Does your child need a Biomechanical study if they run in barefoot shoes?

I'm going to answer the question, but first, imagine this:

Your child runs like a bullet, he's thrilled, enjoying himself, and yet, you're there, wondering if you should get him a biomechanical analysis because, in your head, something tells you that maybe he's not running "correctly."

Sound familiar?

Well, that's exactly what Elena, a recurring client, told me. A year ago, she asked for my help with her foot pain.

She got herself some toe spacers, did some exercises I recommended, and now she says her feet have improved significantly thanks to my advice.

So far, so good.

But this time, Elena wasn't writing to me about herself, but about her 8-year-old son, who runs almost every day.

He loves athletics, is a beast at running (in her words), and has been wearing minimalist shoes since he was 4 years old.

He’s been through Merrell Trail Glove, Vivobarefoot, Xero Prio Kids...

Yavestruz,

quite the barefoot expert at his young age.

Elena tells me that she already took him to a podiatrist to see if he needed insoles, but the podiatrist said no, and despite that, she still has that nagging feeling in the back of her mind.

So she asks me: Should I get him a biomechanical analysis?

And here’s my answer.

Kids are incredible.

Not only because they’re pure energy, but because of their innate ability to adapt.

Their bodies are constantly evolving, and if your child runs happily and without pain, that’s already a great sign that he's doing fine.

Plus, since he’s been running in barefoot shoes for years, it’s very likely that his feet and muscles are developing perfectly.

Sometimes, as parents, we tend to overanalyze.

We watch them run and think:

“Mmm, could it be that he’s not stepping properly?

What if he gets injured later on?”

But if he's not experiencing discomfort or recurring injuries, everything is fine!

I’m not saying that a biomechanical analysis is unnecessary, but before you spend money on that, consider that your son has been running in barefoot shoes for years, and his body has naturally adjusted.

If he doesn’t have any discomfort or recurring injuries, it might not be necessary to intervene.

What would I do? Something simple:

Vary his activities.

Don’t just focus on running. Let him play, climb, roll around on the ground, and try different sports.

That way, not only will he develop his muscles in a balanced way, but you'll also avoid those overuse injuries that tend to come from doing the same thing over and over.

Running is wonderful, but running every day on the same path, with the same movements… can lead to problems.

That’s why I recommend something that never fails: the mountains.

The terrain challenges you with every step. No two steps are the same, and that’s pure gold for muscle and biomechanical development. Plus, it’s addictive!

And what about footwear?

Well, more barefoot shoes, of course.

Not just for running, but for everyday activities.

That’s where your child’s feet will truly reap the most benefits. During the hours spent at school, playing in the park, or just walking around the city.

His body is still in constant development, and the feet are the foundation of all that growth.

And in that, the new Coqueflex have a lot to say.

• Coqueflex Nimbus barefoot shoes: lightweight, flexible, and perfect for everyday use. For school, the park, for everything. Discover them here.

• Coqueflex Acorn barefoot boots: when the cold weather hits, these are the ones you need. Protection without sacrificing the freedom of their feet. Check out the Acorn here.

• Coqueflex Urban barefoot boots: urban design without forgetting what’s most important: letting their feet move as they should. Explore the Urban here.

Efectiviwonder.

Health starts with their feet.

Antonio Caballo