Juanjo López, traumatologist: “Barefoot footwear is 100% recommended for children”

According to orthopedic surgeon Juanjo López, children’s foot health should be addressed from their very first steps, and foot-friendly footwear plays a key role in that process. He argues that children’s feet need the freedom to move, bend, and develop without restriction.

“They are 100% recommended for children or anyone who is still growing,” he says in an interview with AS, emphasizing that their flexibility, zero heel-to-toe drop, and wide toe box allow the foot to function the way it was designed to.

The specialist says he has observed a noticeable rise in foot deformities among children caused by the prolonged use of rigid, narrow shoes. “I was seeing more and more deformities in children’s feet,” says the lead collaborator for Mustang Free, explaining that these changes can affect gait and posture throughout adulthood. That is why he launched his project to promote footwear that respects natural foot anatomy from an early age.

He also notes that children have a high degree of sensitivity in the soles of their feet, which allows them to adapt quickly to their environment. “From the moment they begin walking, they have a great deal of sensitivity in the soles of their feet,” he explains, adding that this direct contact with the ground improves stability and helps reduce falls. In addition, most children naturally have flexible flat feet during early development, so flexible footwear can help strengthen the arch over time.

Problems that begin in childhood

In his view, many problems that appear in adulthood actually begin in childhood, including bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and poor alignment in the knees and hips. Narrow, stiff shoes can shape the structure of the foot from a very early age.

For that reason, he insists that barefoot-style footwear for children is not a passing trend, but rather a highly valuable preventive tool. With it, the foot is allowed to work, strengthen, and adapt without being forced.

The orthopedic surgeon is convinced that change must start from the ground up. If children grow up wearing shoes that respect their natural anatomy, the prevalence of foot-related conditions in adults could be significantly reduced. He also believes the transition is more natural and painless for children, since their ability to adapt far exceeds that of adults. In his opinion, protecting children’s foot health should be a priority for families.

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