A barefoot (or minimalist) shoe is a shoe designed to replicate the sensation of walking barefoot as much as possible, while protecting the foot from ground damage (stones, splinters, temperature). At Faroush, our sneakers meet 4 essential criteria to earn this designation:

• A thin sole: To allow the child to feel the ground well, which is crucial for developing their proprioception (the perception of their body in space).
• A flexible and lightweight shoe: It must be able to twist and bend easily so as never to hinder the natural movement of the foot.
• A wide toe box: The space at the front of the shoe is deliberately wide so that the toes can spread out freely, as they would barefoot.
• Zero drop: The sole is completely flat from heel to toe. There is no raised heel, which promotes natural posture and balanced muscle development.

At Faroush, we know that proper footwear for your children from an early age is essential for their health and development. Unlike traditional, rigid shoes with thick soles and heels, our minimalist sneakers:

• Do not restrict the foot: They allow the foot to grow and develop muscles without hindrance.
• Promotes natural walking: The child develops a healthy walking pattern, landing midfoot rather than heel first.
• Strengthens muscles and ligaments: Walking in barefoot shoes engages all the small muscles in the foot, creating a strong and stable foundation for the entire body.
• Improve balance: Direct contact with the ground via the thin sole sends thousands of pieces of information to the brain, improving balance and coordination.

The "drop" is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot in a shoe. A drop of zero (or "0 drop") means that the sole is completely flat. This is a fundamental criterion because a flat sole respects the natural alignment of the body (ankles, knees, hips, back) and avoids overdeveloping certain muscles at the expense of others, thus preventing postural imbalances in the long term.

Our shoes are ideal from the very first steps! For a baby learning to walk, bare feet are the best ally indoors. As soon as they walk confidently and need protection outdoors (park, street, nursery), our sneakers are the perfect solution to continue supporting the natural development of their feet. They are then suitable for all ages of childhood.

This is an excellent question and a legitimate concern. Yes, absolutely. The thinness of the sole does not detract from its durability. Our soles are made of durable rubber that effectively protects against sharp objects, glass, or rough surfaces. The goal is to find the perfect balance: maximum protection while ensuring optimal ground feel.

The transition is generally very quick and intuitive for children, much more so than for adults! Their feet are not yet "deformed" by years of wearing rigid shoes. You can introduce Faroush sneakers gradually: first for a few hours, then for full days. The child will adapt naturally and rediscover the pleasure of moving freely.

Choosing the right size is crucial. A shoe that's too small is just as bad as one that's too stiff. Here's our advice:

1. Place your child's foot flat on a piece of paper.
2. Trace the outline of his foot, keeping the pencil straight.
3. Measure the distance from the tip of the longest toe to the heel.
4. Check our size guide (available on each product page) and add between 0.8 cm and 1.2 cm to the measurement obtained. This growth margin is essential for comfort and to avoid changing shoes every month!

Yes! We know kids are full of energy. Our minimalist sneakers are designed for their everyday lives: they're lightweight and flexible so they don't get in the way of their play, but also durable thanks to quality materials and reinforced seams to withstand all their adventures.

It's a matter of preference! Wearing socks is often more hygienic and can prevent chafing. We recommend thin socks and, if possible, models with separated toes or an anatomical shape so as not to cancel out the beneficial effect of the wide toe box.

To preserve the suppleness and quality of the materials, we recommend hand cleaning with a soft brush, warm water, and mild soap. Avoid washing machines and tumble dryers, which could damage the shoes. Let them air dry, away from direct heat sources (radiators, sunlight).