• A vibrant multicolour low-top barefoot sneaker with a yellow toe box, rainbow plaid upper, pink heel tab, and purple sole, shown alongside its matching purple textured outsole. The word "IMPERFECTS" is written in the upper left corner. Please read the product description to see why.
  • A close-up of a colourful plaid barefoot sneaker with purple lining and laces, yellow details, and a bright pink heel tab. A yellow arrow points to the heel area with the text 'POTENTIAL ISSUE' on a white background and shows a small tear in the ankle area.
  • A colourful barefoot sneaker with a rainbow plaid pattern, purple collar and laces, and a bright pink heel tab. A yellow arrow points to a frayed tear (with rough threaded lemon colour stitching) on the side of the shoe, with the text 'POTENTIAL FIX' overlaid on the image against a white background.
  • A close-up of a colourful sneaker with purple laces and a multicolour plaid tongue, shown on a lavender background with the text 'LOOSEN YOUR LACES' and a yellow arrow. It's best to loosen this pair to reduce strain on the lightweight cotton fabric.
  • Colourful foot-shaped sneakers on a blacktop surface with blue paint.
  • Colourful plaid print barefoot sneaker collab between PaperKrane and Di Nowinski with text highlighting features on a white background
  • Di tries on her pair of Checkered joy barefoot sneakers. This collab with PaperKrane is so colourful! The ground is artifical grass, and Di sits on a yellow bench
  • Colourful foot-shaped toe box of PaperKrane x Di Nowinski collab sneakers. The shoes are very colourful, yellow, purple, hot pink, with plaid print by Di Nowinski, they're vegan materials.
  • Matching child and adult barefoot shoes by PaperKrane. Featuring colourful plaid print by artist Di Nowinski, and bright vegan materials.
  • Colourful checkered shoes with pink, yellow, and purple accents on a white background. These barefoot shoes feature an art print by Di Nowinski. Logos on the back heel of the shoes are mint colour.
  • Colourful PaperKrane x Di Nowinski collab shoes (with plaid print, pink, yellow, and purple details) on a playground surface with a blurred background
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IMPERFECTS CHECKERED JOY | SNEAKERS - ADULTS

IMPERFECTS CHECKERED JOY | SNEAKERS - ADULTS

$50.00 AUD
$50.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Shoe size

⚠️ IMPERFECTS / CLEARANCE ITEM

Strictly no returns, refunds, or exchanges for change of mind or incorrect sizing. Please read below for all the details. 

THE DEAL & THE FLAW

The CHECKERED JOY IMPERFECTS prove that even imperfect pairs deserve love! We’ve identified a potential flaw in these styles which is tragic for us...but a WIN for you! During manufacturing, the printed cotton on some pairs in this batch wasn’t properly reinforced, creating a risk that the fabric may tear under tension around the ankle area. Most pairs in this batch will be completely fine, but we've heavily discounted the entire run so they can live out their best lives on your feet, and not in our warehouse.

  • Prevention: ALWAYS untie your laces fully before putting shoes on or taking them off to avoid strain on the opening.
  • Easy Fix: If tearing occurs, it can easily be repaired with crafty hand-stitching, a decorative patch, or a quick visit to a local cobbler. The shoes remain fully functional.

ABOUT THE COLLAB

CHECKERED JOY is our vibrant collaboration with Australian artist Di Nowinski (@di.nowinski.art). These aren't just sneakers, they're wearable art. Perfect for anyone who sees the world in full technicolor and isn't afraid to show it!

DETAILS & CARE

  • Uppers: Cotton canvas & vegan leather
  • Lining: Soft terry cotton
  • Laces: Flat cotton laces (Adults EU 37+)
  • Barefoot Ready: Removable insoles sold separately for custom cushioning.
  • Care Tip: Apply a waterproof protective spray before your first wear.

 

Due to the nature of this item, there are strictly no returns or exchanges under any circumstances.

Size & Fit

PaperKrane shoes fit differently than conventional footwear - our barefoot design means a wider toe box and more natural foot shape.

But we've found that most customers find PK shoes fit true to size. 

Need Help? Check out our size guide for tips on measuring your feet!

Still unsure? Remember our 14-day easy exchanges - we want you to love your PKs!

Need a different size guide? You'll find SANDALS here and the OLD SOLE here (for BIRO boots only!)

Materials & Construction

We use a range of materials including leather deadstock, printed cotton canvas and vegan leather which were super product of as it is certified to Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS). They're made from recycled synthetic materials and contain no PLAs or forever chemicals - safe for you and the planet!

Materials vary by shoe style, please check individual product listings for further information.

Shipping & Returns

$13 Flat Rate AUS Wide Shipping & $18 to NZ

  • Orders ship within 2 business days
  • 14-day easy exchanges
  • We ship worldwide (shipping calculated at checkout)

Love them or Swap them Guarantee: Not completely happy with your PKs? Simply return them unworn within 14 days for an easy exchange or store credit.

Shoe Care & Cleaning

WATERPROOF & PROTECTYOUR PKs -do this first, before you even wear them!

  • Apply a suitable waterproof protector before first wear and reapply regularly
  • Check your product description above for material-specific recommendations
  • This one step makes a real difference to how long they look and last — don't skip it!

CARE & CLEANING

  • Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap for everyday marks
  • For a deeper clean, follow the care instructions for your specific material — when in doubt, hand wash gently in cold water with mild detergent and air dry completely

CAUTION: Avoid machine washing, dryers, and harsh chemicals.

Why Go Barefoot?

Most shoes are built for looks. PKs are built for feet.

Conventional shoes squeeze, elevate, and restrict, quietly working against the natural mechanics your feet were designed for. Whether you're a growing kid or a full-grown human who's spent decades in the wrong shoes, the damage is the same. PKs get out of the way and let feet be feet.

Every PK is built on our Four F's:

  • Flat: Zero-drop sole keeps your whole body in natural alignment. No heel elevation, no knock-on effect for your knees, hips, or back.
  • Foot-shaped: Wide toe box lets toes spread, splay, and grip the way nature intended. No squishing, no overlap, no complaints.
  • Flexible: The sole bends with your foot so your muscles actually have to work. Stronger feet, better balance, less pain over time.
  • Feather-light: Less shoe means more feel. More feel means better movement, all day long.

New to barefoot? Start here →

View full details

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 6 reviews.

Customer video review of IMPERFECTS CHECKERED JOY | SNEAKERS - ADULTS

Joy is definitely the right word that springs to mind when looking at and wearing these lows!! They’re so bright and cheerful!! They’re wonderfully soft and light to wear too. Extremely comfortable. Thanks again PK team :-D

N H. 5/5

IMPERFECTS CHECKERED JOY | SNEAKERS - ADULTS

Customer photo review of CHECKERED JOY - ADULTS

It’s smoky and raining outside so Frankie and I are taking it easy today. Love my new shoes, so colourful and comfy. I’m old and need a short length arch support insert. I can still feel the ground through the soles which is important so I don’t slip in the sandy, gravelly surfaces in parts of our regular walks.

Dianne O. 5/5 Verified

CHECKERED JOY - ADULTS

So comfy, beautifully made and a big dose of joy. I particularly love the height of the back of the shoe on my ankle - no sore bits or rubbing. We’ll definitely be back for more PKs!

Kate P. 5/5 Verified

CHECKERED JOY - ADULTS

Customer photo review of CHECKERED JOY - ADULTS

These are my first pair of bare feet shoes and I love them!!

Kelly C. 5/5 Verified

CHECKERED JOY - ADULTS

Love love these comfy barefoot works of art.🥰

Percita D. 5/5 Verified

CHECKERED JOY - ADULTS