How much arch support are in LO's shoes?

smiling76

So I recently went to a doctor who looked at my shoes (I had Clarks flats on)--and she said I really need some kind of arch support--that flats are really bad for you and will eventually make you flat footed, causing even more issues.  She then looked at my posture and walking (and feet) and said one of my feet is already doing that.  (this was not a podiatrist by the way).

So it got me wondering about LO's shoes.  For DS1 I remember him having a couple pairs that had 'mini' arch supports--but overall, the first couple of years were pretty much 'flat' even for tennis shoes.

I noticed that now DS2's feet are starting to turn out, which they hadn't before--and I'm wondering if it's because his shoes are so flat.

So curious about others....and where do you SHOP for shoes for LO?

 

dairygirl19

My pedi told me the exact opposite...lol. He said their shoes should be as flat if not soft soled for as long as possible. It's good for them to feel their feet as they learn to walk/run.

Right now most of hers are still soft soled (some Robeez like shoes from etsy). She seems happy so I'm happy. She does have 2 pairs of tennis shoes for places I let her walk a lot (outside in the farmyard). One is a handmedown from her cousin, never worn, I have no idea what they are...but the arch support is good. The other is Circo from Target, which actually has a decent arch support I think.

I'm just going with my common sense. Don't leave her in shoes all day, keep her barefoot in the house, and don't buy overly cheap or low quality shoes.

As far as shoe buying: I like Target and Mudturtles and More on etsy. My mom buys her shoes to match outfits a lot and they're from all over. Mainly Macy's and Kohl's I think.

smiling76

dairygirl19:

My pedi told me the exact opposite...lol. He said their shoes should be as flat if not soft soled for as long as possible. It's good for them to feel their feet as they learn to walk/run.

Right now most of hers are still soft soled (some Robeez like shoes from etsy). She seems happy so I'm happy. She does have 2 pairs of tennis shoes for places I let her walk a lot (outside in the farmyard). One is a handmedown from her cousin, never worn, I have no idea what they are...but the arch support is good. The other is Circo from Target, which actually has a decent arch support I think.

I'm just going with my common sense. Don't leave her in shoes all day, keep her barefoot in the house, and don't buy overly cheap or low quality shoes.

As far as shoe buying: I like Target and Mudturtles and More on etsy. My mom buys her shoes to match outfits a lot and they're from all over. Mainly Macy's and Kohl's I think.

I should have indicated---he is full on walking/running. He began at 12 mos and so he's super stable--runs--climbs---etc etc.  For daycare they are in shoes most of the day so I definitely want decent shoes--just not sure about this arch support thing.  We definitely did "flats" and robees for his super early walking. 

smiling76

dairygirl19:

My pedi told me the exact opposite...lol. He said their shoes should be as flat if not soft soled for as long as possible. It's good for them to feel their feet as they learn to walk/run.

Right now most of hers are still soft soled (some Robeez like shoes from etsy). She seems happy so I'm happy. She does have 2 pairs of tennis shoes for places I let her walk a lot (outside in the farmyard). One is a handmedown from her cousin, never worn, I have no idea what they are...but the arch support is good. The other is Circo from Target, which actually has a decent arch support I think.

I'm just going with my common sense. Don't leave her in shoes all day, keep her barefoot in the house, and don't buy overly cheap or low quality shoes.

As far as shoe buying: I like Target and Mudturtles and More on etsy. My mom buys her shoes to match outfits a lot and they're from all over. Mainly Macy's and Kohl's I think.

I should have indicated---he is full on walking/running. He began at 12 mos and so he's super stable--runs--climbs---etc etc.  For daycare they are in shoes most of the day so I definitely want decent shoes--just not sure about this arch support thing.  We definitely did "flats" and robees for his super early walking. 

dairygirl19

Is it bad that my kid is full on walking/almost running and she's still in soft shoes?

I never had the need to change...lol. She likes them. I do too.

I see what you mean though.

sucredee

DD has very tiny feet so until she moved into her size 5 a couple of weeks ago she was wearing stride rite shoes with a very flexible sole for beginning walkers (not becuase she was a beginning walker but because she still has the feet of a 12 month old and she liked them just fine). Now it is still flexible but not as flexible. She has been walking for a little over a year.

The really stiff soled shoes are bad for them as their feet are developing. Barefoot is actually best so that they can develop their foot muscles so I don't think arch support is as important as not having super stiff soles and just letting them run around without shoes whenever possible.

Stride rite has very good shoes.  

hippie1

No shoes is the best...but of course we want to protect those little feet....we use the leather ones.....protection only...doesn't alter the foot. The reason for toes is for balance.....your toes need to grip on to what they are walking on....very hard to do with shoes. It you look at history and shoe wearing.....shoes haven't been around forever and people who walk the most.....usually had less shoes. I've worn all kinds of shoes.....and heels only for prom....lol....and they have really mucked up my feet. Now if you have bad feet.....like anything.....then something needs to be there to help them out....we were given sooo many kids shoes....super hard....I couldn't imagine our son walking in them.