Barefoot shoes have become incredibly popular in recent years among parents who believe that "natural walking" is better for developing children's feet. Instagram, blogs, and influencers present these minimalist shoes as the healthy alternative to traditional children's shoes. But is that image accurate? At Maxime Schoenen, we believe it's important that parents receive honest and well-founded information. In this blog post, you'll discover why barefoot isn't always the best choice for growing feet—and which shoes are actually responsible.
What exactly are barefoot shoes?
Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, are designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot as closely as possible. They have an extremely thin, flat sole, offer minimal cushioning, and are completely flexible. This sounds liberating and natural, but it also means these shoes offer no support whatsoever to the heel, ankles, instep, or arch. While this may not be a problem for adult feet, it's a different story for growing children: their feet are still soft, mobile, and malleable. Therefore, they need more support, not less.
Why has the barefoot trend become so popular?
The hype stems primarily from the idea that feet should be able to develop "freely." The idea that children walk better without stiff or rigid shoes is widely shared online. Parents are increasingly told that barefoot shoes create stronger foot muscles, improve the natural gait, and promote healthy feet. While this sounds appealing, research and the experiences of podiatrists and orthopedists show that these claims are only partially true—and often overstated. Moreover, it's often forgotten that children today live almost entirely on hard surfaces: concrete, tiles, asphalt, and laminate. And that requires completely different shoes than the soft surfaces of nature.
Why barefoot shoes are often not a good choice for children
When you see barefoot shoes, you might think that "less support" is more natural and healthier. But precisely because children are still growing, their bodies benefit from structure and stability. A thin sole can't absorb shock, so every step is transmitted directly to the bones and joints. This can lead to fatigue, strain, and pain. Furthermore, minimalist shoes offer little protection. A pebble, a sharp edge, or a branch is immediately noticeable—not ideal for curious children who love to play and explore.
The lack of heel and ankle support can also cause posture problems. Without a sturdy heel counter, ankles are more likely to collapse inward, altering gait and shifting stress to the knees, hips, and lower back. This is sometimes only noticeable later in life. Furthermore, children wearing barefoot shoes require significantly more muscle strength to maintain stability. Their young muscles and tendons often can't handle this yet, which can lead to problems such as Achilles tendon problems or pain in the forefoot and calves. Barefoot shoes may be fine for short periods indoors or on soft ground, but are absolutely not suitable for busy school days, outdoor play, or long walks.
What do children need for healthy feet?
Children's feet require shoes that move with them while simultaneously offering sufficient protection and stability. A sturdy heel counter prevents the ankle from rolling inward, while a flexible yet cushioned sole supports the foot's natural movement. The material should be comfortable and soft, yet retain its shape enough to guide the foot as it walks. A good fit is also essential: the toes should have enough room to spread and roll without slipping.
At Maxime Schoenen, we select our collection precisely based on that balance. We consciously choose brands that collaborate with specialists, who understand how children's feet grow, and who design shoes that support that growth process. Whether a child has narrow, wide, or average feet: with the right quality shoe, you not only prevent problems but also ensure that children can play, run, and explore freely and safely.
Conclusion: barefoot is not the best choice for every child's foot
While barefoot shoes may seem appealing because of their natural design, they offer insufficient protection, stability, and cushioning for growing children. Children's feet need structure, guidance, and safe materials that absorb shock and promote proper posture. Healthy foot development therefore requires a well-considered choice—not shoes that let everything go.
Do you want to be sure that your child receives the right support?
Then discover the collection of high-quality children's shoes at Maxime Schoenen , where comfort, protection and craftsmanship are central.
