One of the most important aspects when choosing barefoot shoes is matching the right model to the stage your little one is in. Some models are more minimalist, offering more ground feel, while others are slightly more structured — and not every model works for every child. A baby who is just starting to walk has very different needs from a toddler who is already running around and playing all day.
To make things easier for parents, we’ve created a short guide to each stage, with the brands and models that work best:
Sit & Crawl – First Steps
Children usually take their first independent steps between 12 and 18 months. In terms of footwear, this corresponds to the first three months after they begin to walk. It’s a very exciting and challenging stage, full of trial and error. At this time, shoes are not essential, especially if little ones still crawl and touch the ground with their hands often. Health professionals who follow the barefoot philosophy recommend that children spend most of their time barefoot.
Why barefoot?
It’s the healthiest option for natural foot development, as toes can grow free, straight, and strong.
It helps strengthen the foot muscles, which develop best when activated naturally.
It allows maximum freedom of movement and comfort, without external restrictions.
It maximizes sensory input. At this stage, sensations are essential for motor and cognitive development. The feet have even more sensory receptors than the hands, sending information to the brain faster, which boosts balance and coordination.
What about colder days?
Warm non-slip socks are a great option. Another alternative are the baby booties from Zás Trás for Babies, which look like little shoes but fit like non-slip socks. They’re available in winter versions (lined or with fur inside) and in summer versions made with lightweight cotton.
When are shoes necessary?
Shoes are essential once children start walking outdoors and need protection. In this early walking stage, barefoot shoes should be as minimalist as possible: thin soles, no drop, no heel counter, lightweight and flexible.
Recommended brands for Sit & Crawl:
- Attipas: a sock-shoe hybrid with an ultra-thin flexible sole. Great for transitioning from barefoot to shoes, offering mobility, sensations, and protection.
- Bunny Barefoot: Portuguese brand making highly minimalist shoes with extra-thin soles, high-quality craftsmanship, and soft leather. Ideal for medium to wide feet.
- Tip Toey Joey: Brazilian brand with models for first steps and early walking. Designed as a second skin, offering only what’s essential for comfort and protection.
- Zapato Feroz: Spanish brand (made in Portugal), developed with children’s podiatrist Roberto Pascual. Thin soles, high flexibility, and maximum comfort.
UP & GO
This is the stage when children begin to master walking and balance, usually within the first year after taking their first independent steps. It overlaps with the “first steps” stage but lasts longer. Throughout this period, it’s still important to prioritize barefoot time, especially on safe surfaces such as at home, nursery floors, gardens, parks, or the beach.
At the same time, children gradually become more active, exploring and playing more. Shoes become increasingly important to keep them protected on rougher or less safe surfaces. The more time they can wear minimalist barefoot shoes, the better.
Most Recommended Brands:
- Attipas
- Tip Toey Joey
- Zapato Feroz
After around six months of walking, children are more active, with more advanced motor skills. At this point, some highly minimalist models or shoes without toe protection may no longer last enough. If sneakers wear out or tear within a week, it may be time for models with a reinforced toe cap for durability — without sacrificing flexibility.
Other intermediate brands for this stage include:
- Muris Brand
- Mustang Free
- Blanditos
- Victoria Barefoot
- Igor
- Geox (Respectful line)
RUN & PLAY
Around one year after starting to walk, children reach full walking stage. This means they have mastered walking and balance and are also running, jumping, and playing constantly. It’s a very active phase, and for that reason, shoes need to meet two essential requirements:
- They must be as comfortable as possible, allowing freedom of movement.
- They may need to be slightly more structured, with toe protection or a thin toe cap, for greater durability.
It’s completely normal for shoes to wear out faster during these years. Marks, scuffs, and worn soles are just signs of healthy motor development and lots of play.
Reaching one year of walking does not mean you must immediately move to full walking shoes. If “Up & Go” models still fit and are available in the right size, they can remain the best option — lighter, more flexible, and thinner soled. Many children only transition to full walking shoes around age 3 or 4.
Recommended Brands:
- Tip Toey Joey
- Zapato Feroz
- Blanditos
- Muris Brand
- Mustang Free
- Victoria Barefoot
- Igor
- Geox (Respectful line)
- Lejan
- Naw
- Koops
ADULTS
Barefoot shoes are not only for children — they are for all ages. There’s no age limit to feeling comfortable, taking care of our feet, and even improving their natural shape. Traditional shoes, often narrow at the toe, can cause discomfort and deformities.
Switching to barefoot shoes, with a wide toe box and flexible soles, is often the first step toward healthier feet. Many parents discover this philosophy through their children and later become barefoot fans themselves.
Some say it’s just a trend — we say it’s about health. There’s no need to sacrifice comfort to look good. Our feet are our foundation, carrying us through our daily activities. Why keep them trapped in tight shoes with rigid soles, or high heels that harm posture and foot structure?
The good news is that more and more brands design barefoot shoes that are not only healthy but also stylish. Examples include:
- Victoria Barefoot
- Muris Brand
- Coqueflex
- Mustang
- Fleeters
- Ohne Project
- Mum Barefoot
For adults, a transition period is often needed. At first, the wide front and flat sole may feel unusual. It’s best to adapt gradually, starting with short periods until your body adjusts. If adaptation feels intense, guidance from a podiatrist or physiotherapist is recommended.
If you’re used to being barefoot often, the transition may be quicker. Always listen to your body and adapt at your own pace.