During the first years of life, children’s feet are still immature and developing. They grow in size, but their bones, muscles, and ligaments are also forming… Strong, stable feet will help them run, jump, and keep their balance—and of course support their health in the short, medium, and long term.
That’s why the type of footwear they wear can directly influence how their feet develop, and also how they move.
As a pediatric physiotherapist, I see every day in clinic how unsuitable shoes can alter the way a child walks, deform the foot, make movement harder, or even affect posture.
That’s why barefoot (foot-friendly) footwear isn’t a fad, but a way to care for babies’ and children’s natural development.
What Is Barefoot Footwear?
Barefoot footwear is designed to let the foot move as if it were barefoot, while still protecting it from the ground and the weather—without limiting its development or function.
Because a baby’s foot isn’t a smaller version of an adult foot: it is made up of soft cartilage and needs freedom, movement, and stimulation to strengthen and grow properly, helping to prevent injuries in the future.
Barefoot footwear supports the foot’s natural development without restricting it.
Key Features of Barefoot Footwear
Barefoot footwear has specific characteristics, and here’s why:
Flexible, Thin Sole
The sole should bend easily along its entire length, especially under the forefoot. This allows the foot to adapt to the ground and encourages the muscles to work actively, improving balance and proprioception.
Lightweight Shoe
A heavy shoe changes the way a child walks, increases effort, and can lead to motor clumsiness, such as frequent tripping.
Wide Toe Box
Toes should be able to move and spread freely. The toe box should never squeeze them or change their natural alignment. A foot that can splay on contact with the ground improves stability and balance. The big toe plays an active role in overall body biomechanics; if we change its position, we affect the posture of the entire body.
No Rigid Heel Counters
The foot doesn’t need to be “held”; it needs to be allowed to work. A rigid heel counter restricts natural movement and directly affects the development of the foot muscles, creating a weaker foot and increasing the likelihood of issues such as flat feet.
Zero Drop
Drop is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot area. Keeping the
foot flat promotes aligned posture and a stable gait. A shoe with an inclined sole alters the body’s alignment and changes how the child loads the foot.
At Each Developmental Stage, a Child’s Foot Has Different Needs
Pre-walkers: before a baby takes their first steps outdoors, they don’t need shoes—just bare feet. If we need to cover them for warmth, the closest thing to barefoot is something like a non-slip sock.
First steps: very flexible, lightweight shoes with good instep support without squeezing. Footwear should still feel as close to barefoot as possible, to interfere as little as possible with gait and development.
Mature gait: roughly when the child has been walking steadily for about a year, has started running and jumping with both feet, and is walking confidently, we can use barefoot footwear with a slightly more structured sole.
Every Foot Is Unique: Know Its Shape to Choose Well
Not all little feet are the same. There are different foot types depending on shape, and each one needs footwear that fits properly.
When choosing the right barefoot shoe for your child, it’s also important to respect their individual morphology. That’s why it’s essential to know your child’s foot type and check that it fits within the shoe’s insole. A good way to do this is to remove the insole and place the foot on top. This helps you ensure the shoe respects their natural shape and allows free, healthy movement.
Whatever the footwear, free movement and contact with different surfaces are essential for the motor and sensory development of the foot.
The best shoes protect without restricting, support without correcting, and respect each child’s pace. Choosing barefoot footwear is an investment in present and future health.
