As a parent you always want to do what’s best for your child. This is why realizing most footwear is doing more harm than good is so concerning.
The last thing you want is to buy your child footwear that leads to foot deformities, causes discomfort, or holds them back from enjoying life to the fullest. So, should kids wear barefoot shoes instead?
Making the switch to our kids barefoot shoes here at Hike Footwear can lead to a word of benefits, including improved posture, enhanced foot strength, and better balance. These shoes mimic natural foot movement, allowing children to develop stronger, healthier feet as they grow.
Learn more about why barefoot shoes are the #1 choice for kids below, including how to choose the right pair and help your child transition. The best barefoot kids shoes are just a click away!
The Basics of Barefoot Shoes
First, what are barefoot shoes? These are designed to emulate the natural sensation of walking barefoot, stripping back traditional footwear and eliminating the artifical supports that ultimately do more harm than good.
Unlike regular footwear, barefoot shoes have thin, flexible soles, wide toe boxes, and no heel elevation. This design allows for a zero-drop from heel to toe to keep the foot in its natural alignment and promote a more natural gait.
The soles provide just enough protection from rough surfaces while still allowing the wearer to feel the ground beneath their feet. This enhances proprioception - your body's ability to sense its position in space - which improves balance, coordination, and overall agility.
You can learn more about the differences between barefoot shoes vs regular shoes in our blog. But for now, let’s get to the question at hand. Should kids wear barefoot shoes?
Should Kids Wear Barefoot Shoes?
Absolutely! The earlier you can make the switch to a more anotmically correct type of footwear for your children, the better. This will prevent foot deformities associated with more traditional footwear and allow them to develop as nature intended. Here’s why barefoot shoes are great for kids:
Developmental Benefits
Barefoot shoes help strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet and lower legs by allowing the foot to feel and respond to the ground. This supports a more natural gait and posture which is essential during your child’s developmental years.
When children wear shoes that are too restrictive, it can lead to underdeveloped foot muscles and reliance on shoe support rather than natural strength. This puts them at risk later on in life.
Enhanced Proprioception
As we mentioned earlier, the thin soles of barefoot shoes enhance proprioceptive feedback. This helps children develop better coordination, balance, and agility.
Such sensory feedback teaches young wearers to adjust their walking and running techniques in response to the terrain underfoot, which can lead to improved motor skills. Even if you aren’t trying to breed an olympic athlete this is one of the most compelling benefits of barefoot shoes.
Prevention of Foot Problems
Many common foot ailments among children, such as flat feet, toe crowding, and improper walking patterns, can be traced back to ill-fitting or overly rigid shoes.
Barefoot shoes feature a wide toe box so the toes can spread naturally as if the child were walking barefoot. This not only prevents deformities but also facilitates healthier foot mechanics overall.
You may be wondering, are barefoot shoes good for plantar fasciitis? Indeed they are! In fact, we consider them the best plantar fasciitis shoes. They’re also great shoes for neuropathy and excellent shoes for bunions.
Encouraging Active Play
Kids are naturally active and explorative, and barefoot shoes support this trait by allowing the feet to move as unrestrictedly as possible. This can make physical activities more enjoyable and encourage a more active lifestyle, which is beneficial for overall health and well-being.
So, whether you’re looking for barefoot hiking shoes for your child’s next exploration or you want barefoot winter shoes to protect their feet against wet, freezing temperatures, yes - barefoot shoes are good for kids. You just need to make sure you’re getting the right pair.
Choosing the Right Barefoot Shoes for Kids
As more and more people become aware of the power barefoot shoes have to offer, there are an increasing number of options at your fingertips. This can make it hard to find the right footwear for your family. But don’t stress - there are just a few things you need to look for:
Flexibility and Material
Look for shoes made from soft, durable materials that can bend and twist with ease, allowing for natural foot movements.
Materials like natural leather or advanced synthetics that offer breathability and comfort are ideal. The shoes should bend not only at the ball of the foot but also throughout the sole to support active play.
Toe Box Space
Choose shoes with a wide toe box that allows your child's toes to splay naturally. This goes beyond comfort - it's about providing space for proper toe alignment, which improve balance and encourages a healthy gait.
Avoid shoes that taper significantly towards the toe or compress the toes, as these can restrict movement and growth. They can lead to blisters, bunions, and issues with balance as well.
Sole Thickness
There’s a fine line between a sole being too thick to provide ample proprioception and not thick enough to protect against the harsh elements outdoors. We suggest soles that are just a few milimeters thick.
The sole should also be non-slip to protect your kids against wet surfaces as they play. These slip resistant barefoot shoes will also help them perform better in sport.
Adjustable Fastenings
One thing we can all agree on is that kids grow up way too fast. This makes it difficult to splurge on anything for them, especially footwear. It’s no secret that barefoot shoes are more expensive than other styles. So, look for shoes that grow with your kids developing feet.
Shoes with adjustable fastenings, such as velcro straps or laces that can be easily tightened or loosened, ensure a snug fit that adapts to their changing foot size.
Proper Sizing
Speaking of which, take the time to size your kids shoes to perfection. There should be about a thumb’s width between the front of the shoe and the longest toe to allow for growth and movement.
However, the fit should still be secure enough to prevent excessive sliding inside the shoe, which can lead to friction and instability. We have more tips on how barefoot shoes should fit in our blog.
Durability and Ease of Maintenance
Kids are hard on their shoes, so durability is a must. Look for shoes that can withstand the rigors of daily play and are easy to clean and maintain.
Materials that are not only tough but also easy to wipe or wash will make life easier on you as a parent. It’s just one less thing to stress about!
Invest in Your Kid’s Health and Happiness With Barefoot Shoes at Hike Footwear
Your search for premium barefoot shoes for kids ends here at Hike Footwear. We developed ours alongside orthopedists and have gained recommendations from podiatrists so you can rest assured you’re setting them up for safe, natural development.
Even the pickiest kids love our shoes, so you won’t find yourself fighting to get them dressed in the morning when you’re scrambling to leave the house on time. On the contrary - we have a lot of parents telling us their kids never want to take their shoes off!
Say goodbye to poor circulation and the risk of foot deformities. Say hello to unparalleled comfort, better balance, and proper foot anatomy with Hike Footwear today. Discover a range of styles your little ones will love, from high top barefoot shoes to barefoot boots and even the best barefoot shoes for lifting weights.
You can get in on the fun, too! We have barefoot shoes for women and barefoot shoes for men alike. Join more than 235,000 happy customers and counting today.
Tips on Helping Your Child Transition
Even when you get the best footwear, making the transition away from traditional shoes can be jarring. At first, they may feel a bit uncomfortable.
This is because your feet are used to artificial supports. It will take time to buld up your foot and ankle strength. Here are some tips to help facilitate the transition:
- Start Gradually: Begin with short durations, such as wearing them for indoor activities or short walks outside. Gradually increase the time they spend in the shoes as their feet adapt to the new sensations and increased movement freedom.
- Educate on the Benefits: Children are more likely to embrace change if they understand the reasons behind it. Explain the benefits of barefoot shoes in simple terms, such as how they help make feet stronger - or just tell them they’ll be able to run better.
- Choose Fun Styles: Let your child have a say in choosing the design or color of their barefoot shoes, making it an exciting addition to their wardrobe. We have a variety of styles in store for them here at Hike Footwear!
- Encourage Barefoot Activities: To complement the transition, encourage your child to spend more time barefoot at home or in safe environments. This will help speed up the foot strengthening process.
We have more tips on how to walk in barefoot shoes and wearing socks with barefoot shoes in our blog. But at this point, give your kids the gift of proper footwear and see what a difference it makes in the way they play!
Final Thoughts on Why Kids Should Wear Barefoot Shoes
So, should kids wear barefoot shoes? Yes. These are the best way to help your child’s feet, and thus the rest of their body, develop as nature intended. You’ll be helping them avoid problems later in life by choosing this style.
Whether you are looking for barefoot shoes for work or barefoot shoes for lifting, we have the premium footwear you need to protect your foot health and encourage healthy development.
Designed with your child's comfort and development in mind, our shoes are the perfect choice for parents who prioritize health and functionality. Shop today and invest in the short-term comfort, long-term health and constant happiness of your child!
