Let your kids' feet be free! Why barefoot is better.

As parents, we want our children to grow up happy, healthy, and in tune with nature - from the ground up. Healthy feet are the base of healthy children, but most modern shoes are built for looks or convenience — not for health. Thick rubber soles, stiff materials, and narrow designs can get in the way of natural development. But children are meant to move freely, explore the world, and feel the ground beneath them. In this blog, we dive into why barefoot, or kids barefoot shoes is best, and what makes this the healthiest choice for growing feet.

The importance of being barefoot for children

Children’s feet are still forming. The bones in the foot don’t fully develop until around age 18, which means early footwear choices play a major role in how their feet grow and function. Traditional shoes, especially those with stiff soles and elevated heels (as most shoes have those days), can restrict natural movement and deform your walking pattern (source). And according to a study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (2018), children who are often barefoot show improved balance, stronger foot muscles, and more natural arch development compared to those who regularly wear conventional shoes. Another study showed that children wearing flexible, minimalist shoes had better postural control, showing that less interference from footwear leads to healthier biomechanics.

Children who are often barefoot show improved balance, stronger foot muscles, and more natural arch development

Unhealthy rubber soles

Rubber soles might be the standard in kids' shoes, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best. Rubber is often thick, stiff, and disconnects the foot from the ground, as rubber is not conductive. Wearing shoes with rubber soles limits the sensitivity of the feet, limits mobility, and can change natural posture (source) and for growing feet, this matters the most. Rubber soles can also trap moisture and heat, leading to sweaty, uncomfortable feet and potential skin irritation. Studies show that minimal footwear promotes intrinsic foot muscle strength and that children who regularly go barefoot or wear barefoot-like shoes tend to have better arch development and more flexible feet. Natural shoes for natural kids Whether your child is climbing trees, running barefoot through the garden, or simply exploring the world on tiptoe, it is important for children to wear unrestrictive movement, built to move with them. Good shoes for children should be shaped to mimic the real human foot. That means:

• A wide toe box that gives the toes space to spread and grip

• A zero-drop sole that encourages the foot to build its own strength and not rely on padding. Also, it keeps the heel and toe level, allowing the natural posture of your child

• Leather material that lets the feet breathe and grow freely — leather moves with the foot instead of holding it in place, so there’s no restriction on the natural growth of the feet

• Flexible leather soles: Great for sensory feedback, plus helping children stay grounded, allowing the earth energy into the body through the feet. This has plenty of health benefits, such as

  1. Better sleep and nervous system regulation

  2. Reduced inflammation and faster recovery from stress

  3. Improved balance and postural control through better sensory feedback
     

Meet Earth Sole Mini - true healthy barefoot shoes for kids

Our unique children's shoes are designed to support the way the body is meant to move — naturally and with ease. With breathable, foot-shaped shoes and soft, flexible leather soles, our shoes help kids build strength, balance, and healthy posture from the ground up. Because they allow for grounding — real connection to the earth — children may even feel more calm and regulated as they move, play, and grow. And happy children... Many happy parents ;)

Use of mindful materials

We hear it regularly - parents caring for their children's feet want shoes that are not only healthy and comfortable, but also responsible. Earth Sole Mini delivers all three. We use ethically sourced, repurposed leather for all our shoes. We source our leather from Capetonian upholsters, using the leather they no longer have use for (more). And unlike mass-produced shoes that are hard to recycle, our leather shoes are handmade to order, not only reducing waste, but also making each pair one of a kind.

And one of our favorite things? Hearing how excited children are to wear the same shoes as their parents. With Earth Sole Mini, you can mix and match colors and styles just like the adult line! If you and your little one are excited for their any-day barefoot adventure, be sure to have a look at our unique leather barefoot shoes. And for those amazing parents doing research online for the best kids' barefoot shoes out there - we give a 10% discount for your first Earth Sole Mini order! Use "BarefootKids" at checkout to claim your discount. Yes, take me there!

Thank you for caring together

🌿 Earth Sole 🌿