Your child’s first pair of shoes: a paediatric physiotherapist's advice
Paediatric Physiotherapists commonly get asked about shoes. We’ve put together a Q&A to cover the most pressing questions and some tips on buying your child their first pair of shoes.
When should I start putting shoes on my child?
It is important to consider the developmental stage of your child's feet when introducing shoes
Your child isn’t walking: shoes are not necessary! Their feet should be free to move in all directions so that their foot muscles can develop. Socks or booties with soft soles that still allow movement are suitable for keeping their feet warm.
Your child is beginning to walk: shoes should only be used when protection is needed from the ground or to keep their feet warm. Walking barefoot engages all the muscles in their feet, which is important for developing standing balance and coordination. Around your house, barefoot is best!
You can consider shoes when your child is walking 80% of the day and leaving the home
What should I look for when buying shoes for children?
When buying a child's first pair of shoes, there are several important things to consider to ensure that they are comfortable, safe, and appropriate for their stage of development.
Here are some things to look for:
Proper fit: ‘fit’ is a broad term here. Shoes that are too loose can make it difficult for a child to walk properly and make them more prone to falling over. On the flipside shoes should not be too tight – there should be plenty of width so the feet don’t press into the sides, and so that the toes can wiggle easily. Where possible, try to find shoes that have a firm heel cup to help with support
Flexibility: Shoes for young children should be flexible and allow for natural foot movement. Importantly, there should be plenty of bend near the toes. Stiff shoes can hinder a child's ability to develop balance and coordination. It’s best to avoid slip on shoes, flip flops and crocs
Breathability: children’s feet sweat a lot. Look for shoes made from breathable materials, such as canvas or leather, to keep your child's feet cool and dry.
Lightweight: Shoes for young children should be lightweight to prevent them from feeling weighed down or tripping over their own feet.
Proper closure: Shoes should have a closure that is easy for the child to manage on their own, such as Velcro or buckles. The closure should be firm enough to securely hold the foot in the shoe.
There are certain instances where a physiotherapist may recommend your child wear shoes before they start walking or recommend specialised footwear. This includes if your child is hesitant or delayed in standing, walking or walking with an unusual walking pattern (tip toe walking, intoeing/pigeon toe, out-toeing walking). Also if your child has flat feet or foot posture that is atypical for their age, specialised footwear may be consider
If you have concerns regarding your child’s foot posture, standing or walking ability contact us to have a paediatric physiotherapist assess your child in the comfort of your own home.