Why Flexible Flat Soles?
Let’s talk about shoes for a minute.
When I first bought my oldest moccasins – It was because they were cute. I didn’t really think about the benefits of the sole or why they might be important. As she got older I started learning more about feet and properly fitted shoes, so let me lay some of my knowledge down for you.
According to Dr. Casey Kerrigan, a Harvard-trained physician and researcher, "When a child's foot is allowed to move and flex naturally, it grows stronger and more resilient. This can help to prevent common foot problems like flat feet, weak ankles, and plantar fasciitis later in life."
Did you know that an “athletic” sole on a toddler’s shoe is the equivalent of us wearing around a 2 inch platform? Seriously. Think about that! Listen, I used to wear heels when I was younger… Until I decided that my comfort and the damage of my legs/feet wasn’t worth the vanity.
Dr. James Levine, an endocrinologist and author of the book "Get Up!", says, "Our feet are designed to be our foundation, our connection to the earth. When we put our feet in shoes that are rigid and don't allow for natural movement, we are hindering the development of our whole body."
The soles on athletic shoes for babies and toddlers are everything your child’s shoe SHOULDN’T be.
It drives me crazy! Babies and toddlers are still growing and forming their 26 bones, 33 joints, more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments in their foot. Yet prominent shoe companies continue to make “fashionable footwear” that cut off their all-important feeling – This dulls their sensory feedback to their brain from their feet and hinders their learning to walk.
The average shoe you find at your local store for your toddler weakens your kid’s feet and ankles as they grow, which leads to awkward and clumsy movement. Why? Because they're hard and un-flexible.
"But my child needs arch support!"
Do they?... It's a pretty old school train of thought and science has been proving otherwise. And hey, I'm no doctor - So do what your doctor says, but hear this...
Dr. Emily Splichal, a podiatrist and human movement specialist, emphasizes the importance of barefoot movement and flexible soles for proper foot development. She says, "When children walk barefoot or wear shoes with flexible soles, their feet are able to sense the ground and adapt to different surfaces. This builds strength and coordination in the feet, ankles, and legs, which is essential for proper movement patterns throughout life."
A baby’s foot is born flat and has no arch. Instead of a "rise" in the middle of their foot, babies have a cute little pad of fat. In time, the fat disappears, and the shape of your baby’s arch will be visible. But they’ll spend their first year or more with flat feet. Then their bones, etc will continue to form until their teens. So it’s down to a case of use it or lose it.... Don't be a "lost it case" - Allow their foot to grow, strengthen, and flex their natural muscles, tissues, and bones.
As a parent or loved one, I don’t doubt that you want their feet to be the best they can be - To grow strong, flexible and wide for steady and skillful movement as adults... With little to no aches, pains, or problems. “Arch support” actively stops feet moving in to their natural alignment - all those tiny bones, tendons and muscles cannot flex and gain strength. Babies don't even have bones in their feet until around 6 months of age -they're made up of fat and cartilage.
It’s just silly! Because it’s such an easy problem to avoid, as 90% of children’s feet are born flawless – Let’s keep em that way by staying away from standard big box store shoes that are behind the times. It’s an easy fix! Just stop buying those old or nonscience based shoes…
Why More Room Is So Important
Being in charge of little humans is a HUGE responsibility... I get it! We all want to provide the best possible care for our little ones. When it comes to footwear, it's important to choose shoes that not only look cute but also support the healthy development of our children's feet. One essential feature of children's shoes that often goes overlooked is the toe box. A wide toe box can make a world of difference in how a child's foot develops, and it's important for parents to understand why.
First and foremost, a wide toe box allows the toes to spread out naturally, which is critical for healthy foot development. When toes are cramped together, it can lead to a variety of problems, including blisters, calluses, ingrown toenails, and even bunions. Dr. William H. Scholl, a podiatrist with over 50 years of experience, explains that "toe boxes that are too narrow can lead to deformities such as hammer toes, where the toe becomes bent at the middle joint, and can cause significant pain and difficulty with walking."
In addition to promoting healthy foot development, a wide toe box can also improve balance and stability. According to Dr. Casey Ann Pidich, a podiatrist and sports medicine specialist, "When children have a wide toe box, they have a broader base of support, which makes them more stable and less likely to fall." This is especially important for young children who are just learning to walk and need all the help they can get to maintain their balance.
Furthermore, a wide toe box can prevent a host of foot-related issues that can arise later in life. Dr. Howard Dananberg, a podiatrist and lecturer, explains that "Footwear that promotes natural foot function may help to prevent or delay the development of common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendinitis." By allowing the foot to move and flex naturally, a wide toe box can prevent the foot from becoming stiff and rigid, which can lead to a variety of painful foot conditions.
So, what should parents look for when selecting shoes for their little ones? The key is to choose shoes with a wide, spacious toe box that allows the toes to spread out naturally. This can be a challenge, as many shoes are designed with a narrow, tapered toe box that can be harmful to growing feet. Dr. Scholl recommends looking for shoes with a rounded toe box and a wide base, as this will allow the toes to spread out and provide a stable base of support.
In conclusion, a wide toe box is essential for the healthy development of our children's feet. By allowing the toes to spread out naturally, a wide toe box can prevent a variety of foot-related issues and promote balance and stability. As parents, we should prioritize choosing shoes that support our children's foot health and development, and that includes selecting shoes with a wide, spacious toe box. As Dr. Dananberg notes, "The feet are the foundation of the body, and it's important to invest in their health from an early age."