Picking the Perfect First Shoes - The Toddler Shoe Dilemma

If you came across this website, you must be looking for a shoes for your baby or toddler (or this could be a total coincidence, which I doubt very much... ) 

It is crucial to choose good quality shoes, and sometimes it is hard and overwhelming to know where to look for a good pair.  I was getting mixed messages from my friends - pretty much everyone was recommending something different. At the same time I heard a lot of comments that there aren't really good quality shoes in Australia.  Coming from Eastern Europe I know that the shoes MUST be good, but the first shoes must be  better than good, the  best shoes you can find, preferably with the back support to protect the proper development of the small feet.  

When my son wasn't walking yet, there was no issues. I actually didn't put  any  shoes on him as I know they could interfere with his mobility. Shoes make it harder to grip the ground and learn to balance. He was always barefoot, or in socks. I was lucky to get a pair of Gucio from my sister, so when he started walking Gucio served him as the first shoes. 6 months later he is still in the same pair,, hm I think it's time for a new one :) 

So what you should consider when buying a  first shoes for your child?

You can put off buying shoes until after your child starts to walk (usually between 10 and 18 months). They're only for show before then, and your kid will be able to practice taking steps better when he's barefoot. (Shoes make it harder to grip the ground and learn to balance.) 

Pick brands that are made specifically for babies/ toddlers. "Good shoes for little walkers are somewhat flexible and made of lightweight materials, such as leather or high-quality mesh," says Ron Raducanu, D.P.M., president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics.

it's really important to find shoes that fit properly when baby learning to walk--otherwise, they could stumble more and take longer to develop the skill."

Good shoes for little walkers are somewhat flexible and made of lightweight materials, such as leather or high-quality mesh. To check the fit, insert your pinkie into the heel (your finger should fit snugly) and into the point where the shoe meets the ankle (to rule out stitching that could cause blisters). Then, feel the shoe's tip while your child's standing to make sure there's about half an inch of space between the big toe and the tip.

Stay away from plastic and any artificial, not breathable materials.

if you can't afford a good quality shoes, you better off buying a good second-hand pair rather than a cheap, unhealthy shoes. Surely, you don't want to end up with your child at the specialist due to the poor shoe choices.

Enjoy your shoe shopping!