FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS

  • Pre-Walker: For crawlers, cruisers, and assisted standers. Ultra-light, ultra-flexible — as close to barefoot as possible.

    First Walker: For first independent steps. Still barefoot-friendly, with added grip, protection, and our patented FlotActiv™ suspension system.

  • Yes — all our shoes are unisex. Children's feet are the same at this stage, so there's no need for gendered models. Creating gendered ranges not only reinforces outdated norms but also contributes to overproduction and waste. We've chosen a thoughtful range of colourways that work for any child.

  • Pre-Walker: Best for indoors. Can handle short outdoor use (like smooth paths) but not built for rough terrain.

    First Walker: Great for both — footpaths, playgrounds, and adventures.

  • No. We prioritise breathability and safety over chemical waterproofing. First Walkers handle splashes, but aren't puddle-proof.

  • 6 months to 3 years — when foot development is fastest. Bigger sizes coming soon.

  • Yes — larger sizes are on the way. Stay tuned.

  • Nope. We're all in on little feet — and doing one thing really well.

MATERIALS + SAFETY

  • Our shoes are made from mainly biobased and natural materials such as wool, cotton, MIRUM®, and PLIANT®. Only a small % of components (part of the uppers, stitching & adhesives) aren't biobased — and we're working on that.

  • Yes, all materials are certified non-toxic and skin-safe to EU REACH standards.

  • No. We use wool for its breathability, odour resistance, and natural performance. Many "vegan" shoes rely on fossil-fuel synthetics, not exactly low-impact.

  • Bio-based materials are made from things that come from nature — like plants, trees, or even food waste — instead of fossil fuels like oil or gas. They can be made from materials such as corn, sugarcane, natural rubber, or castor beans. These are often processed into usable forms like bio-based plastics, foams, or textiles. They can look and feel like synthetic (man-made) materials but are created from renewable, plant-based sources, making them more sustainable and better for the environment.

  • Natural materials are used in their original form or with minimal processing. Think of wool, cotton, natural rubber, or cork. They come from nature and are typically biodegradable. Biobased materials, on the other hand, start with natural sources but are processed or engineered to behave like man-made materials. A common example is bio-based foam made from castor oil, which can replace petroleum-based foam.

  • Not easily, and that's a footwear-wide issue. We're simplifying materials, ditching plastics, and working toward a take-back scheme. Stay tuned for updates. and a resale platform. For now, the best thing? Pass them on and make the most out of their use phase.

SIZE + FIT

  • Use our easy size guide to measure at home. If in doubt, size up, little feet grow fast. Or just ask us!

  • Yes — but every foot is different. Check our fit guide or contact us for help.

  • No. EU sizing has smaller increments than UK, and kids grow fast. Half sizes would add waste — we keep it simple and smart.

  • Totally up to you. They're comfy with or without socks — soft, breathable, and skin-safe either way.

ORDERS + CHANGES

  • If it hasn't shipped yet, email us ASAP at hello@brightland.cc and we'll try to help.

  • Oops, email us at hello@brightland.cc and we'll fix it fast.

SHIPPING + RETURNS

  • We ship across the UK with standard and express options at checkout.

  • We ship in 1–2 business days. You'll get a tracking link when your order is on the way.

  • Not yet but we're working on it. Sign up to be first to know.

  • Return unworn shoes within 30 days in original packaging. See our Returns page for details.

ABOUT BRIGHTLAND

  • We're a UK-based children's footwear brand, founded by two friends who couldn't find the shoes their kids needed — so we built them, with experts and low-impact materials.

  • Most kids's shoes compromise on foot health or sustainability. We don't — we do both.

  • Our shoes are made in Portugal and that's a very deliberate choice. Portugal is home to some of the world's most skilled shoemakers, with a long tradition of craftsmanship. We didn't just want a factory; we wanted partners. We know the people who make our shoes and how they're made. That matters.

  • We only work with EU factories that meet strict labour, safety, and environmental standards and are regularly audited.

  • No, we sell direct to avoid overproduction and waste — and stay connected to the families we're designing for. Pop-ups might come later.

CONTACT + SUPPORT

  • Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

  • Click 'unsubscribe' at the bottom of any email — or drop us a line at hello@brightland.cc.

  • Reach out anytime - hello@brightland.cc

FOOTWEAR FACTS

  • Every year, the world produces over 24 billion pairs of shoes, a number that’s still growing by around 20% each decade. Most of these are made from plastics and synthetic materials that are hard to recycle.

    Source - RunRepeat “Footwear Production Statistics,” 2019; Running Shoes Guru
    “The Global Economy of Sneakers,” 2021.

  • Shockingly, around 90% of shoes end up in landfill, often within just 12 months of purchase. That’s because they’re usually made from mixed plastics, glues, and composites that are almost impossible to recycle.

    Source: Deloitte UK “Protecting Our Feet and Planet,” 2023; Forbes “Vivobarefoot Walks the Line Between Ultramodern & Ancient Wisdom,” 2024.

  • Today, fewer than 5% of the 24 billion pairs made each year are ever recycled or reused. The rest are either burned, sent to landfill, or sit unused in wardrobes.

    Source: EU LIFE Re-Shoes Project Report, 2022.