before your first order so the £10 credit is ready at checkout. Piggy Bank credit can usually be used alongside discount codes.
• Keep outgrown pairs. Each worn pair you recycle is worth £10 towards the next size up.
• Buying shoes and boots together will often take you past £100 and get you free shipping.

Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 4 Oct 2026. Prices and stock can change.