What Shoes Are Most Appropriate for My Child?
• Does my baby need to wear shoes?
• Do I need to invest in “the best” shoes?
Shoes have different purposes at different stages in your child’s development. At every stage, shoes provide warmth and protection. As children learn to walk, they use their toes to grip the ground which helps develop the muscles of the foot. This in turn, is how we develop the arches of our feet. For that reason, at home, it’s a good idea for little ones to go barefoot!
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that shoes should:
be lightweight and flexible
be made of material that breathes (leather or mesh)
have rubber soles to prevent slipping
have good shock absorption if participating in high impact activities
Pre-Walkers
Pre-walkers should wear shoes that are soft and flexible such as leather shoes that are not too tight. This is all is needed to protect their feet.
Toddlers
Toddlers should wear lightweight canvas or leather shoes that fit well. Toddlers should avoid loosely bound footwear such as flip flops or slippers. These shoes cause the muscles of the foot to overwork and therefore fatigue. This can contribute to a flat foot. On the other hand, shoes that offer too much support may not allow the child to build these muscles up to develop a good arch. Therefore, if there are no other neurological or orthopedic concerns, there is no need to invest in the expensive supportive shoe. Open toed shoes that secure the foot with straps, such as sandals, are perfect.
School Aged Children
At this age, shock absorption is important because these kids are performing more high impact activities. When not engaged in high impact activities, school aged children continue to strengthen the arches of their feet by wearing flip flops or slip on shoes (such as slides or crocs).
For all ages, it is important that the shoes fit properly, are well ventilated, and flexible.
If you have additional questions regarding appropriate shoes for your child’s developmental stage, please contact our physical therapist at susan@collaborativecorner.org free of charge.
Susan Robins, PT
Pediatric Physical Therapist
susan@collaborativecorner.org