Our classroom shoes and moccasins provide comfort, protection and barefoot-like mobility. All Softstars are made in Oregon, USA from domestically-sourced leather and genuine sheepskin.

Why Classroom Shoes Rock

Cleanliness: Designating different shoes for indoor and outdoor learning promotes cleanliness inside the classroom.

Transition: Switching shoes when moving between indoor and outdoor educational spaces signals students to switch gears in rhythm and place as well. Classroom shoes are easy to put on and remove, allowing children to practice independence and to mindfully participate in this transition between spaces.

Proprioception, Movement, and Comfort: Secure, non-constricting classroom shoes promote the balance and proprioception necessary for dance, active games, eurhythmy, and other kinesthetic learning. Additionally, soft-soled footwear makes it comfortable for students to sit cross-legged on the floor during lessons; this relaxed seated posture frees children to pay attention to teachers and fellow classmates.

Whole-Body Health: Footwear with soft, flexible soling supports the development of strong, healthy feet. Wearing traditional (stiff) shoes for long periods during childhood can actually mold the bones to the shape of the shoe and force toes to squeeze together, potentially resulting in painful foot health problems as adults. Over time, any postural foot abnormality can also have an effect further up the body, permanently altering posture and walking style.

Safety: A classroom should be a safe space where children can freely question, explore and discover. While children’s feet should be activated and engaged, it is also practical to provide a certain level of protection against cold floors, hot water, and sharp objects that stray from their designated areas. Classroom shoes keep children safe without slowing them down.

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Adapted from The Benefits of Classroom Shoes on Children’s Play, Discovery, and Learning in Waldorf, Montessori, and Other Educational Settings, © Softstar Shoes, 2015.