Barefoot and Brilliant: Why We Encourage Little Feet to Go Free

At Discover My World, we remain curious and up-to-date with the newest insights in child development, and one key finding is that early barefoot experiences can promote healthy growth. Therefore, we offer children the empowering option to choose whether to wear shoes or go barefoot. This straightforward choice enhances their independence, autonomy, and confidence.

When it comes to school readiness, we guide children in becoming shoe-ready, but within our safe spaces, we often encourage shoeless play. Enclosed shoes are only required during community outings and external excursions.

What Does the Research Say?

Occupational therapist Dr Nicole Grant reminds us that not all footwear supports young feet equally. Meanwhile, educators at places like The Rumpus Room emphasise how going barefoot can enhance balance, coordination, and motor skills by allowing children to connect directly with the surface beneath them Aussie Childcare NetworkCELA.

Additional research backs up several benefits of barefoot movement:

• Strengthening foot and ankle muscles

• Improving balance, posture, and proprioception

• Heightening sensory awareness, letting children “feel” their environment and move with intention FootGearLabDaily Foot Care+3Health+3Okabashi+3Aussie Childcare Network+2Grace Village Early Learning+2Grace Village Early Learning

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The Sensory Advantage

Shoes aren't just about protection, they can also distract. Children who are sensitive to tactile inputs might be bothered by tight laces, sock seams, or restrictive materials. Allowing them the option to go barefoot removes these distractions, helps them self-regulate, and invites more focused, mindful exploration.

When Shoes Are Necessary and What to Look For

Of course, shoes are essential in many environments: school, community outings, family events. Here's what to look for when choosing shoes that support, rather than hinder, development:

• Comfortable fit in length and width

• Generous toe box

• Flexible, flat sole, especially around the toe area

• Wider at the front than the heel, to mirror natural foot shape

• Solid heel counter for stability

• Secure fastenings (laces, straps), with the understanding that lace-tying usually develops around ages 7–8

Avoid shoes chosen solely for looks. Ballet flats, rigid sandals, and thongs can restrict natural foot movement, at DMW, we encourage flexible joggers that move with growing feet, not against them.

Try This at Home

Next time you're at the park, in the backyard, or even indoors, invite your child to kick off their shoes. You’ll likely notice they’re more grounded, balanced, and curious and all while supporting foundational physical and sensory development.

Updated Sources & Further Reading

• “The pros and cons of going barefoot”, Amplify! Blog (CELA, Nov 2023) — Explores how barefoot opportunities support agency, sensory feedback, balance, and motor skills, with insights from occupational therapists and educators Grace Village Early Learning+5CELA+5CELA+5CELA+2education.cela.org.au+2

• Aussie Childcare Network article — Details the physical and sensory benefits of barefoot experiences, from stronger feet to deeper connection with the environment Aussie Childcare Network