Birkenstock for a toddler - I'm confused

[giddykipper]

On the one hand, Birkis are meant to be wonderful for the feet. We are a family of Birkenstock wearers in summer.

On the other hand, toddlers are meant to have flat soled shoes and Birkis have arches.

So who's right?

I have some for DS (23mo) but I'm terrified that I'm going to wreck his feet. But that seems a ridiculous thing to think about Birkenstock.

Has anyone worked out the conundrum?

Bireknstocks themselves don't recommend them for under 3s. I excitedly took DS1 there when he was 2 and they pretty much refused to sell him a pair!

I find my Birkies very comfortable, but they do take a bit of wearing in and getting used to. This is the main reason that i won't get them for DD, I think the soles are too hard and will take ages for DD to get used to them, by which time she will have outgrown them!
DD is just 4, btw

Thanks for the responses. I'm glad you said that swampster because that's exactly what I was worried about. He's only young but has size 7 feet so can technically fit in them. Looks like they'll be going on ebay!