For many Kiwi families, choosing the right shoes isn’t just about style — it’s about comfort, health, sustainability, and value. With kids constantly growing and adults juggling busy lifestyles, it can feel like shoes wear out faster than you can replace them. But there’s a smarter, more eco-conscious way forward.
What are sustainable shoes?
Sustainable shoes are made using eco friendly, responsibly sourced materials and are designed to reduce waste and last longer.
Environmentally friendly shoes, like our range of sustainable barefoot styles at Bprimal, are not only better for your feet — they’re also kinder to the planet, and to your wallet in the long run. Our high-quality range of barefoot shoes NZ are designed for durability, natural movement, and minimal environmental impact, offering better long-term value for Kiwi families compared to fast fashion footwear.
Our environmentally friendly shoes are crafted from durable, natural materials designed to minimise waste. Start your family’s journey toward healthier feet and sustainable barefoot shoes — shop online at Bprimal today.
Learn more about our Sustainability values and mission at Bprimal here.
Why Cheap Shoes Cost More in the Long Run
Fast fashion shoes may seem budget-friendly, but they often wear out quickly and need frequent replacement. Common issues include:
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Soles wearing down after a single season
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Narrow toe boxes causing discomfort and even foot pain later on, costing extra money in pain relief and health care
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Non-breathable materials that don’t withstand New Zealand’s diverse weather
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Poor support that leads to fatigue and posture issues
For families, that means spending more money (and creating more waste) over time.
Looking for a better option? Explore bprimal’s wide range of eco friendly barefoot shoes that last longer and support healthy feet for all ages.
How Sustainable Barefoot Shoes Save Kiwi Families Money
1. Long-Lasting Quality for Adults
Barefoot shoes for adults are designed for strength, flexibility, and timeless style. Take the Vivobarefoot Ra IV – Obsidian (Men’s): smart enough for mahi (work) or weekend adventures, yet built to last. Instead of buying multiple pairs of shoes for different occasions, one versatile, environmentally friendly barefoot shoe can do it all.
2. Healthy Barefoot School Shoes for Kids
School shoes see some of the toughest wear. Kids barefoot shoes, like the Bprimal Kids MJ (Leather) are made with wide toe boxes and flexible soles to promote natural comfort and stability. These barefoot shoes for kids last longer than cheap synthetic alternatives, reducing both waste and replacement costs.
3. Supporting Toddlers from the Start
Giving tamariki a natural start sets them up for strong, balanced feet. The Vivobarefoot Primus Sport IV Toddlers – Glacial Green is lightweight, flexible, and tough enough for endless play. Our wide range of barefoot kids shoes are designed to withstand daily wear and toddler adventures.
4. Built for Kiwi Adventures
Families who love to explore need shoes that keep up. At Bprimal, we stock barefoot shoes for all ages and occasions.
The Vivobarefoot Tracker AT Kids Hiking Boot – Acorn is a durable, water-resistant option that lets children roam freely through bush tracks, beaches, and playgrounds — while staying aligned with nature and sustainability.
How to Make Your Sustainable Barefoot Shoes Last Longer
Investing in sustainable barefoot shoes or other environmentally friendly shoes is only part of the equation — caring for your barefoot shoes properly ensures they serve you for years. Here are simple ways to extend their lifespan:
1. Rotate Your Shoes
Give your shoes time to breathe by alternating between pairs. This reduces moisture build-up and helps the materials retain their natural flexibility.
2. Clean Gently and Regularly
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt after every wear. For leather pairs, apply natural polish or wax to condition and protect the surface. Avoid harsh detergents that can damage eco materials.
3. Dry Naturally
Never use direct heat sources like radiators or dryers. Instead, remove insoles and let your shoes air dry at room temperature — it helps preserve both structure and adhesives.
4. Store Properly
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use shoe trees or stuff them with recycled paper to maintain their shape.
5. Repair, Don’t Replace
A small scuff or worn sole doesn’t mean it’s time for a new pair. Many eco friendly barefoot shoes can be resoled or refurbished, giving them a second life and keeping waste out of landfills.
Love your shoes longer — browse our shoe care kits and accessories specially designed to protect and preserve your barefoot footwear.
Natural Movement for Growing Feet
Our range of kids’ barefoot shoes is designed to move naturally with little ones through every part of their day — from school classrooms to playground adventures and weekend explorations. With flexible soles and a wide toe box that lets toes spread and balance freely, these shoes encourage natural movement and healthy foot development from the ground up.
Each pair is made to keep up with active kids and busy families — durable enough for daily wear, yet light and comfortable for endless play. Whether they’re climbing, running, or exploring new places, our kids’ barefoot shoes support growing feet while keeping them connected to the ground beneath them.
Sustainable Barefoot Shoe Brands: Walk Lightly on the Planet
At Bprimal, we believe every step toward natural movement should also tread lightly on the Earth. Many of the barefoot shoe brands we stock share this vision — designing footwear that supports your feet and the planet. From recycled materials to ethical manufacturing, these brands lead the way in creating eco friendly barefoot shoes and other environmentally friendly shoes that align with New Zealand’s sustainable lifestyle.
Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot is one of the most recognised names in sustainable footwear. Their shoes are made with recycled PET plastics, bio-based materials, and eco-suede, and they focus on circular design — encouraging customers to repair and recycle instead of discard. Vivobarefoot also supports environmental initiatives through their Livebarefoot Foundation, which promotes regenerative practices and community impact.
Click here to learn more about Vivobarefoot’s Sustainability mission.
Lems Shoes
Lems blend minimalist design with an eco-conscious mindset. Their commitment to sustainability includes reducing material waste, using recycled packaging, and incorporating responsibly sourced materials throughout production. Lems focuses on long-lasting durability — fewer replacements mean less waste.
Click here to learn more about Lems ongoing sustainability initiatives.
Freet Shoes
Freet designs performance barefoot shoes with recycled coffee grounds, PET plastics, and vegan materials. The brand aims for complete recyclability and continues to explore new plant-based alternatives. Freet also participates in Global Recycling Day to raise awareness around sustainable practices.
Learn more about their initiatives here on the Freet Sustainability Page and Global Recycling Day Blog.
Altra Running
Altra Running integrates sustainability into its manufacturing through reduced material waste, responsible sourcing, and durability-focused design. Their goal is to extend product life while lowering environmental impact.
Find more details in the Altra Sustainability FAQ here.
Shamma Sandals
Shamma Sandals create handcrafted, minimalist sandals using locally-sourced leather and small-batch production methods to minimise waste. The brand’s family-run operation in California focuses on quality over quantity — ensuring products that last for years rather than seasons.
Affordable Tools For Long-Term Foot Health
Supporting foot health doesn’t stop with shoes. Bprimal’s Foot Health Collection offers simple, affordable tools like ToeFlex Bands, cork rollers, and toe spacers that help strengthen and maintain healthy feet for the whole family. These small investments go a long way toward preventing future problems.
Support your family’s foot health with natural tools — browse our natural Foot Health range.
Final Thoughts: Why Sustainable Shoes Are the Smarter Choice
For Kiwi families, every dollar — and every footprint — counts. While sustainable barefoot shoes may cost a little more upfront, their durability, eco-conscious materials, and long-term health benefits make them a smarter investment.
Instead of replacing worn-out, synthetic shoes every few months, choose sustainable barefoot footwear that supports natural movement, reduces waste, and lasts longer.
Ready to make the sustainable switch?
Explore Bprimal’s wide range of barefoot shoes NZ and find durable, eco friendly barefoot shoes for your whole whānau — shop online for delivery right to your door in New Zealand!
Shop our collections of environmentally friendly shoes:
