Zebs Shoes creates footwear for kids that supports natural growth, promoting health and comfort with every step.
The Journey to Healthier Kids’ Shoes
Picture this: a child slipping on a new pair of shoes, excited to run, jump, and explore the world around them. For many parents, this moment is filled with joy but what if those shoes were actually doing more harm than good? Conventional footwear often doesn’t support the natural movement of growing feet. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, pain, and even long-term problems. This was a reality that Zeb Harland, the founder of Zebs Shoes, recognized early in his search for the perfect shoe for his own children. He found nothing locally that met his standards for healthy footwear so he decided to create it himself.
The Vision Behind Zebs Shoes
Zebs Shoes isn’t just another shoe brand; it’s a movement towards healthier, more functional footwear for kids. The company was born out of the frustrations of a parent who couldn’t find a quality barefoot shoe option for children in New Zealand. Zeb Harland’s solution was clear: design shoes that align with natural foot movement and support proper development while providing comfort, style, and durability. After exploring various barefoot shoe designs worldwide, Harland and his team began creating their own shoes, specifically tailored for New Zealand’s unique conditions and growing kids’ needs.
The result? Origin – by Zebs designed with care but also crafted with quality in mind. Flexible soles, breathable materials, and a focus on promoting healthy foot development set Zebs Shoes apart from conventional brands.
Why Zebs Shoes Is Different

Unlike many kids’ shoes that feature stiff soles, narrow toe boxes, and raised heels, Zebs Shoes are intentionally built to allow the foot to move as naturally as possible. Harland’s mission is simple: to support the feet of kids as they grow, providing them with the flexibility and comfort they need for active lives. His shoes are a blend of form and function, designed for movement and long-term health.
Zebs Shoes is a local, New Zealand-based business that focuses on quality over quantity. The company prides itself on being a small start-up with big goals: to create healthier shoes for children and raise awareness about the impact that poorly designed footwear can have on growing feet.
As Harland explains, “We’re not just making shoes, we’re helping kids avoid foot problems later in life. Our shoes help kids stay comfortable and healthy while running, jumping, and playing. It’s that simple.”
The Benefits of Healthy Footwear
Zebs Shoes are not just another pair of kids’ shoes; they are an investment in your child’s future health. Parents know the importance of good posture and proper alignment, but few realize how much their child’s shoes can impact this. Conventional shoes with narrow toe boxes and elevated heels can cause a range of issues, from squashed toes to poor posture. Over time, this can lead to more severe problems like knee pain, back pain, and even permanent foot deformities.

Zebs Shoes offer a solution to these issues by promoting natural movement. Their flexible soles mimic the sensation of walking barefoot, which encourages proper foot and toe development. This means fewer foot problems later in life and happier, healthier feet today.
Zebs Shoes: A Future-Focused Solution
As a small, homegrown company, Zebs Shoes is making a significant impact in the local market, especially in New Zealand and Australia. Harland’s vision for the brand is global, however, and the company is already seeing positive feedback from parents worldwide. For Zebs Shoes, it’s all about creating long-lasting, comfortable footwear that truly supports growing feet.
“It’s not just about selling shoes; it’s about educating people on why good footwear matters,” says Harland. “Our shoes are designed to give kids the best possible start in life.”
Whether you’re a parent looking for the right footwear for your child or someone passionate about supporting local businesses that care about the community, Zebs Shoes provides a unique offering.
Take Action
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to conventional kids’ footwear, Zebs Shoes is the perfect solution. Visit Zebs Shoes to explore their shoes designed to support healthy foot development. Join the movement towards better footwear for kids and help your child step into a future of natural movement and comfort.
For more information, follow Zebs Shoes on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. Your child’s feet will thank you!
