Welcome to my review of the Kids’ Prio from Xero Shoes, one of the best shoe brands for barefoot shoes. As an experienced former holistic fitness coach, I’m a big fan of the barefoot philosophy and natural movement.
Keep reading to find out all about why the Prio could be your best choice for kids’ barefoot shoes. Alternatively, watch my video review below.
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[Check the latest prices on the kids prio at Xero Shoes].
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My favorite pick for kids barefoot shoes
I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for many years. I knew from the start that I wanted to offer my girls the chance to move and play freely without being restricted by rigid footwear.
If you’re looking for zero-drop kids’ shoes, the kids’ Prio from Xero Shoes is a winner. My daughter enjoys all her favorite outdoor activities in the kids’ Prio. These include climbing trees and fences, running and walking barefoot-style, playing in the playground, and just generally being wild and free.
What does she think of them? Well, she was happy they had the purple trim on offer. She was also stoked that they looked pretty similar to Mom and Dad’s Terraflex shoes.
However, she would like them more if they came in her favorite color, pink. She’d also be thrilled if there were some matching ones that her little sister could fit!
[2025 update – there are now five colors available in the kids’ Prio, including pink! Plus, they have little kids’ sizes coming soon!]
[Check the latest prices on the kids prio at Xero Shoes].
Features and specs of the kids’ Prio
Here are some of the key features of the kids’ Prio:
- Like all Xero Shoes, the Kids Prio features a flexible sole that allows kids’ foot muscles to bend and flex naturally.
- The super flexible soles are also very thin to allow for maximum ground feel.
- The kids’ Prio features a foot-shaped design with a wide toe box for easy entry and to ensure the toes can spread naturally.
- There is zero drop between the heel and the rest of the shoe. This feature helps kids maintain a natural stance and posture.
- The soft barefoot sole on the kids’ Prio has slightly more grip and flexibility than the adults’ Prio.
- Mega lightweight design at only 6.3 oz (178.7 g) per size 3 shoe.
- A tension strap allows for the perfect, secure fit.
- Breathable mesh adds to the comfort of these barefoot shoes, so your kids can have fun and play all day!
Xero Shoes have really worked on getting the fit of these barefoot shoes just right for children. And it was pretty cool to watch my daughter learn to tie her shoelaces with the kids’ Prio, even though the process caused her a lot of frustration!
[Check the latest prices on the kids Prio at Xero Shoes].
Xero Shoes kids Prio sizes
The Prio barefoot kids shoe sizes start from a U.S. kids’ size 12 and go up to a youth size 4. So they don’t have barefoot shoes for toddlers yet. However, their website now says smaller sizes are coming soon!
According to the Xero Shoes size guide, the kids Prio fits true to size. Therefore, you should order your child’s usual size in this style.
Kids Prio prices
The Prio for kids currently retails at $64.99. Although the kids’ shoe market is full of cheap brands, many of them don’t offer the quality and durability I know I’m getting with Xero Shoes.
And as any parent knows, kids outgrow shoes very quickly. Xero Shoes has very awesomely set up a Facebook group. In it, you can arrange to buy from or swap with other parents who have Xero kids’ shoes their kids have outgrown.
[Check the latest prices on the kids Prio at Xero Shoes].
I love these kids barefoot shoes!
I love the Prio kids minimalist shoes. I’m a big advocate for natural movement, and I’m grateful to have this barefoot shoe option for my kids.
The Prio offers the protection they need when going barefoot isn’t ideal. This fab little shoe makes it easy for them to keep doing all the fun stuff they love doing.
Frequently asked questions about the kids Prio
No, the kids Prio is not made from waterproof material. However, they’re designed to let kids enjoy all the outdoor activities they love, while performing well in both wet and dry conditions.
The kids Prio has grippy traction so kids can enjoy being kids on uneven, soft, rocky, and firm terrain.
Other barefoot shoes for kids from Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes currently offers four styles of kids barefoot shoes. Aside from the Prio, they have the:
- Z-trail – kids’ barefoot sandals with grippy traction, perfect for any terrain. Read my kids’ Z-trail review.
- Dillon knit: classic and comfortable kids’ barefoot sneakers.
- Dillon canvas slip-on – barefoot sneakers that are super easy to get on and off.
More Xero Shoes reviews
If you’re also looking at barefoot, minimalist footwear options in grown-up sizes, Xero Shoes offers a wide range of minimalist designs. Check out my other Xero Shoes reviews below:
- Zelen sustainable barefoot road running shoe
- Terraflex barefoot shoe (a rough terrain trail trainer)
- Terraflex II review (an upgraded version of their original Terraflex offroad shoe)
- Z-trail hiking and running barefoot sandal
- Jessie ultra-thin minimalist sandal
- Cassie minimalist shoe (Mary Jane style)
- Aqua Cloud barefoot water sandal
- Interview with a former podiatrist about Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes has a vast range of other styles, from winter boots to leather shoes suitable for the office, and more.
Plus, if you’re keen to understand more about the value of barefoot living, check out this post about the benefits of walking barefoot.
Kids Prio review | In Conclusion
The Prio from Xero Shoes is a fantastic choice for kids’ barefoot shoes, designed to support their natural growth and suitable for all the outdoor activities little ones love.
The Prio is one of the original and best-selling styles from Xero Shoes, and the kids’ style currently has 81 5-star reviews out of 111 reviews.
Are you considering purchasing the Prio youth barefoot shoes? Has your kid already tried them? Are you looking at another style of minimalist kids’ shoes? Join the conversation, and leave any questions or comments below!
[Check the latest prices on the Kids Prio at Xero Shoes].
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Loved this article! Thanks for the information. It’s exactly what I needed.
You’re most welcome Itzel!