My middle kid loves all things that remind him of the outdoors, whether it’s bugs, sunshine, or even camo looks that remind him of the woods. Seeing this design from PaperKrane instantly grabbed him and he’s been enjoying them since. Check out the review to see if they would also work for you.
Disclaimer: The pictured pair were sent to us for review, but all thoughts are my own. If you are planning to buy your own PKs, save 10% with my affiliate code OWBSHOES.
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Company Information
PaperKrane focuses on fun to the max and while you may not ‘get’ every style they offer, you’re probably going to find something you love and that gives off a vibe that works for you. They are able to cover everything from school shoes with black lace-ups to toddler models to super-bright patterns and rainbow shoes.
They were founded in 2012 in Melbourne, Australia has a handmade, soft-sole shoe business, but in 2016 expanded their offerings and sizes to serve a larger customer base. Now they are carried by stockists around the world (some options in the Purchasing section below or the full list is available here). Read more about them here.
Technical Specifications
- Upper: Smooth Leather
- Outsole: Natural rubber (Flexi sole)
- Sizes: EU 22-42
- 6 different colorways feature in this same Velcro style
Appearance
The Military model from PK is balanced with the smooth white upper and camo sole in a way to work with different ages, genders, and styles. It’s both unique and universal at once.
Because this is worn by a young kid, I don’t show his face nor ‘style’ them like I normally do. Here is his style choice right out of the gate, in an outfit entirely of his making. I don’t think he disappoints.
He has worn them with everything. If I don’t have a reason that he has to wear something else like boots, then it’s a toss-up between these and Bedrocks Sandals to what he reaches for first. This is major approval from the kid who’d rather wear no shoes at all.
Fit
PaperKrane has different lines, some of which have more volume than others, and this one is in the middle. While the Chelsea boots are going to be snug for a secure fit, especially at the forefoot, and the lace-up models are more generous, these have versatility in security thanks to the velcro to work for a variety of volumes. In the current model, the velcro is a little better for lower and medium volume feet, so some of the base velcro shows for him. Future velcro models will have a loop for the tongue and longer velcro straps.
The width on PKs, especially the higher you go in the 30s, gets progressively less wide for the length, down to medium, at most, in the highest sizes. He’s wearing a 36 and will soon go up, more for width than length, and I know that he can only do that a couple more sizes before the shoes would be too narrow to allow adequate sizing up without becoming a tripping hazard.
There is some play here due to the very high flexibility of the materials, the softness all around, and the way the shoes wear in, but for us, this is a compromise to let him enjoy a shoe he loves by playing with the sizing. Check out this page for their detailed explanations of the fit and feel of each PaperKrane model.
Shape-wise, those with very squared-off or slow slopes to their toes may find their outer toes run out of room, especially if you have a wider splay. The softness of the material can help a little, but there’s a limit.
Sizing
PaperKrane cares more about sizing accuracy than most any brand out there. They will even give you measurements of the last used to make the shoe upon request, and their sizing charts are very detailed. I really can’t add to that *except* that I advocate for more wiggle room than they do, especially for growing feet. They say to allow for 7-12 mm and I support 12-17 mm. Otherwise, I love what they’re doing and just want them to offer a wider version in the future. I peep up with that thought to them a lot.
How do they feel?
He tells me they are light, flexible, soft, and his favorites. They definitely live up to the flexibility markers we want:
And they had no official breaking in as far as any rough spots or pains, but they do soften and break in with wear.
Lastly, the sole does not have much tread to it. Natural rubber has some grippiness on its own, but these are not shoes that you’re going to rely on to take you up a slick hill or deal with mud and wet grass. They’re perfect for fun, urban wear.
Cleaning and Care
Waterproofing is a great idea to protect any leather shoes and you can find some options here. Other than that, wiping down the shoes is likely all you’ll need to do, thanks to the smooth leather and fairly smooth sole.
The model on the left is the Chestnut lace-up, reviewed here.
Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns
PaperKranes can be purchased directly from the company with shipment from Australia and they are very reasonably priced compared to many barefoot shoes options. You can also save 10% with my code OWBSHOES. Shipping will go up based on weight, starting at just under $30 for 1 pair and rising to a little over $60 USD for up to 5kg of shoes, so it definitely pays to buy more than 1 pair at a time if you’re buying directly from PK.
If you’re in the US, check out PedTerra, which carries a nice variety of PaperKranes and offers free shipping and returns. The same code OWBSHOES works there too (also affiliate) and this link applies it automatically.
UK buyers can find PaperKrane at Happy Little Soles.
The full list of country-by-country stockists is here.
Final Thoughts
As a barefoot shoes advocate with a data-based mindset I can’t ignore numbers and I would like them to be wider for his sake so we would be relying less on sizing up and the flexibility of the material to meet his foot needs. However, we’re privileged to be homeschoolers and he doesn’t have to wear shoes every day, so I’m happy to have such a light, fun, flexible shoe that he adores for him to wear when he needs to put something on. I bought him the next 2 sizes up in a Black Friday sale and then he’ll have to move on.
I know, though, that if PK delivers on wider models in the future, he’ll be ready and waiting to keep enjoying them as long as possible, and Mom will be right behind him, looking for her own pair in a bright color or fun pattern.
Want more reviews?
Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for more in-depth looks.
Want to check out other lists, such as color and type breakdowns?
Check out all the BIG lists here.
