My late walking 19 month old DS has v small feet...where I can get supportive sandals?

[puresweetie]

Sorry, probably the wrong place for this BUT...

Son started walking 6 weeks ago and doing well - but he has suspected hypermobility so i keep him in sturdy Clarks shoes.

However, it's so hot and the times he needs shoes on, I'd like him to wear sandals or Crocs.

Are Crocs supportive? Or where can I get sandals in 3G - for his little, fat (lovely) feet?

Thanks

Crocs are anything but supportive.

Why not get him some clarks sandals?

Dd has hypermobility and Crocs are no good for her. You need some of those European leather ones that come up round the ankle. I can't help on where to get them, usually independent shoe retailers. His physio should be able to recommend something. Not that the hot weather is going to last past Friday

I can't seem to find Clarks sandals in his size online. I'll call them tomorrow.

I didn't think Crocs would be any good - but thanks for confirming!

try mothercare

I think most clarks start at a 4. The mothercare shoes are surprisingly good DD has a similar problem as she's not yet fully into her size 2's

Thanks Ant - really helpful

I found none of the standard brands (clarks, startrite etc) did a G fitting.

John Lewis had a pair of normal sized sandals that fit my daughter (G width) if you're able to get to one of their stores for a fitting.

When DD3 started walking she was not even a 2. I had to get her those creepers they do in Clarks. She toddled around just fine in them for months before winter came and I had to get her some wellies (Jojo maman bebe fwiw, + wellie socks, they start at a 3 whereas most shops start at a 5)

Ecco. My physio raves about them, (my DS has both CP and hypermobility) but they do some sandal boot things, have hard soles and supportive ankles. They start in size 3 i think

Also Clark's don't put arch supports in their shoes so aren't recommended for children with hypermobility. I'm going look up those Ecco ones

Everyonehasaprice - thanks a lot, that's a really good tip. I do think the Clarks shoes I've got are very sturdy but very flat...

So, would you consider these Ecco shoes and these sturdy enough for your DS?

DS (17 months) is intoeing so needs very supportive shoes too. I found Clarks useless at this stage (although dr said they will be good in a year's time, when he grows out of it). I found a pair of Ricosta sandals in an independent shoe shop and they are brilliant.

They are pretty similar to this:

www.shooligansshoes.co.uk/p34059/Ricosta-Pepino-Gippi-Boys-Sandal/b0-1953-1953

I second going for European brands - Clarks (and def not Crocs) are not great for support. Brands we've had before are BabyBotte, Froddo, Garvalin and Ricosta but sure there are other good ones. We get our DS measured locally and then just head on to Amazon and order online, there's a lot available in the brands above. Iirc, BabyBotte do sandals with ankle support but sure others do too

HTH

Thanks all, that's really helpful.

My Ds has the second pair of ecco shoes. My physio loves them. He had some similar sandals when he was younger but they don't work withhis orthotic splints.

They are often available in sales in small sizes.