Mød Thomas Pretsch - uddannet fysioterapeut, Natural Movement
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Why barefoot shoes?
What is a barefoot shoe – and why is it important?
To understand the benefits of barefoot shoes, it is important to know what a barefoot shoe actually is. A barefoot shoe is designed with one simple purpose: to protect a child's foot from cold, weather and sharp objects – without interfering with the foot's natural movement and development .
Unlike traditional children's shoes, which often support, shape and restrict the foot, barefoot shoes provide space and freedom.
Benefits of barefoot shoes for children
"The checklist that characterizes a true barefoot shoe"
Here are the most important characteristics of a true barefoot shoe – and why they are important:
✽ Zero Drop
A true barefoot shoe has no heel . The sole is flat from heel to toe (zero drop), which promotes a natural posture and better balance . When the child's body does not compensate for a heel, it learns to move more stably and with body awareness.
✽ Wide toe box
Unlike many narrow children's shoes, barefoot shoes have a wide toe box . This means that the toes have room to spread naturally and work actively , which is important for stability, balance and foot strength.
✽ Flexible sole
Barefoot shoes have a very flexible sole , which allows the child's foot to move freely and naturally in all directions.
✽ Thin sole
The sole is 3,5 mm thick and feels with the surface the child is walking on. It allows the important sensory feedback from the surface and thereby supports the balance.
✽ No support
Barefoot shoes have no built-in arch support because children's feet are designed to move and develop strength on their own . When a shoe supports the arch, it takes over a job that the foot's own muscles should be doing – and that can lead to weakness. That's why it's important to let your child's foot work freely and actively.
✽ No stiffener
No fixed heel cap or other stiffeners in the shoe. Provides free movement and again the opportunity for the child to use all his muscles.
Why barefoot shoes for children
Why barefoot shoes are the healthy choice for your child's feet
Barefoot shoes for children allow the foot to develop exactly as nature intended. They create a strong and natural foundation for the body – from the first steps all the way through childhood.
🦶 Children's feet are vulnerable – and conventional shoes limit them
Children are born with soft, malleable bones that are easily affected by pressure and improper footwear. Unfortunately, many traditional children's shoes :
- Too narrow and with a narrow toe box that squeezes the toes together
- Equipped with a small heel that shifts body weight forward and creates poor posture
- Designed with , which can make the foot muscles passive and weak over time
These factors can cause the child to compensate elsewhere in the body , which can lead to problems in, for example, the back, knees and hips later in life.
👣 Barefoot shoes strengthen the foot muscles – completely naturally
A true barefoot shoe mimics walking barefoot and allows for natural movement. This means:
- Thin, flexible sole that stimulates the child's grounding and sense of touch
- Flat sole without heel drop , which supports a healthy and upright posture
- Wide toe box , so the toes can spread and work actively
- No rigid heel counter, no arch support , so all the muscles of the foot and ankle are activated
When the muscles are allowed to work, the foot becomes strong – and this provides a healthy foundation for the entire body .
Benefits of barefoot shoes
✅ Prevent problems with barefoot shoes
By letting your child wear barefoot shoes, you can help prevent:
- Bad back and posture
- Knee and hip problems
- Ingrown nails, bunions and hammertoes
Barefoot shoes strengthen balance, motor skills and body awareness because the child comes into contact with the surface and learns to move on the body's own terms.
Read our frequently asked questions about barefoot shoes or see our entire selection of barefoot shoes for children.
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