Brand · Italian children's footwear

Naturino

The 'sand effect' kids' shoe from Italy's Marche region.

Naturino
Re-checked daily
Naturino is the children's footwear line launched in 1988 by Italian shoemaker Falc, founded in 1974 in Civitanova Marche.

Naturino's signature is comfort underfoot: the line is characterised by its 'sand effect' system and a slip-out insole. It grew out of Falc, the Marche-region maker whose earlier Falcotto line, created for crawling babies and toddlers, arrived in 1982. Today Falc produces more than two million pairs of shoes a year, with exclusive stores and branch offices reaching the United States, Canada, Singapore, China, France and Germany.

Naturino shopping FAQ

Are Naturino kids' shoes worth it?+

Naturino is an Italian children's footwear line, and the appeal is its focus on shoes made specifically for growing feet rather than scaled-down adult designs. Reviews tend to praise the construction and comfort, with the usual caveat that fit can vary by style, so checking sizing for each pair is wise. For parents who prioritise a well-made, foot-friendly shoe, it's a credible choice.

How does Naturino sizing run for toddlers?+

Naturino is built around children's feet, but shopper experience suggests fit can vary from style to style — some pairs sit true to size while others feel snug — so it pays to check each model rather than assume. Where possible, measure your child's foot and compare against the specific size chart, and allow a little growing room. When in doubt with kids' shoes, the slightly roomier option is usually the safer one.

What is the Naturino line known for?+

Naturino was launched in 1988, and its characterising features are the "sand effect" system and a slip-out insole. Those details are the line's signature, distinguishing it within its parent company's wider footwear range. They're the kind of small, function-led touches that suit shoes for active children.

What's the difference between Naturino and Falcotto?+

Both come from the same Italian maker, but they target different stages: the Falcotto line, introduced in 1982, was created specifically for children who crawl and toddlers, while the Naturino line followed in 1988 with its sand-effect system and slip-out insole. In short, Falcotto leans to the very first steps and Naturino to the broader children's range. Knowing which your child needs helps narrow the choice.

Who actually makes Naturino shoes?+

Naturino is a line from Falc S.p.A., an Italian footwear manufacturer. The Naturino line was launched by Falc in 1988, sitting alongside the company's other footwear brands. So when you buy Naturino, you're buying into an established Italian shoemaking operation rather than a standalone start-up.

Where is Naturino from?+

Its parent company, Falc S.p.A., was founded in Civitanova Marche in Italy's Marche region in 1974. The name Falc derives from "Falchetti", a historical name for the inhabitants of the upper part of the town. So Naturino carries genuine Italian, region-rooted footwear heritage.

Why are Italian children's shoes like Naturino held in such regard?+

Italian footwear is widely noted for attention to detail and craft, and that reputation extends to children's lines like Naturino. Good early footwear matters for healthy foot development, which is exactly the area a specialist children's brand is built to address. That combination of craft heritage and a child-specific focus is much of the draw.

How big is the company behind Naturino?+

Falc produces more than 2 million pairs of shoes a year and in recent years has opened around 5,000 sales outlets, 50 exclusive stores, factories in several countries and branch offices in the United States, Canada, Singapore, China, France and Germany. That scale means Naturino is broadly available internationally. It's a sizeable operation rather than a niche cottage maker.

Has Falc ever made shoes for other fashion names?+

Yes — in 1989 Falc acquired the Moschino license for children's footwear, and it later moved into adult footwear in 2005 with Moschino's men's collection and the unisex Voile Blanche line. So the company behind Naturino has experience producing for designer labels too. That breadth speaks to its manufacturing capability.

When is the best time to buy children's shoes?+

With kids, timing is less about sales and more about growth — check the fit every couple of months, since children's feet change quickly and a shoe that fit at the start of a season may not by the end. Seasonal changeovers are when last-season styles tend to be marked down, which can suit a planned-ahead size. Just resist buying too far in advance, because the right size is a moving target.

How do I make Naturino shoes last through active use?+

Children are hard on footwear, so rotate two pairs where you can to let each dry out and recover, and wipe leather styles down rather than letting scuffs and mud set in. The slip-out insole makes airing and cleaning easier, which helps with everyday hygiene. Catching wear early — loose stitching, worn soles — also lets you retire a pair before it fails mid-adventure.