Questions, answered.
If you can't find the answer, email yishu@heylittlefierce.com.
Sizing & fit
How do I find the right size?
Getting your child's shoe size right is not easy! We recommend checking our Kids’ Shoe Size Guide. It's in both EU and US sizing.
What if my child is between sizes?
If your child’s foot sits between two sizes, go up one size. Kids’ feet grow fast! Our elastic design keeps the fit snug even with a little room to grow.
What ages is the Alpha for?
We carry kids' size 7-13 (EU24 - 31). They usually fit children from 3 to 8 years old.
Shipping & Returns
Where do you ship from?
Every Alpha is handmade in Portugal and shipped to you from our warehouse in California. US delivery usually takes 3-7 business days after processing.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to most countries. Shipping is free within the US, and elsewhere it’s $25 flat-rate. International customers cover import duties and taxes, which vary by country. See our shipping policy.
What is your return policy?
We offer 14-day exchanges or returns on unworn shoes in original packaging. Email yishu@heylittlefierce.com and we’ll sort it out. Shipping costs are non-refundable unless the item is faulty. Full details are in our refund policy.
What's inside
What are the shoes made of?
Every part is chosen on purpose. The upper is cotton canvas stitched with TENCEL™ threads. The outsole is PLIANT™ natural rubber, and the construction insole is MIRUM®, made from natural rubber, plant oils and waxes. A natural latex foam insole sits on top, the elastic is organic cotton and natural rubber, the colour comes from plant-based dyes, and a water-based laminating adhesive holds it all together. See every part, and where it’s made, on The Craft.
Are they plastic-free?
Yes. We use no plastic in any part of the shoe, from sole to stitching.
What does “tested” mean?
We sent the Alpha to an independent, CPSC-accepted lab to be tested against U.S. children’s product requirements. They checked for lead, cadmium, phthalates and formaldehyde, plus sharp points, sharp edges and small parts, and the Alpha passed. We publish the report so you don’t have to take our word for it. Read the report.
Where are they made?
Made by hand in a family-run workshop in Porto, Portugal.
What happens when they outgrow them?
Bury them. We’ve run a test of our own: we buried a Little Fierce shoe in a home worm bin. After 12 months the canvas upper was gone, the elastic had nearly disappeared and the sole was breaking down. It was a home experiment, not a lab test, and we’ll share more as we learn more.
Care
How do I clean them?
Wipe with a damp cloth. For tougher dirt, use mild soap and lukewarm water, then air dry naturally. Please skip the washing machine and dryer. Our cleaning guide has more.
Are they waterproof?
No. They’re city-proof, not waterproof. Light rain and a few splashes are fine, but we’d avoid heavy puddles. The canvas is breathable and free from synthetic coatings, so it isn’t sealed against water.
How long do they last?
They’re made for everyday play, strong enough for playgrounds and daily adventures. Kids outgrow them, and that’s okay! Our goal is durability for their season of play, not a lifetime, so the shoes can return to the earth once their job is done.
About us
Who started Little Fierce?
Little Fierce started with Yishu, a parent who wanted to know what was in her own children’s shoes and couldn’t find a pair she felt good about. So we made one. Almost five years and twelve prototypes later, the Alpha was ready.
How can I reach you, or stock Little Fierce?
We’re a small team and always happy to hear from you: yishu@heylittlefierce.com, or message us @heylittlefierce on Instagram. We love working with boutiques, stylists and families, so if you’d like to stock or feature Little Fierce, get in touch.