For lateral movement, I would suggest checking out my recommended gym shoes. I co-wrote it with a physical therapist that does a lot of different types of exercise, and these options have a little more side to side stability.

Hey Abby, you’ll find this list helpful:

Beginner Barefoot Shoes (with cushion)

Another new option to check out is Bahe Modes

Hey Emily, Vivobarefoot has youth sizes in running shoes.

I guess it depends on what you’re looking for in them. My kids wear Vivobarefoot for their sports most of the time. I know a lot of kids also use Xero Prio, which has a little bit more sole than Vivo.

For an 8 year old you could try the Xero Prio – it has a pretty durable sole and if you are concerned about the thickness you could add an insole.

Vibram Five Fingers might feel great on your feet without toe spacers (because they already separate your toes) and allow for all the dynamic movements because they are so glove like. I also would recommend the Saguaro Smart as a good dynamic workout shoe with a wide fit. Good luck!

Hi Mo! For that distance over pavement I would consider something like Altra. They are built for those distances and the technical specs are better than what you can find from most barefoot shoe brands. I love Vivo’s for natural outdoor terrain, in the gym, or everyday lifestyle, but they’re not my top pick for ultra running. Altra does have some insanely thick shoes, so I would stick with their lower stack heigh options (still way thicker than a Vivo shoe).

Freet and Tadeevo will work best if your feet are wide all throughout, rather than a fan shaped (narrow heel, widest at toes). The fit is quite different! If you already know you like the fit of Softstar Primals, I don’t think you’ll be happy in Freet or Tadeevo.