On the Move
Find all you need to know about babies taking their first steps and their healthy growth and development into toddlers who are confident on their feet and always on the move.
Learning to walkTaking Baby Steps: 10 Best Shoes for Learning to WalkLearning to walk is an important milestone in a child's life. As a caring and loving parent, you want to ensure that your little one's first steps are comfortable and safe. Research shows that selecting appropriate and well-fitted shoes can significantly affect their foot and gait development.
Finding the best shoes for babies learning to walk, especially among the cosmos of options for babies starting to walk, can be challenging. Fear not because we're here to help you make the best and well-informed choice for Baba. To make your job easier, we have narrowed down affordable, classic, and high-quality options in this guide.
» Find out which shoe fabrics are the best for your children's feet
10 Best Baby Shoes For New Walkers
Best sneakers for a baby girl - Annie Angelo sneakersBest sandals for a baby boy - Captain Caleb sandalsBest boots for a baby - Louis Grim bootsBest sandals for a baby girl - Elegant Delta sandalsBest unisex sneakers for a baby - Elfin Indigo sneakersBest patterned sneakers for a baby girl - Maddie Lynn sneakersBest high-top sandals for a baby boy - Dainty Luke sandalsBest boots for a baby girl - Pearly Sheila bootsBest sandals for a baby - Jody Zephyr sandalsBest boots for a baby boy - Graphite Jacob boots
Foot Problems in Young Walkers: Choosing the Right Fit
Your little one is wearing shoes that are too small or large during childhood, which can lead to foot problems such as:
Hammer toesCallusesBunionsWarts
» Discover how to measure your child's feet for shoes
Baby's First Steps into Comfort and Confidence
As you strive to boost your child's confidence and ensure protection, consider our top picks like the best shoes for babies learning to walk. These carefully selected options, available at First Walkers, will help your little ones walk comfortably and safely during their early steps. Check out their website for a range of high-quality shoes, perfect for babies starting to walk.
Toe walking10 Best Kids Shoes for Tippy-Toe Walkers: Walk with EaseToe walking is common in young toddlers when a child walks on their toes or the balls of their feet without making contact with the ground using their heels. While it's usually harmless in the beginning, persistent toe walking can put unnecessary strain on the knees, hips, and lower back, leading to injuries and joint pain later in life. Addressing this issue early is crucial, as the right shoes can often make all the difference.
» Little one taking baby steps? Check out the 10 best shoes for learning to walk
10 Best Shoes to Prevent Tip-Toe Walking
Best high-tops for tip-toe walkers - Galactic Nichole sneakersBest boys’ sandals for toe walking - Captain Caleb sandalsBest girls’ sneakers for toe walking - Blushful Betty sneakersBest anti-toe-walking boots for kids - Rocky Rick bootsBest boys’ shoes for tip-toe walkers - Ronn Gratty sneakersBest girls’ boots for toe walking - Pearly Sheila bootsBest unisex shoes for tip-toe walkers - Benji the Scout sneakersBest boys’ velcro boots for toe walking - Velvet Logan bootsBest girls’ sandals for toe walking - Precious Mia sandalsBest kids’ shoes for toe walking - Billy Smooth sneakers
Addressing Toe Walking in Toddlers
For children over three years old, prolonged toe walking can be a sign of neurological immaturity or medical conditions. It's crucial to consult a medical professional if your toddler consistently walks on their toes. To assist, we've compiled a list of the top 10 orthopedic shoes, including high-top sneakers and sandals, recommended by podiatrists for tippy-toe walkers. These shoes offer style, support, and comfort, aiding your child to walk confidently.
» Discover the ultimate parents' guide to helping your little one to walk on their own
Stepping Forward with Confidence
The shoes on this list, including orthopedic high-tops and supportive sandals, provide the perfect blend of style, support, and comfort for tippy-toe walkers. These choices, ideal for toddlers who walk on their toes, ensure confident and easy steps. If your child continues toe-walking at the age of 3, it's crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional like a physiotherapist or podiatrist.
Combining the right footwear from First Walkers with proper exercises can significantly benefit your little one's development. Visit their site for the best selection of shoes designed for toe-walking toddlers.
Flat feet10 Best Orthopaedic Shoes for Kids With Flat FeetEvery step your child takes shapes their journey through childhood, and it all starts with their feet. When a child has flat feet, the longitudinal arch flattens, making the whole footsole touch the floor. While it is normal for toddlers to have what's known as flexible flatfoot, the arch typically appears from age three and above. However, in some cases, this arch does not form, leading to true flat feet.
Flat feet can lead to back, hip, knee, and ankle pain due to joint malalignment, along with gait abnormalities and ankle swelling, potentially resulting in early arthritis. The good news is, that with the right shoes for flat feet, kids can have these issues corrected or significantly alleviated.
» Discover why orthopaedic shoes are a game changer for kids
10 Best Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet
Best orthopaedic sneakers for girls: Blooming Dahlia sneakersBest high-top orthopaedic kids' sneakers: Ashley Mizar high-tops Best high-top orthopaedic boots for boys: Smooth Owen bootsBest floral orthopaedic sandals for girls: Niña Florets sandalsBest printed orthopaedic boys' sandals: Nigel the Harbor BossBest smart orthopaedic sandals for your kid: Riley Rower sandalsBest high-top orthopaedic boots for girls: Diamond Marilyn bootsBest unisex orthopaedic kids sneakers: Galactic Nichole sneakersBest high-top orthopaedic boys' sneakers: Groovy StephenBest sheepskin orthopaedic boots for kids: Mountain Bray boots
What Experts Recommend for Kids With Flat Feet
The London Podiatry Centre (LPC) recommends that children with flat feet wear podiatrist-recommended shoes for kids with flat feet. These supportive and well-fitting orthopaedic shoes provide more room for your child's toes, adequate arch support, less tension on the feet's ligaments, proper heel cushioning, and reduced joint pain.
These kid shoes for flat feet absorb shock with every step your child takes and evenly distribute the body weight to minimize pain. Below are the ten best orthopaedic shoes for your kid.
» Explore the role of arch support shoes in children's foot health
Happy Feet, Happy Kids
Ensuring your child's feet have proper support is vital for maintaining balance and good posture, and preventing spinal problems. With First Walkers, finding the best shoes for kids with flat feet should be a gentle stroll in the park. You can effortlessly provide the comfort and support your child needs while helping to correct their flat feet.
Invest in these podiatrist-recommended shoes for flat feet. It's a smart choice for every parent, as it contributes to your little one's overall well-being. First Walkers' range of orthopaedic shoes offers unparalleled comfort and quality for your child's healthy steps through the magical journey of childhood.
Knock kneesChildren With Knock Knees: When to Seek Medical AttentionKnock knees—also known as genu valgum—are common in children where the knees angle towards each other, resulting in a noticeable gap between the ankles.
While it often corrects itself as they mature, persistent knock knees beyond eight years old can indicate a more severe underlying issue. Understanding the signs and causes of this condition helps you ensure your kid's proper foot development by intervening on time.
Understanding Knock Knees
In kids with this condition, the knees angulate toward each other and touch when the feet are straightened. The lower leg points away from the centre of the body, resulting in a wide gap between the ankles.
Are Knock Knees Normal?
Knock knees are expected in children and should naturally correct between six and eight years old, as the legs straighten as your kid grows.
If the knock knees persist beyond eight years old, consult an orthopaedist.
» Find out if knock knees affect height growth
Causes and Symptoms
The typical causes of knock knees in children are:
Bone diseases like Rickets and Blount's diseaseGenetic conditions like Achondroplasia, skeletal dysplasia, and joint hypermobility syndromeInjury to the growth plate in the shin or thighboneObesity
Some of the most common knock knees symptoms are:
Knee or hip painDifficulty walking or runningJoint stiffnessAsymmetric leg appearanceUnusual walking pattern
Identifying Knock Knees
To identify knock knees, you can observe your kid's standing posture to see if their knees are angled when standing with their legs straight and toes pointed forward.
Additionally, consult an orthopaedist if:The gap between the ankles is more than 8cm when your child stands with the knees together.One or both knees are painful and swollen.Only one leg is affected, or the legs are different lengthsYour kid has difficulty moving or is in a lot of pain
Treatment Options: How to Fix Knock Knees
Diagnosis
When diagnosing knock knees, a doctor physically examines the child while standing and asks about the child's medical history.
They may also order a radiological investigation. The X-ray shows the angle between the thigh and shin bone, helping them assess the severity of the condition.
Treatments
The doctor may decide that your kid needs treatment for knock knees. They may recommend bracing for mild cases, or surgery to correct the deformity if it's too severe.
» Understand your baby's leg development
Knock Knees: Taking Steps Toward Healthy Growth
When it comes to knock knees, early identification and appropriate treatment are essential for your child's well-being and proper development.
While mild cases may naturally resolve with time and monitoring, more severe instances may require the use of braces or, in extreme cases, surgical intervention. Consult a doctor if you notice worsening symptoms, persistent pain, or significant movement difficulty.
If you want to ensure your kid's feet develop correctly, check out First Walkers orthopaedic shoes—designed to support the developing feet of toddlers as they learn to walk.
Foot healthHigh-Tops vs. Low-Tops: Which Protect Your Kids' Feet Better?Choosing between high-top vs. low-top shoes for your kid is more than just a matter of style. You should also check for comfort and safety—crucial factors supporting your child's foot development.
Let's explore factors like ankle support and traction so you can make an informed and practical choice for your child's footwear needs.
Understanding the Benefits
High-Tops
High tops are some of the best kid's shoes for stability, covering the foot and the ankle and offering a steady base of support with a firm heel counter and padded support.
Low-Tops
Low-top shoes have a collar that sits below the ankle. They are more comfortable because you can move your ankle freely but feel slower on your feet because the shoe delays muscle reaction when you turn your heel.
Comparing Ankle Support
Shoes with ankle support reduce the risk of injuries affecting your child’s mobility, performance, and quality of life. They can improve stability, prevent excessive stress, and reduce swelling and pain after an injury.
High-Tops vs. Low-Tops: Difference in Ankle Support
High-Tops: Although research suggests that high-tops aren't superior in preventing ankle injuries, they provide more overall support and stability. But they might also reduce your kid's mobility.Low-Tops: Low tops don't offer ankle support but can improve your child's mobility.
So, if you want support for your kid's feet, high-tops offer more ankle protection than low-top shoes.
» Know how to treat your child's sprained ankle
Evaluating Traction and Safety
The traction of the shoe depends on the kind of sole it has. For example, rubber soles have a better grip than leather ones. When choosing a sneaker, you should also consider the type of surface, weather conditions, and foot stability.
High-Tops vs. Low-Tops: Difference in Traction and Safety
High-Tops: With more surface area on the outsole, High-Tops can provide more grip and stability. Most of them also have a higher collar, which can help to prevent the ankle joint from rolling.Low-Tops: These shoes are more lightweight and flexible, making them more comfortable for some kids. They may also provide less support or traction than high-top sneakers.
Overall, the difference in traction between high-top and low-top shoes is relatively small. But, high-tops may be a better choice if your kid plays a sport that involves a lot of lateral movement, like basketball.
On the other hand, low-top shoes may be a better choice if you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable shoe with a good range of motion.
High-Tops vs. Low-Tops: Making an Informed Decision
While low-tops offer enhanced mobility and dynamic support, high-tops prioritise stability, static support, and potentially better traction and safety. Your decision should be based on your child's needs, preferences, aesthetics, comfort, durability, and versatility.
Check out First Walker's toddler shoes collection to balance style, comfort, and safety and ensure your child's footwear looks good and supports their growing feet in the best possible way.
Foot healthAdaptive Footwear: Meeting the Needs of All ChildrenAdaptive footwear offers comfort, mobility, and safety for elderly, those with disabilities and limited dexterity, and those with problematic foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.
While it's meant for adults, adaptive footwear can also support the lives of children. So, let's look at how these shoes can help your kid while ensuring their feet grow healthy.
» Help your kid deal with feet growing pain
Types Of Supportive Toddler Shoes
There are two different types of adaptive shoes for children:
General-purpose Adaptive Shoes: Footwear with features like Velcro straps for children with dexterity challenges. They also include wide orthopaedic shoes for casts and braces.Special-purpose Adaptive Shoes: Footwear with features such as arch supports and heel counters to provide additional support and stability for children with conditions like clubfoot and flatfoot.
» Check out the best orthopaedic shoes for kids with flat feet
Checking the Need for Adaptive Footwear
Your kid may need supportive toddler shoes if it has developmental delays or foot deformities. Autistic children may also experience sensory issues with socks and shoes.
Here are some indicators that your kid needs adaptive footwear:
BlisteringPain when putting on or taking off shoesFallingUnusual shoe wear pattern
Benefits Of Adaptive Shoes For Toddlers
Shoes for special needs children enhance comfort and reduce the risk of injury. They also help improve your kid's independence and mobility.
However, there are conflicting schools of thought about corrective shoes, and they might not be suitable for all children.
Selecting the Best Fit for support
To ensure a comfortable and functional fit with adaptive footwear, you should follow these steps:
Consult A Specialist: An orthopaedist can recommend the best type, size, and brand of adaptive footwear for your child’s condition and needs.Test The Shoes Around Midday: Feet can swell around midday, so have your kid try the shoes then. Also, observe their walking pattern and behaviour to see if they're comfortable.Ensure Enough Space: To ensure your kid has enough wiggle room, check for at least a finger-breadth space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.Break In Their Shoes: To break in the shoes, have your kid wear them for a few minutes a couple of times daily.
A Shoe For Every Kid's Need
Adaptive footwear is vital for improving the well-being and daily lives of children. They promote comfort, safety, and independence by addressing specific challenges such as mobility issues, foot deformities, and sensory sensitivities.
To find the most suitable adaptive footwear for your kid, seek professional advice and explore the range of orthopaedic shoes from First Walkers. They are lightweight, flexible, and have a wide toe box for natural foot development.
Foot healthHow to Stretch Out Shoes for Your Child’s FeetYou know the feeling of watching your child's feet seemingly grow overnight? This can make their once-perfect pair of shoes pinch and squeeze with every step.
While keeping up with your kid's ever-changing shoe sizes can be a real challenge, there's a simple, budget-friendly solution to provide your child with a proper fit.
» Find out how much wiggle room should be in your child's shoes
Understanding the Need for Proper Fit
Children outgrow their shoes at an astonishing rate. Before 18 months, their feet can grow more than half a shoe size every two months. The growth continues at various rates throughout childhood, peaking around puberty.
Why Is a Proper Fit Essential?Children's feet consist of soft cartilage. Shoes that don't fit properly can have a lasting impact, leading to foot deformities, abnormal foot shapes, and even foot pain. Ensuring the proper fit during these formative years is vital for their overall foot health.
» Learn how to wash different types of kid's shoes
Popular Methods To Stretch Out Shoes
1. The Wet Newspaper Method
Place a damp piece of paper inside the sneaker to absorb moisture content. The shoe will expand as the paper dries.
This method is effective for shoes made from flexible materials like leather and polyester but may not work well with more rigid ones like rubber or synthetics.
2. Using a Shoe Stretcher
You can find stretchers online explicitly designed for kids.
The frequency of use depends on how much room your kid needs, but don't overstretch the shoe because it can affect its quality and fit.
3. Freeze Stretching with Ziplock Bags
You can gently expand the shoe's size by filling ziplock bags with water, placing them in the shoes, and freezing them. However, be cautious not to overfill the bags to prevent overstretching.
Precautions to Take
Stretching kids' shoes can be helpful, but be cautious to ensure safety.
Some of the precautions you can take to maintain shoe quality are:
Method-specific Safety Measures: Depending on the method you choose, follow safety guidelines. For example, when using dryers, use medium heat. For leather shoes, apply a moisturiser to prevent cracking.Materials to Avoid: Avoid alcohol or vinegar, which can discolour the shoes. Avoid using boiling water or blunt objects like a hammer to expand them forcefully, as this can damage the material.
» Explore which shoe fabrics are the best for your children's feet
Walking in Comfort: The Best Fit for Your Kid
Ensuring your child's shoes fit correctly is vital for their foot health and overall comfort. Remember to choose the proper stretching method based on the shoe material and prioritise safety and quality.
Explore First Walkers' selection of orthotics-friendly shoes with removable insoles. They feature delightful designs, cushioning, and top-notch support for your child's growing feet.
Foot healthRole of Arch Support Shoes in Children's Foot HealthAs parents, we prioritise the health and well-being of our children. One often overlooked aspect of their well-being is the health of their feet, particularly the arches. They support the body weight, absorb shock during activities, and provide stability and flexibility while walking or running.
In this article, we'll explore the significance of arch support shoes in promoting children's foot health and how to choose the right ones to ensure your kid's feet develop correctly.
» Try these tips to help your toddler with feet growing pain
The Anatomy of the Foot Arch
The arch is the area between the heel and the ball of your foot that supports the body weight and absorbs the shock during walking. It also provides flexibility and stability to the foot when walking or running.
There are three types of foot arches:
Medial longitudinal: The higher of the two longitudinal arches. It consists of bones like the calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuneiforms, and three metatarsals.Lateral longitudinal: A flatter arch that rests on the ground when you stand. It comprises bones such as the calcaneus, cuboid, and the fourth and fifth metatarsals.Transverse: Located in the middle of the foot and formed by the metatarsal bases, cuboid, and cuneiform bones.
Identifying Flat Feet in Children
Flat feet can cause pain in the heel, knee, or leg. It can worsen during activities, making your kid walk awkwardly, especially when changing surfaces.
Some of the indicators of flat feet are:
Heels that angulate outwards when viewed from the backClumsiness or early fatigue during activityDifficulty finding well-fitting shoesUneven wear patterns on footwear
To determine if this is correct, you can wet your kid's foot and ask it to step on a paper. If the shape of the whole foot is visible instead of just a portion, your kid may have flat feet. However, for proper diagnosis, you should consult a qualified healthcare professional.
» Check out why orthopaedic shoes are the game-changer for kids
What is Arch Support?
Arch support helps maintain the natural shape and height of the arches. It prevents the arches from collapsing, a condition known as flat feet or fallen arches.
Do Kids Need Arch Support?
Yes. Children's feet are still growing, so they're more prone to stress and injury than adults. Proper arch support can prevent conditions such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
Children wearing shoes with proper arch support may exhibit more confident and energetic walking or running. They may also have less pain and fatigue in their feet, legs, knees, or back.
Can Arch Supports Cause Foot Pain?
Arch support shoes can induce foot pain if you position or fit them improperly. Your kid may also need more time to adapt to them, which can cause discomfort.
Proper arch support promotes healthy foot development, prevents arch collapse, reduces the risk of injury, and improves stability and balance while walking or running.
Choosing the Right Shoes
Before buying children's arch support shoes, consult a specialist. They can assess your kid's foot shape and check if it needs pediatric orthotics for flat feet.
While choosing the right shoe for your kid, consider the following:
Level of arch support requiredDurabilityComfortFirmnessFunctionality
Securing a Strong Foundation
Investing in proper arch support shoes for your kid promotes foot health and overall well-being. By understanding the importance of arch support and choosing the right shoes, you can ensure that your child's feet develop correctly and that they enjoy active, pain-free lives.
Prioritise comfort and support in their footwear choices, and consult a specialist if you have any concerns about their foot health.
Foot developmentDealing With Pigeon Toes: Tips for Parents and CaregiversWatching your child take their first steps is a momentous occasion for any parent. But what happens when those steps turn inward? Pigeon toes, also known as in-toeing, can concern many parents.
This article offers guidance on managing and seeking treatment for this condition by delving into the intricacies of in-toeing and its causes.
» Get your kid excited about wearing shoes
Understanding Pigeon Toes
Pigeon toes manifest as an inward turning of the legs, which you can notice when your kid walks or runs. Most children outgrow it without treatment, but severe cases may require professional medical advice.
What Causes Pigeon Toes?
The causes of pigeon toes can vary, but they generally appear with three main conditions:
Metatarsus Adductus: This foot deformity causes the forefoot to bend inwards at birth or shortly after. Factors like breech presentation during delivery, insufficient amniotic fluid, and a family history of the condition may cause it.Inward Tibial Torsion: This condition arises when one or both legs turn inward due to the same rotation of the tibia, giving the knees a bowed appearance.Femoral Anteversion: This condition may appear when the knee turns inwards relative to the hip due to an inward rotation of the thigh bone.
» Learn about your baby's leg development
Contributing Factors
There are no specific habits or activities that can be predisposing factors to pigeon toes, but maintaining optimal foot health is beneficial.
Footwear Choices
Choosing the proper footwear is crucial for children with pigeon toes. Shoes that offer comfort, support, and proper alignment are ideal. Shoes with custom orthotics can help your kid's foot alignment.
Pigeon Toes Correction ShoesOrthopaedic shoes provide adequate support in the midfoot region and prevent excessive pressure or friction. Depending on the severity of the condition, your kid can use them alongside other treatments and therapies, such as casts or surgery.
» Check out our list of the best shock-absorbing shoes for kids
When To Seek Professional Advice
You should monitor the condition and seek professional advice if the in-toeing becomes extremely painful, hinders walking, or causes frequent falls. The resolution timeline for the condition depends on the underlying cause.
For example:
Metatarsus Varus resolves by age two.Tibial Torsion requires monitoring till age fiveFemoral Anteversion may continue until age eleven
Exercises for Pigeon-Toed Children
There's no specific research supporting the efficacy of exercises in treating in-toeing quicker.
Some exercises like toe curls and penguin walks may be helpful. You should align their frequency with the child's natural growth and development curve.
Nurturing Healthy Steps
Monitoring the progression of pigeon toes and seeking professional advice can ensure the well-being and comfort of your child. You can help your kid manage in-toeing effectively through appropriate footwear choices and exercises.
Explore First Walkers' shoe collections, offering unparalleled comfort and top-notch quality. These shoes are stylish additions to your child's wardrobe and are eco-friendly.