Studies show that children who often go barefoot develop stronger, healthier feet. Research in developing countries such as China has compared children who wear shoes with unshod children and found that the latter have much better flexibility and mobility. Throughout childhood and especially in the first few years of walking, the ankle, feet and lower limb muscles need strengthening. Shoes with rigid soles literally provide too much support, reducing the need for the muscles and ligaments to stabilise during standing, walking, running and jumping. Whilst parents may think they are looking after their child’s feet with hard ‘supportive’ shoes, they are actually hindering the development of these muscles, as well as the child’s balance and proprioception.

The answer is soft soled shoes that closely mimic the ‘bare foot’, providing protection from the ground and weather, but allowing for natural muscle development. SKEANIE shoes are soft soled, pliable, comfortable AND stylish!

Download and print SKEANIE's new foot measuring guide here.