Why Zebs Shoes Is Changing the Way New Zealand Parents Think About Kids' Footwear

Reimagining Kids’ Footwear, One Shoe at a Time

NATIONWIDE - DECEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — When Zeb Harland realized that the shoes available for his children weren’t as healthy as they could be, he didn’t just settle for compromise. Instead, he took matters into his own hands and created Zebs Shoes, a brand dedicated to rethinking how kids’ shoes should be designed. The mission was simple: to create shoes that support natural movement and promote healthy foot development.

For many parents, buying shoes for their kids is a simple task. But what if your choice of footwear could impact the health of your child’s feet for years to come? That’s the question Harland had to answer, and it led to the creation of a brand with a passion for both design and function.

The Birth of Zebs Shoes

The journey began with a frustrating search for barefoot-friendly shoes in New Zealand. Despite a growing interest in minimalist footwear globally, yet nothing locally matched what he believed children’s feet required. Committed to supporting his children’s long-term development, he set out to create shoes that allow natural movement while remaining comfortable and durable for daily use..

Today, Zebs Shoes is a proudly local, Aotearoa-based business, committed to providing Kiwi kids with footwear that is as functional as it is comfortable. With an emphasis on flexibility and foot health, these shoes have quickly become a favorite among parents in New Zealand and beyond.

The Science Behind Zebs Shoes

Conventional kids’ shoes are often stiff, with rigid soles and constrictive toe boxes that can impede natural foot movement. These shoes may look cute, but they’re not doing your child’s feet any favors. Zebs Shoes takes a different approach. Designed with flexibility in mind, each pair is crafted to allow the foot to move freely, just like it would if the child were barefoot. This promotes healthy foot development and minimizes the risk of long-term foot problems, such as bunions, hammer toes, or knee pain.

Zebs Shoes are also durable, made to withstand the wear and tear of an active childhood. With high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these shoes are built to last, making them a smart investment for parents concerned about both foot health and value.

Commitment to Quality and Responsible Production

Zebs Shoes stands apart through its strict quality standards and carefully chosen manufacturing partners. Rather than prioritising mass production, the brand works with trusted partners committed to the same standards that understand minimalist footwear and can deliver consistent, high-quality craftsmanship. This approach ensures every pair meets Zebs’ standards for fit, durability, and foot health.

Why Choose Zebs Shoes?

Zebs Shoes isn’t just a business; it’s a passion project that’s making a real difference for kids’ feet. Designed for comfort and health, these shoes promote natural foot movement, helping children avoid the painful problems caused by conventional footwear. From flexible soles to breathable materials, Zebs Shoes delivers the best in kids’ footwear.

In addition, Zebs Shoes are built to grow with your child. Unlike other shoes that need to be replaced frequently, these shoes are durable enough to handle the rough and tumble of childhood activities while still offering the support young feet need.

Join the Movement for Healthy Feet

Zebs Shoes is redefining what it means to wear a quality pair of shoes, and parents everywhere are taking notice. If you want to make sure your child’s feet are getting the support they need, it’s time to choose a brand that cares as much about foot health as you do.

Visit Zebs Shoes to find out more about their range of shoes and how they can help support your child’s growth and development. Connect with Zebs Shoes on social media to stay updated on new releases and special offers.

Don’t settle for just any shoes. Choose Zebs Shoes and give your child the gift of healthy, happy feet.

For more information, follow Zebs Shoes on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. Your child’s feet will thank you!