What is the podiatry advice for toddler shoes?

[peardroplets]

I have read so much conflicting advice about shoes. My 15 month old is now walking confidently so it's time to get her shoes for outside. I've read it's best to keep them in as flexible shoes as possible and a lot of mums I know have their walking babies in leather slipper type things still. But the lady at Clarks told me the best thing to buy was a kind of leather high top - i.e. no flexibility at all and high round the ankle. I didn't buy them as they my dd is a 4h and they didn't have any wide enough for her.

Does anyone know what podiatrists say regarding shoe type?
Are there any official podiatry approved stockists anywhere? I am not sure I trust Clarke's.

I was also annoyed to see most of the girls shoes were open Mary Janes whereas the boys all get covered trainer types. Why should girls get cold feet?? I am in winter boots from October onwards and I want my liitle girl to have snuggly feet too.

[LuckySantangelo1]

I have a 16 month old. I am following the 'barefoot' school of thought which gives feet room to grow & feel the ground & is meant to be best for foot development. I can recommend the website happy little soles. Also for winter I have bought my little boy a pair of Baby Bogs which are brilliant. Sturdy lightweight boots that are cosy inside. Thoroughly recommend.

[LuckySantangelo1]

The Bobux range is also excellent.

[ThinkOfTheMice]

Lightweight, flexible and wide toe box.

Obviously you can't do barefoot style all the time - decent winter boots are by definition going to be less flexible.

Happy little soles are good

[feesh]

Another MASSIVE barefoot advocate here too (for me as well as the kids). I also Shop at Happy Little Soles online or direct from the manufacturers - we love Bobux and Plae.

But I actually also buy very cheap high street shoes as these often meet barefoot criteria (flexible soles, wide toe box and zero drop in the heel).

[feesh]

NB would never put my kids in Clarks or Start-Rite - supportive shoes is where we have all been going wrong for years!

[Buttwing]

Clarkes really annoy me, if they had their way babies would be wearing shoes at 3 months. When I took dc4 to be fitted for shoes they tried to make me feel so bad. He had been properly walking for about 6 weeks and had never really worn anything except for soft leather slippers (it was summer) she told me off for not putting him in shoes earlier as he would really struggle now to walk on them, she said they suggest putting them in shoes when they start to crawl total money making scam and utter rubbish. He had no problems.
I saw the same woman do the same thing to another mum when I was in there a few months later she got quite upset as the Clakes woman told her she had really made things hard for her baby. Really out of order, when the clarkes woman went in the back I told the other women it was complete shite and to ignore her. She was nearly in tears.

[Brown76]

I don't know...but I was advised by a ballet dancer (fellow mum) to use flexible shoes whilst their feet are forming.

[IwillrunIwillfly]

The most important thing is that they're correctly fitted. Sounds like you're on that if you've had her feet measured! Just remember that the measure is only a guide. I've heard clarks be bad in the past that if a kid measures one size that's must be it when actually the measurement should only really give you a place to start. Russell and bromley if you have one near you with a kids dept are good. They stock clarks and start rite as well as a load of other brands like ecco kickers etc and they spend a lot of time on staff training.

As long as they fit well than they wont do her any harm and you'd soon see in the shop if she was struggling to walk in them cos they were too heavy etc.

If she's a 4h you might find Mary James doing fit very well as they can dig in to the instep on a broadwe food. T bars and full shoes (like boots) often fit better. Hopebyou find something you both like!

[AmeliaJack]

See if you can fund a local independent children's shoe shop. IME the fit is much better and they have a range of brands.

It will be more expensive though.

[peardroplets]

Thanks everyone. I've had a look at the Happy Little Soles website as I don't have an independent near me. They recommend the Rose and Chocolate brand for wider feet which are soft leather and a rubber soul and sound nice and flexible but ok for light outdoors. I could get her some wellies too if we go somewhere really muddy/wet.

[ThinkOfTheMice]

Clarkes are not good. I wouldn't buy them.