Whilst now a staple in most babies’ wardrobes, it was Kiwi brand Bobux that created the world’s first leather Soft Sole shoe nearly 35 years ago.
In 1991, Bobux’s founders took to their garage, armed with leather and suede, and made their first pair of Soft Sole shoes for their daughter. Revolutionary when they were first designed, a new footwear category was born, and the Bobux Soft Sole is now firmly established as a cornerstone of healthy foot development.
Design and detail
The success of the Bobux Soft Sole is in its simplicity, softness and familiarity. Each collection features familiar characters, shapes and objects that have a unique softness to them. With no sharp edges, buckles or metal fittings, they are like a second skin.
Bobux’s designers have a deep consideration for the sensory attributes of the characters that appear on the Soft Sole designs. From the position of their features (turned towards the child to entertain and stimulate them), to the stitching, layering, texture, colour and geometry.
The naturally treated leather supports breathability and allows the shoes to be used in any season, in winter they are worn with socks and in summer barefoot. The foot remains dry even during the hottest days. The shoes also have non-slip, colourful and patterned soles and are scuff-resistant, while elastic collars ensure a secure fit.
New 2025 collection
The latest collection includes Bugbee and Mooley Cow, which are part of the Bo Buddies range; Flutterheart, a Soft Sole T-bar shoe with intricate cut-out patterning, scalloped edges and a pearlised finish; Rusty Ride, featuring playful farmyard characters; Athalia, a sweet pair of leather baby shoes; Leopard, which has appliqué feature cut-outs to create the animal’s spots, while stitching forms its characteristic whiskers; and finally Simple, which is a staple item available in an array of colourways for all seasons, outfits and occasions.
For further information and wholesale enquiries, contact rory@jgmagencies.co.uk. Alternatively, click here to visit the Bobux website.