The Unanswered Questions of Toddler Footwear.

Parents often get excited when buying their toddler’s first shoes, but many don’t realise how confusing this choice can be. There are so many different types of shoes sturdy boots, soft sandals, and flexible pre-walker shoes yet very little clear guidance on which ones are actually best for a child’s growing feet. Despite all the options on the market, research hasn’t clearly shown which type of first shoe is ideal or whether some styles might even cause harm. As a result, parents are left guessing, without solid information to help them make the right choice for their child’s foot health.

Figure 1: A child’s feet

Recent studies have shown that soft-soled (pre-walkers) footwear has very little effect on the way toddlers walk¹. Although overall walking patterns did not change significantly, there were a few subtle differences in how the joints moved. At the hip, there was a slight reduction in side-to-side movement, indicating a more limited range. The knee also showed changes, with less bending and reduced overall movement back and forth, suggesting a stiffer motion during walking¹. At the ankle, there was a small increase in outward rolling of the foot (eversion), meaning the foot turned outward a bit more than before¹. These small adjustments in joint movement may reflect the body’s way of adapting to changes or maintaining balance during walking.

Does this have an impact?

Some foot problems in children can be worsened by wearing the wrong shoes. For example, flat feet can get worse if shoes don’t provide enough support to hold the foot in the right shape ². Equine foot, where the toes point downward, can make walking and balance harder if shoes are too stiff or poorly fitted. Hammer toes can develop if shoes are too narrow or don’t leave enough space for the toes, causing them to bend at the joints². Every child’s feet are different, so it’s important to get advice from a foot specialist if there are concerns or specific conditions. “Respectful” children’s footwear refers to shoes designed with the child’s health in mind, while also considering environmental and ethical production ². When choosing such shoes, parents should look for features that support healthy foot development, provide comfort, and are made responsibly.

Why appropriate shoes matter?

Children’s shoes need to match their growth and development. For babies under six months, shoes aren’t necessary at all. From six months to around four years, soft and flexible shoes are best, and after that, thicker soles are okay as long as the shoes remain flexible². Unfortunately, many children wear shoes that don’t fit properly, studies have found that sizes and shapes often don’t match their feet. Good shoes should have a rounded toe, be flexible, lightweight, breathable, non-toxic, and supportive without restricting movement. Shoes that are too tight or rigid can make conditions like flat feet or hammer toes worse, so it’s best to have a specialist check the fit. While eco-friendly and ethically made shoes are ideal, parents should ensure they truly meet health and safety standards, not just rely on labels. Overall, commercial shoes often fall short, so careful selection that matches a child’s developmental needs is very important.

Figure 2: An example of appropriate shoes

When in Doubt?

Trucare helps ensure children wear shoes that support healthy foot development. We assess each child’s feet, recommend the right type of footwear, and provide custom shoes or insoles when needed. Parents and caregivers also receive guidance on choosing flexible, well-fitting, and safe shoes, while we monitor foot growth and make adjustments as children develop. By combining expert advice with practical solutions, Trucare helps prevent foot problems and promotes comfortable, healthy walking for every child. If you’re unsure about your child’s shoes, it’s safest to pick soft, flexible, lightweight footwear with a roomy toe box that allows natural foot movement. Avoid shoes that are too tight, stiff, or heavy, and consult a foot specialist if your child has any foot problems or specific needs. Comfort and proper fit should always take priority over style or brand.

Need advice or a check-up?📞 Contact TRUCARE +255762231262 today Let’s keep you moving confidently!

References

1.       Williams, C., Kolic, J., Wu, W., & Paterson, K. (2021). Soft soled footwear has limited impact on toddler gait. PLoS One, 16(5), e0251175.

2.       Alfageme-Garcia, P., Hidalgo-Ruiz, S., Rico-Martin, S., Calderon-Garcia, J. F., Jimenez-Cano, V. M., Moran-Cortes, J. F., & Basilio-Fernandez, B. (2024). Respectful children’s shoes: A systematic review. Children, 11(7), 761.