Barefoot shoes have become very popular in recent years. You can find a variety of styles and different quality levels in different online stores. As a parent, you probably have a lot of questions about barefoot shoes. The purpose of this article is to answer these questions and give you an overview of what barefoot shoes are, who should use them and most importantly, how to choose the right ones.

Are barefoot shoes good for babies and children?

Our feet not only give us freedom of movement, they also connect us to the earth and keep us balanced.

They are capable of all of this because they can record important information about the type of surface we are on and they are full of nerve endings that create an important sensory feedback loop that constantly keeps our body and brain connected to our feet keeps connected.

In order for our feet to be able to fulfill these functions, they need a maximum contact area with the ground. Unfortunately, normal shoes are so heavily padded that they deprive our children of this wonderful sensory experience with every movement.

Why are barefoot shoes better than walking barefoot? 

Wearing barefoot shoes has been shown to provide better walking performance and stability than walking completely barefoot.

Going completely barefoot can be detrimental to a child's health over time. When it comes to letting our kids walk or run barefoot, some surfaces are less safe than others. The lack of minimal padding when walking barefoot can lead to injury from unsafe terrain such as uneven, slippery surfaces or sharp objects on the floor (like lost lego bricks lying on the floor of the room!).

Another health risk is exposing their feet to harmful insects or parasites from grass or various types of fungi and bacteria from warm, humid environments.

Here it is: barefoot shoes offer all the necessary features to prevent discomfort while supporting the healthy natural development of our children.

What are the best shoes for babies and toddlers? 

You may already be aware of this, but did you know that toddler bones are still developing during the first few years of life?

They need to constantly use their feet to build strong bones and muscles. Conventional shoes have multiple pads and pointed toe mattresses that create a cramped space for infant feet. In the long run, they can cause an unnatural gait, poor posture and even muscle atrophy.

Instead, barefoot shoes are the best option for babies and toddlers , as they have less cushioning and a flexible sole that allows the toes more freedom of movement, better support, and healthy growth of bones, muscles, and ligaments.

Proprioception (deep sensitivity) is our body's awareness of its own position and movement in space. In fact, it is a coordinated neurological response produced by specialized sensory receptors located in the nerve endings of the inner ear, joints, muscles, and other tissues. Because the soles of our feet are overloaded with these receptors, they are constantly sending direct signals to the brain, updating its position. Because the insoles of barefoot shoes are so thin and flexible, they not only provide extra support, but also provide reliable sensory feedback for children to recognize different surfaces and textures.

What do orthopedists say about barefoot shoes? 

So that the feet can develop optimally, the shoe must not immobilize the joints and adjacent muscles and tendons. 

Normal children's shoes are sometimes too tight and the hard materials used can limit the movement of the ankle and toe joints. This does not happen to children who wear barefoot shoes.

Another feature of barefoot shoes is that they have a completely flat sole, with the heel in line with the toe. This ensures that the torso and skeleton are properly aligned and that body weight is evenly distributed over the entire sole of the foot. In contrast, normal shoes from high heels to toe put the feet in an unnatural position. This situation causes unnecessary strain on the back and neck over time, resulting in permanent postural changes.

Even the smallest change counts for our children!

Why are barefoot shoes healthier for children? 

Natural foot movement is important for healthy leg, foot and spine development in children. Therefore, we should let our babies or children walk around barefoot as much as possible. A good alternative to barefoot activities are barefoot shoes. They are particularly soft and flexible, and their soles are particularly thin. 

If they are the right size, they also offer enough space for the toes. This allows the child to strengthen the foot muscles. At the same time, the correct finger position is maintained. Another advantage: barefoot shoes promote the development of whole-body coordination.

How do you recognize good barefoot shoes for children? 

When choosing a good barefoot shoe, there are a few things to consider.

* The first of these, of course, is that the shoes have a flat and soft sole.

* Second, the material used in the upper part of the shoe is flexible enough to allow for foot movement.

* The third is whether your child has wide soles that don't pinch and pinch their toes. It is important that you choose the right shoe size.

You can turn measuring your child's foot size into a fun game! To do this, your child puts his foot on a piece of white paper and together you draw around it with a colored pencil. You can then measure the foot length using a ruler. You can find the right shoe size for your child by comparing your measured size with the Hopfrög Kids size chart.

Bonus Feature: The protective layer on the sole of the shoe makes your children act bolder.

What makes WikoBaby - Hopfrög Kids barefoot shoes better?

Our barefoot shoes are designed for your child to move freely and safely.

-The barefoot design adapts to the structure of the foot and supports its development. It feels like walking barefoot.

-The foot pad offers maximum comfort with OrthoFlex technology .

-There is also a specially developed non-slip outsole made of vegan synthetic leather .

-Thanks to the sweat-proof 100% cotton inner lining, foot comfort is maintained even during long activities.

-The 100% cotton outer surface allows air to enter and exit the shoes.

- The 100% natural silicone rubber sole allows comfortable and safe movements.

-Active TPU protective strips in the toe and heel area, especially for active little ones, prevent the shoes from being worn out quickly.