Barefoot shoes for kids provide a number of clear benefits to foot health and development. However, many parents worry that their child may actually struggle to get used to barefoot shoes.
Whilst transitioning kids to barefoot shoes can take time, most children are relatively easily able to get used to this modern type of footwear over time. This blog post looks at how long it can take for a child to walk comfortably in barefoot shoes, and how to support if your child is struggling with barefoot.
How long it takes for a child to comfortably walk in barefoot shoes
How long it takes for a child to comfortably walk in barefoot shoes generally depends on the age and current walking ability of each child. On top of this, there is no guaranteed timeframe after which a child will definitely be able to walk comfortably in barefoot shoes, given that every child is different.
For younger children who are in the early stages of walking or learning to walk, it’s likely that they will be able to get used to them very quickly. This is because their feet won’t have become used to more restrictive footwear.
As children get a bit older, the transition may be more variable, particularly beyond the ages of 7 or 8. If your child has been wearing traditional footwear up until this point, their feet may have become accustomed to different walking patterns and using less muscles and joints. Their feet may need a longer transition period to adapt to the new and healthier ways of using the feet.
Will your child get used to wearing barefoot shoes?
In most cases, your child will be able to get used to wearing barefoot shoes without much trouble. As mentioned, some kids may need a controlled transition period, and others might simply be able to put them on and get active almost immediately!
The best way to understand how well your child is adjusting is through communication and observation. Ask your child if they feel comfortable in their new barefoot shoes, as well as watching out for any signs of discomfort or difficulty whilst walking (though this is unlikely).
Prenta offers barefoot school shoes, kids barefoot trainers and a wide range of other barefoot options for kids.
What to do if your child is struggling with barefoot shoes
If your child is struggling with barefoot shoes, it’s important to listen to them and avoid pushing something which isn’t comfortable. If they are having difficulties, it’s usually because their feet are still adjusting to their foot muscles working harder than before. Whilst this can be healthier overall for foot development and strength, it’s bound to be uncomfortable for some.
If they’re struggling, but you want to continue the slow transition, we’d recommend:
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Short bursts of indoor wear - Consider short periods of around 15 minutes of indoor wear to begin with. As confidence grows, you can gradually increase the time from 15 to 20, 20 to 25, and so on.
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Check the fit - Sometimes, issues with comfort actually come from an improper fit. Check that your shoes are the correct size using our size guide and by utilising Prenta’s ‘happy toe zone’. This is a removable insole featuring a built-in size gauge at the toe, designed to help check whether there is enough growing room in the shoe. We also recommend home scanning for accurate sizing!
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Gradual outdoor wear - Whilst you may wish to start with controlled indoor wear, at some point it’s necessary to graduate to outdoor wear. Begin with your child on softer terrains such as grass, and slowly move to more mixed environments (concrete or gravel).
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Consult a podiatrist - Most podiatrists recommend barefoot shoes for first walkers, as the bones and cartilage in young children's feet are still developing. Some concerns about barefoot shoes typically relate to older children or adults, where additional support or arch support is needed.
Ultimately, each child’s comfort is paramount, and with the support of a professional, you may conclude that barefoot isn’t the right fit. In these cases, consider first walker or toddler shoes.
For more support or information about your child’s transition to barefoot shoes, get in touch with us today.
Contact Prenta Shoes for more information.
