Shoes for learning to walk

A variety of surfaces is a sensory stimulator for the baby and is a source of many important information about the environment. However, there comes a time when the child is ready to travel the world independently in real shoes. Here's a guide on what first shoes to choose?

Baby's first shoes

When choosing shoes for learning to walk, it is worth paying attention to many issues, such as the softness of the sole, a properly profiled insole, the material used in production, as well as the weight of the shoe and whether the foot fits properly in it.

The first shoes are a new experience for a child. He is just learning to use them and getting used to the new way of moving. Therefore, they cannot be too stiff, heavy and restrictive to the foot, as this will result in the development of incorrect walking patterns.

What shoes for a child?

When getting ready to buy, we should check the length of the child's foot, because this is key information when choosing the right size. Shoes that are too tight will cause abrasions and cramped toes, while shoes that are too loose will distort your gait and prevent you from moving efficiently.

The first shoes for a baby must also ensure proper air circulation - a breathable membrane or delicate, soft leather will guarantee hygienic movement without overheating little feet. It is worth paying attention to the internal insulating material used in winter shoes. It should not be artificial and sweaty. Wool works best, unless your child is allergic to it.

What should you consider when buying walking shoes?

Velcro or laces? The first walking shoes are quite a challenge for children and parents, so you need to pay attention to every detail so that the choice you make will satisfy your little one during hiking trips.

When choosing shoelaces, remember that toddlers like to pull on all kinds of strings, pendants and threads - so there is a high probability that the laces will fail and we will be responsible for tying them repeatedly. What distinguishes the first lace-up walking shoes is the precise fit of the shoe to the foot - provided that we skillfully and precisely tighten the laces along the entire length, not just at the ankle.

Shoes for a one-year-old with Velcro fasteners are definitely a comfortable solution for parents, without affecting the quality of the footwear or threatening the child's proper walking style. However, remember to fasten with great precision.

High quality and workmanship

When choosing your first shoes, their visual qualities are not enough, although from an aesthetic point of view they are important. The sole must bend in 1/3 of its length, and the heel should fit well to the heel, but it is important that it does not cause abrasions or restrict movement. So let's make sure it's not too stiff.

Let's avoid the once frequently purchased orthopedic shoes. Nowadays, they are used only as a last resort after consultation with a specialist. Rehabilitation of the foot and attention to its proper development is not tantamount to immobilization. Freedom of movement is essential.

It was once believed that the higher the upper, the healthier and more stable the child's gait. However, it turns out that it is completely different. Shoes for learning to walk should be "imperceptible" to little feet, so an ankle upper is the most appropriate solution. If we want to protect ourselves against freezing cold in winter, make sure that the first shoes for our child have a very flexible upper that will not cause the effect of a leg in a cast.

Healthy development of baby's feet

Fingers that are squeezed and restricted in their movements will not cooperate properly when taking the first steps, performing complex figures and maintaining balance. When trying on your child's first walking shoes, make sure that the toes are not narrow, let alone pointed. The rounded shape is the most optimal and comfortable. Please pay attention to this, especially when buying your child's first sandals. Too narrow at the front may cause the big toe to stick out and cause skin abrasions.

Walking shoes - what to avoid?

When we take care of little feet, we want them to develop as best as possible. After all, they have a huge impact on our entire posture and the healthy way we move and maintain balance. What should you definitely avoid when buying baby shoes for learning to walk?

The so-called "baby shoes" - they look beautiful in photos, but, as the name suggests, they do not qualify as shoes and will not help you take your first steps. Flip-flops – let's give them up. It's not their time yet. The situation is the same when we want to buy slippers for learning to walk - in this case we also cross flip-flops from the list. Bare feet feel best in a home environment. However, if we have cold floors or we need shoes for the nursery, we should choose properly fitted, stable slippers with stiffening at the heel, in which the foot will not get deformed.

Used or new?

Apart from exceptional situations in which someone gives us or sells us unworn walking shoes for a baby (and we are sure that they actually stood dusty in the closet and no one used them), we should not buy used footwear. Each foot is different and works in a unique way, leaving tangible traces of use.

Foot shape and children's shoes

When choosing shoes for learning to walk, let's take into account individual anatomical issues, i.e. instep height, width and length of the foot. The same style will not be suitable for every child. It is therefore worth measuring several different variants to compare the child's freedom of movement and how little feet fit in the shoes. Then we will be sure that we have chosen the right solution, and the child will start his adventure with walking not only in good style, but also healthily and stably.