Published Research on Barefoot Shoes for Kids

Background: 

The human foot is a masterpiece of biomechanics, a complex structure of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is designed for natural movement and sensory feedback. However, traditional shoes, with their narrow toe boxes, elevated heels, and stiff soles, can significantly hinder this natural function, especially in developing children.

Kuzi Barefoot Shoes has been working to develop evidence-based school uniform shoes that promote stronger and healthier feet for school-going children between the age of 3-14, rendering them more resilient to injury. Many parents typically have limited knowledge about footwear and purchase the shoes which are essentially black or white versions of miniaturized adult shoes. They often choose shoes with rigid soles and arch support, believing they are protecting their children’s feet. Across the world, more research is being done into the benefits of minimalist shoes as compared to traditional school shoes.

What are minimalist / barefoot shoes?

Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the experience of walking barefoot, featuring a wide toe box that allows toes to splay naturally, a zero-drop sole that promotes natural posture, and a flexible construction that allows for a full range of motion. This design encourages natural foot strengthening, improves balance and proprioception, enhancing body awareness, and promotes healthy foot development. Kuzi Barefoot Shoes envisions a future where every child develops strong, healthy feet, preventing future musculoskeletal issues and building a foundation for lifelong well-being through natural movement. Kuzi Barefoot Shoes is committed to educating and empowering parents and educators to prioritize natural foot development, fostering a healthier generation. By recommending Barefoot Shoes for school use, educational institutions can play a vital role in supporting children's long-term well-being.

 

Published research on benefits of Barefoot Shoes for children

1.      “The long-term effects of wearing moderate minimalist shoes on a child’s foot strength, muscle structure and balance: A randomised controlled trial”, Shayan Quinlan et al, Gait & Posture, Volume 92, February 2022, Pages 371-377 (available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.12.009)

Highlights:

·       Wearing moderate minimalist shoes long-term improves balance in children.

·       Balance is correlated with toe strength and jump distance.

·       Moderate minimalist children’s footwear designs are recommended.

 

2.      “Minimalist school shoes improve intrinsic foot muscle size, strength, and arch integrity among primary school students”, Alycia Fong Yan et al, Journal of Sports Sciences Volume 42, 2024 - Issue 12, (available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2386213)

Highlights:

·       Use of minimalist school shoes for two school terms may result in an increase in intrinsic foot muscle size, strength, and arch height. 

·       The cross-sectional area of both the AH and FDB, hallux and lesser toe flexor strength, and arch height demonstrated improvement after two school terms of wearing minimalist school shoes. 

·       Observed a greater arch height in the participants in the minimalist group, suggesting larger and stronger intrinsic foot muscles that support the arch structure.

 

3.      “How barefoot and conventional shoes affect the foot and gait characteristics in toddlers”, Marta Gimunova et al, PLoS One. 2022 Aug 23, (available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9398026/)

Highlights:

·       The results of this study show a higher plantar arch and a smaller foot progression angle in the BF group. 

·       These findings may encourage parents and caregivers to introduce barefoot shoes or create a habitual barefoot time for their child.

 

4.      “Foot motion in children shoes—A comparison of barefoot walking with shod walking in conventional and flexible shoes” Sebastian Wolf et al, Gait & Posture 27 (2008) 51–59 (available at: Foot motion in children shoes—A comparison of barefoot walking with shod walking in conventional and flexible shoes - ScienceDirect

Highlights:

·       The increased prevalence for flatfoot and hallux valgus in modern societies may be the consequence of inadequate footwear in childhood.

·       Based on the assumption that barefoot walking represents the best condition for the development of a healthy foot the objective of this study was to monitor the influence of commercial footwear on children’s foot motion during walking.

·       The present study shows that slimmer and more flexible children’s shoes do not change foot motion as much as conventional shoes and therefore should be recommended for healthy children in general.

 

5.      “The effects of foot core exercises and minimalist footwear on foot muscle sizes, foot strength, and biomechanics: A systematic review and meta-analysis”,  Jean-Louis Peter-Dickie et al, Clinical Biomechanic, Volume 122, Feb 2025, 106417 (available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2024.106417 ).

Highlights:

·       The use of minimalist shoes during running or daily life seem to result in increased foot muscle sizes and foot strength, and a more forefoot-oriented strike pattern during running.