In an exciting collaboration between footwear innovators Vivobarefoot and wellness expert Jasmine Hemsley, the new PLUMA KNIT shoe promises to give toddlers the ultimate in barefoot movement. Designed with sustainability and healthy foot development in mind, the PLUMA KNIT marks a significant step forward in children's footwear.
Vivobarefoot, a certified B Corp focused on natural health and movement, is known for its minimalist, barefoot designs that allow feet to move and develop as nature intended. Dulma Clark, Head of the Livebarefoot Fund at Vivobarefoot, explains that the PLUMA KNIT was born from a shared vision of promoting natural foot function in the early stages of child development.
“Strong and stable feet are the foundation of human movement," says Clark. "We wanted to collaborate with Jasmine because of her passion for true natural foot function and her ability to blend Eastern wisdom with the latest technology in Western wellbeing. She’s all about encouraging a return to a more mindful way of life, and that really resonated with us.”
The PLUMA KNIT is designed to feel as close to barefoot as possible, which is crucial for children whose feet are still developing. Clark emphasises the importance of keeping kids out of stiff shoes during these formative years: “Bones in children’s feet don’t fully form until their teenage years. So, it’s vital they experience natural movement and avoid stiff, restrictive shoes. When kids are barefoot, or in Vivobarefoot footwear, they get the full range of motion, which helps them build strong, healthy feet.”
Made from TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres, a sustainable material derived from controlled wood sources, the PLUMA KNIT combines eco-friendly design with high functionality. The shoe’s soft, flexible construction encourages natural movement, providing a seamless connection between toddlers and the ground beneath them. Its innovative 360-degree knitted sock design, made for sock-free wear, offers extra toe-wiggling space, helping children move freely without restriction.
Clark explains why sustainability was a critical factor in the creation of the PLUMA KNIT. “TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are produced using a closed-loop process that results in almost zero waste. These fibres are not only soft and smooth but also break down naturally at the end of their life cycle. We’re also using fewer components in the shoe’s construction to further reduce environmental impact.”
Jasmine Hemsley, a long-time advocate for conscious living and sustainable choices, was inspired to create a shoe that aligned with her own values as a mother and wellbeing expert. She reflects on her personal journey in search of the perfect footwear for her children: “When my daughter Mahi started walking, I struggled to find shoes that were flexible enough to support her natural foot development but also durable for outdoor wear. The PLUMA KNIT fills this gap, and it’s what both Mahi and my younger child, Dash, now wear when they aren’t barefoot.”
For Vivobarefoot, the philosophy of barefoot movement is about more than just physical health; it’s a lifestyle choice that promotes a deeper connection with nature. The PLUMA KNIT embodies this ethos, offering toddlers a shoe that fosters sensory feedback, strengthens the foot’s natural mechanics, and nurtures the body’s natural potential. Clark highlights the shoe’s role in encouraging children to stay connected with their environment: “The PLUMA is designed to strengthen and protect natural movement. It has a super-thin, flexible outsole that allows children to experience the ground beneath them while still providing protection.”
The minimalist design of the PLUMA KNIT reflects Vivobarefoot’s commitment to using as few materials as possible, ensuring that every part of the shoe serves a functional purpose. Clark is particularly proud of the shoe’s adaptability, adding that it is built to grow with the child. “The heel has webbing to make it easier to pull on and off, and the foot-shaped design allows for natural movement, helping kids’ feet grow strong and healthy, just as nature intended.”
Parents concerned about their children’s foot development will appreciate the scientific research that underpins Vivobarefoot’s barefoot philosophy. Clark cites the growing body of evidence showing that children’s feet develop best when they are allowed to move freely. “Kids’ feet are sensory powerhouses that help with balance, coordination, and cognitive development. Wrapping them up in stiff, traditional shoes hinders that feedback. The PLUMA KNIT offers a flexible, foot-shaped alternative that supports healthy growth.”
As for sustainability, Vivobarefoot’s use of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres ensures that the PLUMA KNIT is as kind to the planet as it is to children’s feet. The closed-loop production process used to create these fibres results in minimal waste, while the material itself is both durable and biodegradable.
The PLUMA KNIT is now available globally via Vivobarefoot’s website, with sizes for toddlers and preschoolers. At a retail price of £50 for toddlers and £55 for preschoolers, the shoe offers an eco-conscious, health-promoting option for parents seeking the best in barefoot footwear for their children.
The launch of the PLUMA KNIT marks another milestone in Vivobarefoot’s mission to reconnect humans with nature and foster natural movement from the ground up, foot by foot. With sustainability at the heart of the design, the shoe promises to nurture the next generation’s feet while safeguarding the planet’s future.
For Clark and the Vivobarefoot team, the PLUMA KNIT is more than just a shoe; it’s a statement about the power of mindful living and a commitment to improving both human and planetary health. As Clark puts it, “We believe that by helping children walk as nature intended, we’re not just giving them a healthier start in life; we’re also teaching them to value the world they walk on.”
