My 8 month old is VERY active and has been pulling to stand and crusing for a couple of months now. I walked early as a child so my mom recommended that I get her a pair of good shoes from Stride Rite so that when Ayla is ready to walk she has the right support. SO, we went yesterday and bought a $45 pair of ugly, white baby shoes that were recommended by the sales person. He said to have her wear them as much as possible to help her feet develop properly. It seems to me like her feet would develop just fine if left barefoot and that it would be easier for her to learn to walk in something more flexible. I've been doing some reasearch online and found that they USED to recommend this type of shoe (hard, unflexible, high top) but now they don't. I appreciate any input and/or recommendations on a GOOD, COMFORTABLE first shoe. Thanks.
as a person who works at the "other" shoe store i think it is outrageous to pay so much for a shoe. i believe now it is better not to wear shoes for babies, but at the same time if you don't put something on their feet when they are young when they start walking they won't want to wear shoes.
i am sure a lot of people will recomend the robeez i think thats what they are called, they are cute, and soft.
Dear M.,
You instincts are right. Return the shoes and get a pair of Pediped or Robeez if you're really looking to put her in shoes. She really doesn't need shoes for inside, though. You may also want to just get some socks with good rubber tred on the bottom. Barefoot is really best, so whatever you can get that's closest to that will be best. Good luck and go get your money back!
When shoe shopping BEND the shoe... Some shoes out there can be bent in half with no effort. (Thats my test for little ones shoes. All the way in half with out trying) If you can't afford the more expensive brands I think target has a leather slipper kind of shoe for $15-$20.
Basicly any kind of slipper would work just make sure that they have some kind of traction on the bottom especially if you have tile of hard wood floors.
Let me ask you this.... the sales person wants to put your childs feet in a rigid hard shoe so it can develop properly? You think your childs foot isn't designed to develop on it's own?
Did you know that there are studies conducted by podiatrists that found people who live in areas without shoes have little or NO foot problems? Barefoot is best. Asbolutely BEST!
The reason ... putting a childs foot in a rigid hard shoe doesn't allow the muscles to develop as they are designed to develop.... to support the foot etc... It's like putting your foot in a cast. The cast does all the work, the muscles aren't doing any of the work. If you allow your childs feet freedom of movement they WILL develop properly (unless your child has some other underlying factor that inhibits this in which case you should see a podiatrist.
That being said, obviously there are times when shoes are necessary. If you have wood or tile floors, going outside etc.. You want their feet to be protected from rough surfaces and extreme teperatures.
My daughters first 'shoes' were Robeez. They are basically like a leather slipper. They allow some protection, but are very very flexible.
You will pay around $30-40 for a good pair of kids shoes. I know it's alot...particularly since they grow so fast! But, in my opinion, it's worth it. I would rather spend the money now then have to have my daughter have foot issues later.
The American Podiatric Medical Association recognizes the following brands: Robeez, Pediped, Bobux, See Kai Run.
They are all great shoes. My daughter has worn Preschoolians, which I like very well too. I haven't seen the seal of acceptance on them...but they have all the same characteristics as the others.
For just cruising and pulling up, I would recommend something like the leather slipper type.... Robeez, Bobux and Preschoolians has them.
You want to be sure the top is breathable non-synthetic material. Kids feet sweat and swell. You want to be sure the feet can breathe. The bottoms should be non-slip. Otherwise it is difficult for baby to stay upright!
Once walking is mastered, then move on to something with a thin flexible sole. Wide toe box and flexible are important. 'feeling like barefoot'
If you think about it logically, it makes sense. If you are going to go to the gym and work out your triceps... you aren't going to put your arms in a cast so the muscles can develop properly. No! You're going to work them out with weights on their own. Feet are no different.
Your mommy instincts were right on. Barefoot is best.
Have fun with your little ones new mobility!
Yikes! That sales man took you for a very expensive ride! Soft and flexible soled shoes if any. Socks with the grips on the bottom are good so the child doesn't lose footing. But barefoot is always the best. Afterall, God made our feet so they would flex...not stay stiff and flat. Return the shoes!!!!!
DD's first shoes were actually slippers with a rubber sole. She wore those things everywhere! She doesn't have any kind of walking problems now. I think it's important to let her try shoes though. DD at first would throw herself on the floor and not move when I tried shoes on her but she soon figured out if she wanted to go somewhere she was gonna have to wear the shoes. Btw, I think I got her first 'real' pair of shoes at either Payless or Walmart.
Bare foot is best. I suggest Robeez or stride rite. Go to the outlet mall in Birch Run, they have the best prices like $20 for stride rite shoes. They also carry robeez, which are like a slipper with a soft leather sole. They also have a clearance section and you can get good shoes for less than $10.
