Barefoot Shoes for Kids 101 (and my fave affordable option)

Looking for a minimalist shoe for your little ones to wear?

Here are some of my fam’s faves (featuring my sweet girl modeling her purple ones to the left 😉).

Last week, I shared a post all about barefoot shoes that *I* am loving to wear-- and today, it's all about minimalist shoes for my little ones. 

In case you're new here (hi, welcome!), I am a mom of two little ones. Early on I noticed how baby's feet just look different than adult ones... maybe it's because that is the way feet are supposed to look before getting squished into narrow shoes for years and years? But their little feet are wide and strong and their toes have so much mobility. So I knew I wanted to try to find shoes that were supportive of that. 

Now, before we dive in-- I am not a barefoot shoe purist by any means. If it was up to my daughter, she would wear sparkle jelly shoes every day of her life (and she mostly does). My son, on the other hand, has only ever worn minimalist footwear (mostly because he is still too young to say anything about it). So, find what works best for you and your family.

(side, side note-- some of these shoe brands are pricey for kid’s shoes IMO -- so I have some recommendations on making them more affordable, and some budget-friendly alternatives)

What Are Barefoot Shoes and Why Are They Beneficial for Growing Feet?

As parents, we’re always looking for the best ways to support our kids’ development, from the foods they eat to the shoes they wear. One trend that's gained attention for its potential benefits is barefoot shoes—but what exactly are they, and why are they a good choice for your child's growing feet?

What Are Barefoot Shoes?

Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the feeling of being barefoot while still offering protection from outdoor surfaces like rocks, dirt, and debris. Unlike traditional shoes, barefoot shoes have several distinctive features:

• Wide Toe Box: This gives the toes ample room to spread out naturally, encouraging proper alignment and foot strength.

• Thin and Flexible Soles: Barefoot shoes have minimal cushioning, which allows the foot to feel the ground and move more naturally along uneven surfaces, similar to walking barefoot. 

• Zero-Drop Sole: The heel and toe are at the same level, eliminating any incline that traditional shoes often have. This promotes better posture and more natural movement.

• Lightweight: These shoes are usually made with minimal materials, allowing for greater freedom of movement.

Why Barefoot Shoes Are Beneficial for Growing Feet

Children’s feet are constantly developing, and the type of footwear they wear can have a significant impact on their growth. Here’s why barefoot shoes are a great option for kids:

1. Promotes Natural Foot Development

Barefoot shoes allow children's feet to grow and strengthen in a way that’s similar to walking barefoot. Kids' feet contain muscles, tendons, and bones that are still forming, and restrictive shoes can hinder this natural development. The wide toe box and flexible soles allow their feet to move freely, helping build strong arches, improve balance, and encourage proper alignment.

2. Encourages Proper Posture and Alignment

Traditional shoes with raised heels or thick cushioning can cause children to shift their posture, potentially leading to misalignment in their legs, hips, and spine. Barefoot shoes, with their zero-drop soles, promote a more natural posture, allowing kids to walk and stand in a way that aligns their whole body correctly from the feet upward.

3. Improves Balance and Coordination

Since barefoot shoes allow kids to feel the ground beneath them, they become more aware of their surroundings and how their body moves. This sensory feedback improves their balance, coordination, and agility. This natural connection between foot and brain is especially important as kids learn to run, jump, and navigate different surfaces.

4. Strengthens Foot Muscles

The minimal design of barefoot shoes forces the foot muscles to work harder. Without the reliance on thick padding or stiff soles, kids develop stronger muscles in their feet, ankles, and lower legs, which can prevent issues like flat feet, weak arches, or foot pain later in life.

5. Reduces the Risk of Foot Deformities

Shoes that are too tight or don’t allow the toes to move freely can contribute to foot deformities like bunions, ingrown toenails, hammer toes, or even problems with gait. Barefoot shoes, with their roomy toe box and flexible design, give children's feet the freedom they need to develop naturally, reducing the likelihood of deformities caused by shoe restrictions.

Some of the studies:

• a small observational study of how barefoot shoes and walking barefoot affect foot growth

• a study of 90 children that showed moderate minimalist shoes helped support long-term balance

• Brochure shared by the American Podiatric Medical Association that shares:

  • “…bare feet are ideal for new walkers - so if you want to protect a baby's foot with a shoe when outside, you should opt for a shoe that is as close to barefoot as possible”

Are barefoot shoes right for every child?

While barefoot shoes offer many benefits, it’s important to ease into them-- especially if your kiddo has been wearing traditional shoes with a lot of cushioning. Gradually transitioning to barefoot shoes will give their muscles and joints time to adapt. Also, for children with specific foot conditions or those who need extra support should consult a podiatrist before switching to barefoot footwear. As always, make the best option for what is right for you and your fam :)

My Favorite Minimalist Shoes for Kids

This is mainly aimed at little ones (probably six and under) since I don't currently have any big kids of my own. I have taken a peek though, and many of these brands have larger sizes available (you can also check this post where I chat about my favorite barefoot adult shoes). 

Here are some of my top picks to keep feet healthy and strong: 

(p.S. I have categorized them by brand and include which certain styles each brand offers)

Ten Little Shoes

Starting off with our most faavorite brand and the most versatile. I have bought half a dozen pairs of Ten Little Shoes since becoming a parent-- they are our favorite. Not only do they have all the qualifiers of a "minimalist shoe" (the flexible sole, zero drop, wide toe boxes, etc.), but they also have a parent-friendly interface.

When you first make an account, you get to make a profile for each of your kiddos. This profile includes their shoe size, birthday, and age. (this also can help you to find developmentally appropriate toys, shoes, and clothes). After a certain amount of time has passed since your last order, they will pop into your inbox with a reminder that it may be time to size up your little ones shoes. I really appreciate this reminder because I have had it happen before where I did not know my daughter's shoes were too snug until she was pretty upset about it 🥴

I also appreciate that it's pretty much a one-stop shop. They have rain boots, sneakers, high-tops, snow boots, early walker shoes, and sandals that all support natural foot movement and healthy foot development. Plus, they are frequently coming out with new styles and colors which is fun. 

The downside, is I feel they are expensive-- especially when you consider how often you are buying shoes for active kids with growing feet. The sneakers and sandals are all around the $40 range while the boots are a bit more pricey. I do feel like they are well made and have the high quality to be worth it, but it is something to keep in mind. 

MOM HACK: My daughter is almost 4 and my son is 1. And there are certain things that I intentionally purchase in gender-neutral colors, with the intent of passing them down to my son. This was something I unintentionally did before she was born since we didn't know her gender until birth. It was so convenient having all our stuff gender-neutral for whatever babies come next! Things like kid's shoes, boots, and snow gear, are all things I'll try to prioritize in a neutral color. It helps save so much money in the long run!

I also love thrifting and finding this brand second-hand if it is still in good condition! 

I am not partnered with them and have purchased all our Ten Little shoes on our own— the link below is a refer-a-friend link that will take $5 off your order!

My Favorite Barefoot Shoes on Amazon

I shared that this brand has my favorite affordable options for barefoot shoes for adults-- and they have great options for kids too.

All sneaker or high-top styles with a more casual style, with a good variety of colors and patterns available. Overall they have great reviews— we have personally never purchased any of their kid’s styles, but I do own 3 adult pairs and have to say— they are my favorite shoes to recommend to people starting out with barefoot shoes because they are a lot more affordable than some of the other popular brands. For kids, the price is more comparable to some of the name brands.

Affordable Barefoot Kid shoes

If you are looking for a really budget-friendly option, but not needing the "barefoot" label, I highly recommend this specific shoe from Target! They are considered a "medium width" shoe, but they have been a good fit with ample space for both my kids. I also love the fun designs and patterns, and the velcro strap has held up pretty well! 

This would also be a great option if your child has been wearing conventional shoes and you want to transition to a more minimalist style. The best part-- they are less than $10 (and you can often find them on sale for even less!)

Magical Shoes

Okay, if you have noticed on this list, there are a lot of tennis shoes and sneakers. Which is great— but what about when you are looking for a dressier shoe maybe for a special occasion?

I looked forevvver to trying and find something cute for my daughter to wear when I finally stumbled on Magical Shoes. Their Gloria shoe is so darling and I love that it is made of natural grain leather! They are the perfect versatile shoe that you can dress up or down.

What do you think of barefoot shoes? Do you have any faves personally? I’d love to hear from you!

Kaelyn

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