Shoes for New Walkers
Are you overwhelmed by the options when choosing the right shoe for your newly walking child?
Let’s talk about it!
Children’s feet are mostly cartilage when born and the structure of the foot is not fully formed until around 2 years of age and will continue to develop until late teens. I usually suggest that children should begin wearing shoes when they are walking independently for most of their mobility outside of the home. Children may still play barefoot when in a safe, indoor environment.
Here are some tips to focus on when searching for shoes for your child.
Shoes should fit comfortably and allow about a fingers space in front of the toes; avoid buying shoes that are too large that children will need to grow into. Look for a wider front of shoe, also known as the toe box.
Purchase shoes made of leather, canvas, or breathable material instead of plastic. Children’s feet sweat a lot and the wrong material may result in slipping, irritation, or blisters.
Make sure there is good traction or non-slip texture on bottom of shoes to prevent slipping or falls.
Every child’s foot is different and are positioned differently in shoes. Avoid handing down footwear to next child as their feet may not fit well in the shoe.
The back of the shoe, also known as the heel cup, should be stable and not easily flexed. It should keep the foot in place and promote balance and prevent tripping or falling. Avoid shoes without backs or slip-on shoes.
Have your child wear shoes with velcro straps or laces to support ankle stability and prevent too much movement in shoe while walking.
The sole of the shoe should be flexible but not able to fold in half. It should be more flexible near front of shoe and not middle.
When purchasing shoes, bring your child with you and have them wear socks when trying on shoes if that’s how they will be worn. Feet tend to swell during the day, so trying on shoes later in the day is a good idea.
Footwear is important for the growth and development of your children’s feet. Make sure to provide a stable and supportive shoe for your little one. If you have any further questions, please reach out to your pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist to find the best shoe for your child.
As always, feel free to reach out to Dr. Haley, PT at haley@setinmotionphysicaltherapy.com for additional questions.