About Martina – Founder of Little Barefoot NZ
Hi, I’m Martina – founder of Little Barefoot, a mom of two little adventurers, originally from the Czech Republic and now proud to call New Zealand home since 2017.
Why I Chose Barefoot Shoes for My Children
My journey into barefoot footwear for kids began like it does for many parents—when my children took their first steps. I was excited to buy their first pair of shoes… until I noticed how much their walking changed. My daughter’s natural movement and posture shifted the moment she wore traditional shoes—and not for the better.
Curious and concerned, I began researching how shoes impact children’s feet. That’s when I discovered barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist or zero-drop shoes. These are designed to support natural foot development by being:
· Flexible – so kids can move freely
· Lightweight – reducing strain on growing muscles
· Foot-shaped – allowing room for toes to spread
· Flat (zero-drop) – no raised heels or artificial arch support
The more I learned, the more I realised that traditional shoes often restrict natural growth. In contrast, barefoot shoes give kids the freedom to move the way nature intended—helping to prevent common issues like poor posture, balance problems, or discomfort caused by ill-fitting footwear.
Every Foot is Unique—And That’s Okay
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that no two children’s feet are the same. Some have wide feet, others have narrow heels or high insteps. A good shoe shouldn’t just fit in length—it should accommodate your child’s foot shape too.
That’s where barefoot shoes shine. They’re made to respect this natural diversity, offering a more anatomically friendly fit than most mainstream options. When I put barefoot shoes on my kids for the first time, the change was instant—they walked more freely, moved more confidently, and clearly felt more comfortable.
Why I Started Little Barefoot
After experiencing the benefits of barefoot shoes firsthand, I wanted to find more options—but soon realised how limited the barefoot shoe market in New Zealand really was. Compared to Europe, it was almost impossible to find high-quality, well-fitting options for children.
That’s why I launched Little Barefoot NZ. An online store dedicated to importing premium barefoot children’s footwear to Kiwi families. Every brand I stock is handpicked, tried and tested, and designed with your child’s comfort and healthy development in mind.
Whether you're new to barefoot shoes or already a fan, I hope you find something here that supports your child’s journey, one natural step at a time.
