Barefoot Children Aged 6 to 10 Balanced Better and Jumped Further in One Study. Here Is What That Does and Does Not Mean.; Your House Already Does the Thing the Study Measured: What the Research on Barefoot Children Actually Found; One Study, Two Results: Barefoot Children Balanced Better. Barefoot Teenagers Ran Slower.; The Supportive Shoes Conversation, and the 2018 Study Nobody in It Has Read; What Happens to a Child's Balance When They Grow Up Barefoot, and Why That Matters More in an Indian Home

A 2018 study found habitually barefoot children aged 6 to 10 balanced better and jumped further. Here is what it found, what it did not, and what to change.

By Champions Studio · Fri Sep 18 2026

Barefoot Children Aged 6 to 10 Balanced Better and Jumped Further in One Study. Here Is What That Does and Does Not Mean.; Your House Already Does the Thing the Study Measured: What the Research on Barefoot Children Actually Found; One Study, Two Results: Barefoot Children Balanced Better. Barefoot Teenagers Ran Slower.; The Supportive Shoes Conversation, and the 2018 Study Nobody in It Has Read; What Happens to a Child's Balance When They Grow Up Barefoot, and Why That Matters More in an Indian Home

When it comes to children's development, we often encounter advice that sounds responsible: buy supportive shoes for growing feet, ensure proper arch support, and so on. These recommendations are often made with good intentions, but rarely do they stem from a direct engagement with scientific research. At Champions Studio, we believe in looking at the evidence ourselves. So, when a particular study on barefoot children caught our attention, we read it carefully, not just the headlines. Here is what we found, and what it might mean for you, Ji.

The shoes conversation you have probably had

It is a common scenario for many parents in Jaipur and beyond. A well-meaning relative, a friend, or even an advertisement suggests that your child needs “proper supportive shoes” for their developing feet. Thoughts of arches, ankle support, and healthy growth come to mind. It sounds like a responsible choice, a way to protect your child's posture and motor development. Many of us, understandably, choose to invest in these shoes, believing we are doing the best for our children. Yet, how often do these conversations, or our purchasing decisions, involve a direct look at the scientific studies that might underpin such advice?

This article aims to bridge that gap. We will examine a specific piece of research that has been widely cited, yet often incompletely understood, to explore what it genuinely means for your child's balance and movement.

What the study found

In 2018, a significant study by Zech and colleagues was published in Frontiers in Pediatrics [1]. The researchers set out to compare the motor skills of children and adolescents who habitually went barefoot with those who habitually wore shoes. The design was straightforward: they observed different groups and tested them on key physical abilities such as balance, jumping, and sprinting.

The study involved 810 participants across three age groups (6-10 years, 11-14 years, and 15-18 years) from both Germany (a habitually shod population) and South Africa (representing a habitually barefoot population). Key findings emerged, and it is important to look at both sides of the coin.

Balance: Children aged 6 to 10 years who habitually went barefoot demonstrated significantly better balance abilities than their shoe-wearing counterparts (p = 0.015, indicating a statistically significant difference) [1].
Standing Long Jump: The same group of 6 to 10-year-old barefoot children also performed better in the standing long jump (p = 0.005) [1].

However, the findings were not uniform across all age groups and motor skills. While barefoot adolescents aged 15 to 18 years did jump further in the standing long jump, they also demonstrated slower sprint times compared to their shod peers [1]. This latter point is crucial, as it is often overlooked in popular discussions of the study.

What the study does not say

Understanding the limits of research is as important as understanding its findings. The Zech et al. study provides valuable insights, but it is essential not to overinterpret its conclusions.

One Study, Observational Design: This is a single, observational study. This means it identified differences between groups that habitually went barefoot versus those who habitually wore shoes. It does not mean that if you take your child's shoes off, their balance will automatically improve. Observational studies show correlation, not direct causation.
Confounding Factors: The groups compared in the study differed in more than just footwear habits. They lived in different geographies (Germany vs. South Africa), experienced different climates, walked on different surfaces, and likely engaged in varying levels of daily physical activity. The authors acknowledged these differences and attempted to control for some, but they are inherent limitations of this type of research [1]. It is difficult to isolate the effect of footwear alone.
Balance vs. Performance: While better balance in a test is an interesting finding, the study does not claim that it leads to fewer injuries, superior athletic performance, or any other specific long-term benefits.
The Sprint Result: The slower sprint times for older barefoot adolescents serve as a reminder that the picture is complex. There are contexts where footwear may offer advantages, even in fundamental motor skills.

The finding is real and noteworthy, suggesting a potential relationship between habitual barefoot activity and certain motor skills in younger children. However, it is not a universal prescription or a guarantee of specific outcomes. It is a piece of evidence to consider within a broader context of child development.

Why this is a more useful finding in India than anywhere else

The independent variable in this research, the primary difference being studied, was habitual barefoot time. This is where the study's relevance takes a unique turn for Indian families. In many Indian households, including those in Jaipur, removing shoes at the door is a deeply ingrained cultural practice. Children naturally spend a significant portion of their indoor time barefoot.

While discussions about screen time and structured schedules often dominate parenting conversations, this aspect of a child's developmental environment is often overlooked. Most Western parenting advice and research on this topic often frames "going barefoot" as a deliberate, sometimes challenging, change in routine. For many Indian families, however, it is simply the default. This means that, whatever other factors are at play, many Indian children are already closer to the "habitually barefoot" condition examined in the study, purely by virtue of their home environment.

The practical implication is straightforward, Ji: floor time at home is often barefoot time, and according to this research, it appears to be a valuable input for balance and jumping skills in younger children. There is no need to undo this natural practice by putting a three-year-old in rigid, highly supportive shoes indoors simply because someone suggested it would help their arches.

What this actually changes, and what it does not

This research offers some clarity, helping us make informed decisions without resorting to extremes. Here is a brief decision list based on what the study implies and does not imply:

What Changes:

Indoor Time at Home: Feel confident allowing your child to be barefoot indoors. For young children, it is likely beneficial for the development of foot muscles and sensory feedback crucial for balance.
Varied Surfaces: While a flat tiled floor is common, consider opportunities for your child to experience different textures and uneven surfaces. Grass, sand, or even a textured mat can provide richer sensory input to the feet, which the study suggests is important [1].
Barefoot Activities: Activities that are naturally performed barefoot, such as gymnastics, dance, and yoga, gain further credence. They have been barefoot for centuries for reasons that align with the idea of natural foot development and sensory engagement.

What Does Not Change:

The Road Outside: Shoes remain essential for protection against hazards, temperature, and hygiene when outdoors on paved surfaces, rough terrain, or public spaces.
Sports Requiring Specific Footwear: Many sports, like cricket or football, require specialized shoes for safety, grip, and performance. This research does not suggest abandoning appropriate sports footwear.
Medical Advice: If a pediatrician or podiatrist has prescribed specific footwear or orthotics for your child due to a particular medical condition, their advice should always take precedence.

When to stop reading blogs and see someone

While understanding general research is empowering, it is crucial to know when a professional's assessment is needed. If you observe any of the following in your child, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or a pediatric physiotherapist:

Persistent Pain: Your child frequently complains of foot, ankle, or leg pain without a clear cause.
Limp or Gait Changes: A noticeable or persistent limp, or an unusual way of walking or running that seems new or worsening.
One-Sided Asymmetry: One foot or leg appears significantly different from the other, or your child consistently avoids putting weight on one side.
Avoidance of Weight-Bearing: Your child avoids standing, walking, or participating in activities that require putting weight on their feet.
Marked Change: Any significant or sudden change in their mobility or comfort levels related to their feet or legs [2].

These signs warrant professional attention to ensure any underlying issues are addressed appropriately.

What we do with this

At Champions Studio, our approach to children's development is rooted in understanding how children learn and grow through movement and exploration. This research on habitual barefoot activity resonates with some of our core practices. For instance, many of our gymnastics and dance sessions are naturally conducted barefoot, allowing children to engage with the floor and develop proprioception directly.

We also incorporate activities on different surfaces within our 7,000 sq ft space in C-Scheme, providing varied sensory inputs for the 8 to 10 children in each batch, catering to ages 6 months to 8 years. Our milestone checklists, which assess gross motor skills, include items like standing on one leg with specific criteria, mirroring the scientific discipline of studies like Zech et al. We observe how children perform these tasks, ensuring that our assessments are objective and measurable.

It is important to note that we do not claim that attending our programs will magically improve your child's balance based on this study. Our focus is on providing a rich, stimulating environment for holistic development, where children can explore, challenge themselves, and build foundational motor skills.

The one thing to take away

The core message from this research is simpler than the headlines might suggest: the choice of footwear, especially indoors, is a decision with potential implications for your child's developing motor skills. Until now, you might not have known it was a decision at all. The evidence suggests that for younger children, habitual barefoot activity is associated with better balance and jumping performance. Beyond that, the broader implications for long-term health and athletic prowess remain areas for continued research and careful interpretation.

Try it with us

If you are curious to see how balance milestones are assessed in a structured yet playful environment, we invite you to a trial session at Champions Studio. It is Rs 500, and you can book your slot easily on WhatsApp at +91 9509671632. As our gymnastics and dance activities are barefoot, you will only need socks for the walk in, nothing else.

Frequently asked questions

What are the 7 motor skills?

While there isn't a universally agreed-upon list of exactly 7 motor skills, motor skills are generally categorized into gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large muscle movements, such as walking, running, jumping, balancing, and throwing. Fine motor skills involve smaller movements, like writing, drawing, and buttoning a shirt. For more detail, please refer to our guide on gross motor skills milestones and activities.

What motor skills are balancing running and jumping?

Balancing, running, and jumping are all examples of gross motor skills. They involve the coordination and control of large muscle groups throughout the body, essential for mobility and physical activity. These skills are fundamental to a child's overall physical development.

What are 5 examples of gross motor skills?

Five common examples of gross motor skills include: running, jumping, balancing, throwing, and climbing. These activities are crucial for developing strength, coordination, and spatial awareness in children. For a comprehensive list, see our article on gross motor skills activities.

Is balancing a gross motor skill?

Yes, balancing is definitively a gross motor skill. It requires the coordinated effort of many large muscle groups to maintain an upright position against gravity, whether stationary or in motion. It is a foundational skill for almost all other gross motor activities.