As parents, watching your toddler take their first steps is a magical moment. But it often comes with questions like, "What kind of shoes should they wear?" or "Do they need extra support?"
I get asked this all the time in my clinic, and I often see parents bringing their toddlers in with stiff shoes because their pediatrician recommended them.
My answer is logic and clear: as little support as possibel as even for adults the support should come from the muscels and not the shoes- the earlier you mess with the proprioceptive system, the less strong it´s developed.
Sounds logic right?
Convining parents that their pediatrician might not be best informed when it comes to motoric development is obviously not an easy task so i did some research to back up my claims with scientific papers (spoiler: the only paper i found claiming some benefit of rigid shoes for children is from 1985😅).
Science has a clear answer: the less rigid the shoe, the better for natural foot development. Let’s dive into the research and discover how to support your toddler’s journey to confident walking.
What the Research Says:
Barefoot or Soft-Soled Shoes Mimic Natural Walking - Research shows that soft-soled shoes have minimal impact on a toddler's gait while slightly reducing knee and hip motion (Williams et al., 2021). This means that walking barefoot or in flexible shoes encourages natural movement and posture.
Flexible Shoes Enhance Sensory Feedback - Shoes with softer soles increase plantar loading, which closely mimics barefoot walking. This feedback helps toddlers develop better balance and proprioception (Hillstrom et al., 2013).
Minimalist Shoes Support Healthy Foot Development - Habitually wearing barefoot-style shoes has been linked to higher plantar arches and a more natural foot progression angle, supporting long-term foot health (Gimunová et al., 2022).
Stiff Shoes Alter Walking Mechanics - Stiff shoes can increase step length and velocity but reduce cadence, which disrupts natural walking mechanics (Wegener et al., 2011).
Flexible Shoes Encourage Natural Muscle Activity - Footwear with flexible soles allows for movement patterns closest to barefoot walking, promoting natural muscle activation and foot function (Wulandari et al., 2020).
What This Means for Parents:
Go barefoot when possible: This strengthens foot muscles and enhances balance.
Choose soft, flexible shoes: They allow natural movement and sensory feedback.
Avoid stiff, supportive shoes: Unless medically recommended, they may hinder natural development.
Encourage exploring different surfaces barefoot: This helps develop coordination and adaptability.
Final Thoughts: I believe in integrating natural approaches with modern insights to help parents make informed decisions. Supporting your toddler’s natural foot development with the right footwear—or no footwear at all—lays the foundation for healthy movement patterns.
Remember, the goal is to let them move freely, feel the ground, and strengthen those tiny feet!
For more tips on holistic parenting, check out future courses like Primitive Reflexes for Parents and Caregivers or join our Thriving Kids Club. Together, we can help your child thrive from their very first steps.
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