Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find answers to some important questions. If you have more questions we look forward to hear from you. Please contact us using this form.
What are swissies?
Swissies are revolutionary children's shoes. Swissies support the healthy development of your children by activating nerves in their feet.
What is so special about swissies?
The heart of swissies is in its unique, special sole (Swissies Sole Technology).
The swissies sole creates a flexible and moveable base that stimulates and trains nerves and muscles according to their natural function.
The sole provides the feet with the freedom of movement in all directions, even towards the ground. Thus, the foot has the freedom to move in a three-dimensional manner.
Important properties such as sensitivity, flexibility, mobility and stability of the feet are enhanced and trained in such a manner that they impact the entire body. This increases the fun in movement and ensures a natural posture and gait, a good sense of balance and healthy sensorimotoric function and coordination.
Why should children wear swissies often?
Because swissies are the healthiest shoe product in the children’s footwear market.
How do swissies work compared to normal shoes or barefoot walking?
Can I try out swissies as adult as well?
Yes, even adults can try out how it feels by stepping on the swissies test system, which can be found at each retailer. Moreover, one senses a clear difference in comparison to normal shoes while touching, pressing and flexing the sole.
Do you have scientific studies and evidence?
Yes, many independent studies and research confirm:
- the factors for healthy development and
- the state-of-the-art mode of function and impact of swissies.
Recommended by paediatricians, orthopaedists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, podologists, biomechanical engineers, sports scientists etc.
You can find the relevant studies and research at: www.swissies.eu/studies
Where can children use swissies?
Everywhere: swissies can and should be used like normal shoes.
There are models for schools as well as playtime, both closed as well as open-type (sandals).
At what age can children start to wear swissies?
This is simple: since the point of time children start to walk! However at the product launch in September 2009 the available sizes start at EU 26. With the coming seasons we will offer also the smaller sizes.
Since swissies are so soft and rebounding, is it dangerous to wrench one´s ankle? Is it less safe than with "normal, stiff shoes"?
No, absolutely not. The risk of twisting the angle is by no case higher than with other shoes. On the contrary: the soft soles act as a protective shield for the children. The flexible and rebounding sole trains the nerves, muscles and tendons as in barefooted walking. Thus, stability is strengthened.
Moreover it has been scientifically researched (Biomechanic Institute, ETH Zürich) that so called "stable" shoes are negative for the development of children´s feet and sensomotoric system. (of course with the exception of rare medical indications where stable footwaer is required)
Could it be that this constant "nerve activation" while walking, leads to a kind of overstimulation?
No, to the contrary our body and brain are built for this. It is "normal" that our nerves and muscles get activated and react all the time. In normal shoes on flat grounds, we face the problem of stimulation or over-stimulation of very few and/or recurrently the same points on the feet. The special sole of swissies offers flexibility, as a consequence of which variation is promoted and potential stress is well distributed. This is similar to walking barefoot on natural surfaces.
What is the difference to MBT-shoes?
Swissies and MBT are both in the category of healthy, functional shoes. The swissies technology however is on a very different concept and has been specially developed and suited to the special needs of children.
- Swissies are lightweight and softer (do not have any hard pad)
- Swissies provide the feet with three-dimensional freedom of movement (even towards the ground and laterally)
- Swissies are not instable despite being flexible and moveable
- There is neither a necessity for an extraordinarily careful gait nor instructions before use. Just put on the swissies and start walking.
- Moreover, swissies offers an air-conditioning system and a genuine leather-insole (vero cuoio) to protect against sweaty feet.
