Why soft sole shoes are best for growing feet
It is recommended that you keep your child in flexible soled shoes from birth until they can confidently walk. The reasons why, are listed below:
Support for developing feet
According to the Australian Podiatrist Association, barefoot or only wearing very soft shoes helps your children's foot to develop and assists in strengthening muscles. Babies tend to have a natural reflex to curl their toes and arch their feet which means that lightweight, flexible shoes tend to allow feet to move freely and support natural movement.
Protection of heat/cold
Little feet need protection from the heat in summer, the cold in winter and from unpleasant surfaces, especially when they start to crawl. Socks are great for around the house, but shoes are preferred when your child is outside, especially when the weather is cooler or they are crawling in public areas or outside. Leather shoes allow your child’s feet to breathe and stay cool in warmer months, while still protecting them from the sun.
Learning to walk
When your baby starts to learn how to walk, podiatrists recommend keeping your child in soft soles shoes. Shoes with thick soles can make it more difficult for your child when they are learning to walk due to being to rigid or heavy. Soft sole, flexible shoes allow your child to feel the ground, which will help them grip and improve their balance and coordination, enabling them to walk more confidently.
Transitioning to toddler shoes
Our range of soft sole baby shoes are created with a wider toe area and extra room around the top of the foot to allow for growing feet and wriggly toes. They come in a range of styles that are comfortable and easy to put on little feet. A slightly more rigid sole can be introduced when your child has been confidently walking for at least a few months. We have a range of kids shoes with a flexible rubber sole, that can help the transition from soft soles to shoes.
I hope this information has helped you and I want to close with a quote from the Australian Podiatry Association: "Shoes should, above all, protect your children’s feet."
