Barefoot Shoes for First-Walkers and Toddlers (visuals)
- Alex Kelly
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
First, Why Choose Barefoot Shoes
Human feet are designed to work on their own, without external support. There can be a short-term time and place for arch support, insoles, etc., for certain people, but believe it or not arch support can actually weaken your feet (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32521283/). If you rely too heavily on arch support your feet will never be given the chance to use their muscles and nerves.
What Happens When We Confine Our Feet?
Weak foot muscles
Weak toes
Poor foot control
Decreased balance
Poor posture (especially lower body posture)
Unstable and weak arches
Pain in knees, joints, and back
Foot deformities
Poor sensory Information/communication with your brain which allows a more natural walk, run, and quick decision making
First Walkers
The best shoe it NO shoe. We try our best to be barefoot as much as possible, especially outdoors until age 2. Even now, we all try and go barefoot when we can. However, I understand this is not always feasible with whether, certain terrains, environments, etc. So, let's take a look at a chew checkboxes to look for when looking for a "barefoot" shoe. I will also show you my personal recommendation for this stage of life.
What to Look for in a Barefoot Shoe
Zero drop (completely flat)
Thin, flexible soles
Wide, round toe boxes
Securely attaches to foot (not backless)
Shoe Recommendation for a First-Walker
If a shoe is needed during the first-walkers stage, my number one recommendation would be a moccasin, and keep them in a moccasin as long as possible. This is the closest you will get to actual barefoot. We even have a pair for Miles who is 3.5years. THIS IS THE PAIR WE LIKE.
Example of a NOT Ideal Shoe (compared to a moccasin)
"Sock Shoes" for First Walkers
Three Toddler Shoes We Own
After making the above story video with the orange pair, I got to looking at all our shoes more closely, and I take back my joke of "it you want to be 'perfect'" While these shoes aren't quite as wide, they really are much thinner and flexible. They're a GREAT option, in my opinion. Just as good of an option as the other two. It just depends on what exactly you're looking for!
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