PL
EN
DE
CS
ES
Tips for Healthy Footwear for Children
We know that walking barefoot is the best option for the healthy development of feet. Of course, being barefoot is not always practical, which is why the proper construction of footwear is very important for protecting the feet while still allowing unrestricted movement. Here are some tips for finding healthy minimalist shoes for young children:
- Ensure there is enough room for toes to move and work naturally. This applies not only to shoes but also to socks, which should not overly constrict a child’s feet.
- Choose soft shoes designed specifically for their age group. A young child’s foot has a different shape than an adult’s, requiring more space in the shoe than adult-shaped footwear provides. A common issue is that many well-known brands simply shrink adult models for children without changing the shape, leading to shoes that can harm children’s feet.
- Avoid shoes with heels, thick hard soles, raised toe boxes, and stiff uppers that limit the natural movement of the foot.
- Opt for shoes made of flexible, breathable materials for the upper part of the shoe.
Orthopedists and physiotherapists have long emphasized the benefits of walking barefoot. Increasingly frequent scientific studies indicate that children who walk barefoot or in minimalist shoes gain:
- Improved strength and flexibility in foot muscles (especially in children who previously wore shoes with rigid soles).
- Better functionality and durability of bones.
- Enhanced balance.
