A heads up, Smarties! If you are looking for some of these infant and toddler shoe recommendations to purchase locally, we recommend Kixx Cool Shoes at Park Village, which carries the Stride Rite, See Kai Run and Tsukihoshi brands. Plus they can fit your child on the spot which will maximize comfort, safety, support and longevity! – Smarty Carroll
By Abby Morton, Child and Family Development
Is your little one starting to stand and take steps? It is time to think about shoes!
As a physical therapist, my recommendation is to allow your child to explore barefoot on all safe surfaces such as carpet, tile, hardwood, grass, sand, etc. This allows the feet to receive feedback from the ground, challenges the ankle muscles, challenges overall balance, facilitates good arch development, and many more great things as the feet grow. When barefoot is not an option, let us make sure we are putting those little feet in the most supportive and appropriate shoe.
Below are suggestions of what to look for in a shoe with picture examples. There are other shoe brands with great options available at varied prices.
Early and Mature Walking Shoes
– heel cup with solid strap across ankle
– wide toe box for toe movement and growth
– firm sole
– breathable
– flexible shoe, not rigid
1. Liliana Mary Jane, by Stride Rite
Comment: This is a good heel cup, solid strapping to secure the foot, firm but not rigid sole, and breathable.
2. Wonder Nation Baby Girls Fisherman Sandal
Comment: Another example of firm enough sole, breathable, and nice heel cup.
3. Stevie the Very Hungry Caterpillar by See Kai Run
Comment: This is a good option; firm sole but flexible structure.
4. Carter’s Every Step Sneakers
Comment: A solid sneaker, less flexibility for toe movement but supportive.
Toddler’s Walking and Running Shoes
– heel cup with solid strap across ankle
– firm sole
– Velcro for independence as long as it is supportive
– moderate arch support in insert
– breathable
1. Stride Rite Eleni Sandal
Comment: This is a solid sole with supportive strapping, great summer sandal options.
2. Wade Sneaker Sandal by Stride Rite
Comment: Also a great summer sandal option.
3. Stevie Turquoise by See Kai Run
Comment: Good sneaker option with firm sole, flexible structure for growth and some movement.
4. KAZ Child by Tsukihoshi
Comment: A good sneaker, with arch support and firm sole.
Abby Morton is a Physical Therapist at Child and Family Development in Charlotte, NC where she joined the team in 2020. She specializes in treating torticollis, as well as, providing physical therapy services to children, teens and young adults with developmental, neurological and congenital impairments.
Child & Family Development
Locations:
Mitdtown:
4012 Park Road, Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28209
704.332.4834
Pineville:
11940 Carolina Place Parkway, Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28134
704.541.9080
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
