From First Steps to Big Leaps: Boost Your Baby's Foot Development with Barefoot Shoes

These days, there’s a huge market for infant shoes. From sneakers to toddler heels, sandals and boots, there’s a shoe that will go with any outfit.

Although a little pair of Mum and Dad's favourite street sneakers are certainly cute, research indicates that going barefoot as much as possible for newborns and older children is really beneficial. The benefits of being barefoot on children's foot growth, agility, and sensory-motor development are becoming increasingly recognised by medical professionals, including pediatricians, podiatrists, and physicians.

One thing is certain though—you can't possibly leave your child barefoot all the time! Especially in those cooler New Zealand seasons. Cue the 'Barefoot' shoe; footwear that mimics the experience of being barefoot - with the protection your baby or toddler needs to keep those little feet safe.

What are barefoot shoes?

In the context of barefoot shoes, the term "barefoot" refers to the feeling that the wearer experiences while wearing the shoes - it is as close as possible to standing, walking or running barefoot, while still providing some level of protection. The main aim of barefoot footwear is to allow for maximum natural motion of the foot and space for the toes, while also increasing power and agility. While barefoot shoes do not have the more traditional heel cushioning, they are able to protect feet from harsh terrain and the elements. These shoes typically have almost flat soles in baby sizes, with a small midsole cushion for toddler's and bigger kids' developing feet. They are made with lightweight, stretchy materials to ensure maximum comfort, no matter what activities those feet are engaging in - leaping between rocks at the beach, running, jumping, crawling, kneeling, learning to walk - a true barefoot shoe will move with the foot, not against it. 

Ready to take your kids' growth and development to the next level? Barefoot shoes offer an array of benefits! Keep reading to learn more, and right here in New Zealand, we have the perfect barefoot shoe brand that will blow your socks off.

Supports optimal foot development and growth

Your baby's feet are still developing at birth, just like most other aspects of their body. In reality, the tissues, muscles, and structures in their feet get stronger as they develop and learn to walk. It is essential that the footwear kids wear during this period supports optimal foot growth. And yet, we see so many shoes on the market that do just the opposite. Shoes that are tight, rigid, narrow, and inflexible hinder the growth and development of feet because feet mold to the shoe, rather than being free to grow and develop organically.

Enhances sensory-motor development

As they provide more natural and unfettered mobility of the feet, barefoot shoes are thought to be beneficial for newborns' sensory-motor development. Babies can develop their sensory awareness, balance, and coordination more naturally by wearing barefoot shoes, since their feet can sense the ground and react accordingly. This also means that the sensory feedback data that their feet provide to their brains is better communicated, enabling them to understand their surroundings and make quick judgments.

What to look out for when purchasing barefoot shoes:

Wide

Toe-box: The toe boxes on most popular shoe brands are often narrow and tapered, yet that's not how our feet are at all! Nearly all feet are broadest at the toes, therefore when your child is still developing it's crucial that the toe box of a shoe gives small toes room to wriggle and move around. It's worthwhile thinking about this as we get older too. If you have sore feet or hips or knees, or all three, by the end of each day - take a look at your footwear. Can you spread your toes?  

Flat, Flexible, and Thin

Shape: It is important to ensure that the barefoot shoes you select are flat and 'thin' in design. Flat shoes allow for feet to move and function in a more natural way, promoting healthy sensory-motor development. The design of the shoe should allow for a flexible outer material that is thin, yet strong, providing minimal restriction, allowing feet to move flexibly and feel the ground freely.

Our favourite barefoot shoe brand: Bobux

We’ve fallen head over heels for Bobux footwear! Podiatrists rave about this New Zealand-based brand, and for a good reason, as they put your child's foot health first. And don't think practicality means sacrificing style - Bobux delivers both with ease. Their shoes and sandals look awesome on every foot, you'll be envious they don't come in your size! Founded by parents in 1991, Bobux made history with the world's first all-leather soft-sole shoe for their beloved daughter. Treat your little ones to Bobux and watch them take their first steps with confidence.
Shop the Bobux range now!