Barefoot shoes for kids provide a number of foot health benefits through encouraging natural foot development without the restriction of traditional school shoes.
However, we’re often asked: ‘are barefoot shoes suitable for wearing during school days?’ by parents who are concerned about the protection they provide. We’re here to answer your questions and ease your mind, so you can choose the healthiest option for your child.
Do podiatrists recommend barefoot shoes for kids?
More and more podiatrists are starting to recommend barefoot shoes for kids, particularly as feet develop so rapidly during the earlier stages of life.
The most common benefit that podiatrists name for barefoot kids shoes is that they allow the muscles, tendons and bones in children’s feet naturally interact with the ground. This means that feet can develop as nature intended, without being shaped by rigid materials and designs.
Are barefoot shoes good for school?
A big concern with barefoot shoes for school is that they don’t provide feet with quite enough protection for longer school days, especially because kids are so active. However, this is not something you actually need to worry about.
Barefoot shoes are very good for school because they encourage natural foot growth through their unrestrictive design, whilst continuing to provide the coverage of traditional school shoes.
Types of barefoot footwear for school children
Barefoot shoes for school children come in a range of styles, sizes and materials at Prenta, meaning there really is something for everyone:
Kids Barefoot Mary Jane Shoes - Combining the classic adorable style of Mary Jane school shoes with the modern technology of barefoot shoes ensures foot health and unmatched fashion.
Kids Barefoot T-Bar Shoes - Barefoot style school shoes with a strap rising from the center of the shoe’s front, and connecting to a horizontal strap across the instep. Adjustable fastening provides easy comfort.
Kids Leather Barefoot Shoes - Leather is an ideal choice for barefoot footwear because it’s flexible and breathable whilst remaining strong. This means that feet will have ample room to move and grow in shoes which will last you a long time.
Kids Patent Leather Barefoot Shoes - Whilst patent leather is a slightly less flexible alternative to leather, its durability and protection make it suitable for shoes with wider toe boxes, such as barefoot shoes.
Kids Double Riptape Strapped Shoes - Double riptape straps make for easy on and off for children at younger ages.
Kids Barefoot Shoes with Elastic Laces - Barefoot shoes with elastic laces maintain the look of a smart, traditional shoe with all of the barefoot benefits.
Choosing the right pair of barefoot school shoes
Choosing the right pair of barefoot school shoes for your child means considering the style your child feels most comfortable in, the flexibility of the shoe and sole, and the construction of the toe box:
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Style - The first step should be to work out what style of shoe your child is going to feel most comfortable in. Ask them/yourself what they look best in, and what they feel happiest in.
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Fastening Options - There are a lot of fastening types to choose from, which may help with your child being more independent, and comfortable. Choose from fastenings like rip tape, elastic laces and buckles.
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Flexibility - Barefoot shoes need to be flexible in order for their benefits to be properly realised. This includes soles which bend and twist to allow feet to extend and flex naturally. All of Prenta’s barefoot options are designed with flexibility in mind.
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Wide toe box - A wide toe box is vital to prevent restricting the toes, allowing them to spread and grip during play and movement.
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Flat soles - Flat or ‘zero drop’ soles are important because they allow the feet to align naturally without being pushed out of shape or position.
The benefits of wearing barefoot shoes in a school setting
Wearing barefoot shoes in a school setting comes with a number of benefits to children’s foot health and development, as well as supporting them as they grow in confidence and independence:
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Long term comfort - The lightweight, flexible nature of barefoot shoes means they won’t rub or cause friction, which can cause discomfort, especially when worn for long school days.
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Increased sensory feedback - The soles of feet are actually highly sensitive, and barefoot shoes reduce the barrier between soles and the environment. Not only does this help for physical development, but also for children to improve their balance.
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Better posture and alignment - Barefoot shoes are flat from heel to toe, which promotes a more natural posture as body weight is distributed evenly.
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Foot strength - Daily exercise in barefoot footwear can lead to significant increases in foot muscle strength, improving strength and resilience.
