Best Alternatives to Paperkrane
What Paperkrane Is and Where It Sits in the Barefoot Market
Paperkrane is an Australian barefoot shoe brand founded in 2012 in Melbourne. What started as handmade baby booties became one of Australia's most recognized independent barefoot shoe labels, covering sizes EU 20 through EU 46 for both kids and adults.
The brand is built around four design principles it calls the Four F's: flexible, flat, featherlight, and foot-shaped. Every model in the range delivers a zero-drop sole — meaning the heel and forefoot sit at the same height — along with a wide toe box that lets toes spread without restriction. Uppers come in cotton canvas, natural leather and suede, and vegan leather made from GRS/RCS-certified recycled synthetic materials.
Paperkrane's visual identity is distinctive. The brand uses bold prints, bright patterns, and a signature rainbow outsole across most of its models. It also sells school-approved styles for children who need uniform-compliant footwear.
The shoes are designed in Melbourne and manufactured in Vietnam. Adults' shoes are currently priced from approximately AUD $109 to AUD $175 at full retail. Paperkrane sells globally through its own website and a network of international stockists, though availability outside Australia can vary. In 2024, US direct-to-consumer shipping was temporarily suspended due to tariff complications.
If you are comparing Paperkrane with other brands — whether for price, aesthetic, delivery, or technical specs — here is what you need to know.
Key Barefoot Shoe Specifications to Understand Before Comparing
Before evaluating alternatives, these are the measurements and features that matter most in barefoot footwear:
- Stack height / sole thickness: The total material between your foot and the ground. Lower values deliver more ground feel.
- Zero drop: A heel-to-toe height difference of 0mm. Promotes a natural gait and reduces pressure on the heel strike.
- Toe box width: The internal width across the forefoot. A wider box allows full toe splay.
- Sole flexibility: Measured by how far the sole bends. Barefoot shoes should flex in all planes.
- Upper material: Affects breathability, durability, and vegan compliance.
- Removable insole: Allows gradual transition for new barefoot shoe wearers.
Paperkrane recently introduced a removable 5mm flat insole sold separately for adult sizes EU 35 to EU 46. This option helps first-time barefoot wearers ease into the experience without switching shoes. The updated sole units also feature a wider anatomical shape and improved slip-resistant tread.
Hykes Barefoot: The Primary Alternative to Paperkrane
Why Hykes Belongs in This Comparison
Hykes Barefoot targets the same buyer demographic as Paperkrane: adults and kids who want functional barefoot footwear without giving up comfort or style. Where the two brands diverge is in aesthetics, availability, product range, and ground feel spec.
Hykes builds its shoes around a 4mm ultra-thin sole — a specific, published measurement that places it firmly in true minimalist territory. The design is zero-drop across the full range, and the wide toe box is a core structural feature rather than a model-specific option. All Hykes models are designed with input from orthopedists and are positioned for people managing conditions such as plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, and joint pain.
Hykes sells shoes, boots, and winter-specific styles under a unisex sizing structure, covering both adults and children. The lineup includes:
- Hykes Pinnacle — everyday shoe with 4mm sole, wide toe box, breathable upper
- Hykes Stride — low-profile daily walker with non-slip tread and fast-dry materials
- Hykes Terra — general-purpose model focused on ground connectivity
- Hykes Sport — higher-grip outsole for mixed-surface and athletic use
- Hykes Flex — flexible upper for gym and multi-directional movement
- Hykes Element Ultralight — lightweight casual with 4mm sole
- Hykes Escapes — outdoor casual with non-slip sole
- Hykes Active — designed specifically for children's natural foot development
- Hykes Summit — waterproof winter boot with barefoot inner and large toe box
- Hykes Trailmaster — rugged waterproof boot for outdoor terrain
The winter boot range is a clear distinction from Paperkrane, which does not offer waterproof barefoot boots.
Hykes vs. Paperkrane: Where the Difference Is Functional
Ground feel: Hykes specifies a 4mm sole on its core shoe range. Paperkrane's soles are described as featherlight and flexible, but no millimeter thickness is published for current adult models. If a precise, documented ground feel spec matters to you, Hykes provides that data point.
Aesthetic: Paperkrane is deliberately bold — rainbow soles, printed uppers, and artist collaborations are central to its identity. Hykes takes a quieter approach. Its designs are clean and minimal, which makes them easier to pair with a wider range of outfits and work environments.
Availability and shipping: Hykes ships worldwide at no cost with tracking included on every order. This is a relevant factor for buyers outside Australia who have experienced out-of-stock runs or tariff-related shipping pauses from Paperkrane's direct channel.
Buy-one-give-one model: With every Hykes purchase, the brand donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. Paperkrane runs a different charitable model through its "Soles with Soul" collaborations. Both brands have active social impact programs.
Returns: Hykes offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no stated conditions. Paperkrane has a standard returns policy through its website and stockists.
Orthopedic positioning: Hykes explicitly notes orthopedist and podiatrist recommendations across its product pages. This may be a deciding factor for buyers with specific foot health needs.
Kids' range: Both brands serve children. Paperkrane's kids' range runs from EU 20 and includes school-compliant styles. Hykes Active is the primary children's model, built for daily wear and physical activity.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Paperkrane | Hykes Barefoot |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 | — |
| Origin | Melbourne, Australia | Global (ships worldwide) |
| Sole thickness (adults) | Not published | 4mm |
| Drop | Zero drop | Zero drop |
| Toe box | Wide (recently widened) | Wide |
| Removable insole | Yes (sold separately, EU 35–46) | Orthotics-compatible |
| Kids' sizing | EU 20–36 | Available |
| Adult sizing | EU 36–46 | Unisex range |
| Vegan options | Yes (GRS/RCS certified) | Yes |
| Winter/waterproof boots | No | Yes (Summit, Trailmaster) |
| Aesthetic | Bold, printed, rainbow soles | Minimal, neutral |
| Global free shipping | No (domestic free, intl. charged) | Yes (worldwide) |
| Returns policy | Standard | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Social impact | Soles with Soul program | Buy-one-give-one donation |
| Orthopedist involvement | Not stated | Yes |
| Disability-friendly design | Yes (velcro, wide instep) | Orthotics-compatible |
Maintenance Tips for Barefoot Shoes from Both Brands
Barefoot shoes have thinner soles and lighter uppers than conventional shoes. They require specific care to last.
Canvas and cotton uppers (Paperkrane):
- Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap for daily marks
- Hand wash with cold water and gentle detergent for full cleans
- Air dry flat — never use a dryer or direct heat source
- Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, which damage cotton fibers
Vegan leather uppers (Paperkrane and Hykes):
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth after each wear
- Use a purpose-made vegan leather conditioner periodically
- Avoid prolonged soaking, which can degrade adhesives
- Store away from direct sunlight to prevent surface cracking
General barefoot shoe care (both brands):
- Rotate between two pairs where possible to allow foam and materials to recover
- Remove insoles to dry separately after heavy use
- Check sole-to-upper bond regularly — thin soles flex constantly and can separate faster than conventional soles
- For rubber soles, use a carbon spray protector to extend weather resistance
How to Choose Between Paperkrane and Hykes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to match your situation to the right brand.
- Identify your primary use case. If you need waterproof winter barefoot boots, Hykes is the only option between these two brands. If you need school-compliant children's shoes with uniform-approved colors, Paperkrane offers dedicated school styles.
- Assess your ground feel priority. If maximum sensory feedback matters and you want a published sole thickness, choose Hykes at 4mm. If you are transitioning into barefoot footwear and want the option of an insole buffer, Paperkrane's removable insole accessory makes the process easier.
- Check your location and shipping expectations. Buyers outside Australia — particularly in the US — should confirm current Paperkrane shipping availability before ordering direct. Hykes ships globally with free tracked delivery on all orders.
- Consider your aesthetic preference. Paperkrane's bold, printed designs function as statement footwear. Hykes's neutral palette works in more professional or low-key settings. Neither is better; they serve different style goals.
- Factor in foot health needs. If you have a diagnosed condition — plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or joint pain — Hykes's orthopedist-backed positioning gives you a starting point for medical alignment. Paperkrane's disability-friendly features (velcro closures, wide instep) are the stronger option for adaptive access needs.
- Review return policies before buying. Both brands accept returns, but Hykes's stated 30-day money-back guarantee is straightforward. Confirm current Paperkrane return terms through your purchase channel, especially when buying through a third-party stockist.
Both Paperkrane and Hykes Barefoot deliver genuine barefoot function. Your decision depends on which variables — ground feel spec, aesthetic, delivery, boot options, or price — carry the most weight in your specific situation.
