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There are several important criteria for choosing the right shoes for your child. Ask yourself the right questions :
What locking system?
During the first year, prefer laces: the support is better and the laces adapt better to the shape of the instep.
Namely : the lower the lacing, the wider the shoe will open. It will be more to put your baby on. As soon as he begins to dress himself (sometimes from two years old), opt for scratches, he will learn autonomy more easily.
High or low shoes?
Low shoes are not recommended for toddlers. But then, they allow the ankle to strengthen.
High models support the foot better and wedge the heel. But worn too early, they support too much, do not facilitate walking and create a certain muscle laziness. From 2 or 3 years old, he can wear any model.
Is the zipper on the back useful?
It is used to put the shoe on more easily, but you must avoid using it because you risk not enough to unlace the shoe. Suddenly, the little foot does not position itself correctly, it gets stuck and the toes are placed as best they can in a sock that is too tight.
Should you buy shoes that hug the arch?
The feet of a baby, rather fat and round, are often flattened by muscular insufficiency of the plantar arch. This will not start to widen until around 18 months – 2 years. Arched shoes are therefore unnecessary in toddlers which keeps the padding of the soles of the feet.
Can we use the elder’s shoes?
It is often said that a child should never wear the elder’s shoes because they are deformed. But specialists say: “for toddlers, it is less important”. Their shoes are generally rarely worn and show no signs of wear. The varnish on the sole is often still visible and the heel is not damaged by a foot that takes small steps.
The advantages of a good shoe
– Leather for the top and the lining, the only material that prevents allergies.
– A non-slip sole of a maximum thickness of cm. It must be resistant, but not too rigid so as not to oppose the course of the steps.
– A rising stem, but quite flexible.
– A stiff enough stiffener so that the heel remains stable.
– A very wide front part of the shoe. For a baby who does not yet know how to bend the foot properly, it is good that the toe of the shoe is raised.
– A tongue of good length because it is this which protects the instep. Be careful not to fold it up when tightening the laces: the bead thus formed could hurt Baby.