Does he have to wear shoes?

Question

My son is 15 months old and is not walking yet! I was wondering if the reason could be because I don't put shoes on him? We have shoes for him, but he hates wearing them I think because they are really tight. They are the right size, he just has fat feet and I can't find baby shoes that are made wide. He does get up and walk along things and stuff, but I'm wondering if putting shoes on him would help him to let go of things faster. What do you all think?

Answer 1

I think kids learn to walk faster without shoes, that way they can get a feel for walking and the balance. Walking is a very complicated action and they need to feel every thing in order to learn it. I did not put shoes on my kids until they were ready to walk everywhere. and once they were walking....out went the stroller! I just had to take extra time when we went somewhere!

Answer 2

Don't feel bad my son didn't start walking till he was about 15 months either. His doctor told me to just stop picking him up. So I let him play and move around on the floor. Eventually he started climbing then standing then with help walking. Shoes had nothing to do with it in fact he took his first steps barefoot. The reason why you put shoes on his feet is so that he would get used to wearing them. Alot of children don't like wearing shoes and will kick them off as soon as they get a chance.

Answer 3

Not wearing shoes does not affect walking. In fact, most people encourage you to let your child walk around barefoot (in the house) because it's easier than it is wearing shoes or socks.

As for fitting shoes, you will have to look around more. I had to search for shoes for my daughter because the tops of her feet were puffy-like. Many dress shoes and such that I would find were to flat and didn't have enough room. I just had to try different places to find ones that were made different and did have enough room. I go between wal-mart, k-mart, payless. Usually between the three I can find a shoe to fit.

Answer 4

My daughter started walking bare foot at 8 months. Her feet are fat too so for her first pair we went to Stride Right and they measured her feet and got her the right size( she was xx wide). The shoes were expensive ($50) but it was winter and she needed something on her feet.

Answer 5

Bare feet are best for learning how to walk. If he is cruising holding on to furniture at 15 mo. I wouldn't worry. Shoes won't make the process any faster.

Answer 6

I have a three and a five year old that both have wide feet I purchase their shoes at Stride Rite, once you get shoes from here you will never go anywhere else they are Great Quality and Reasonably Priced. Try them out your son will love them! http://www.striderite.com/jump.jsp?itemID=0&itemType=HOME_PAGE They sell XW ( Extra Wide) Shoes in all colors, styles and sizes.

Answer 7

It is not because you don't have him wear shoes that he is not walking.. I personally think having them wear shoes make them slower to walk but hey that only my opinion. Nothing bad will come out of you not putting shoes on his feet. (don't listen to older ladies who will try to tell you they will have flat feet if you don't have them wear shoes that's an old wives tale)

Answer 8

Putting shoes on him may slow him down.If he's not walking yet don't worry with shoes. Once he's walking make sure to always put shoes on him when going out.I hate seeing kids in stores without shoes on.

Answer 9

If you are worried that it is the shoes, Payless Shoe Stores are now selling wide shoes for little ones. Each baby is different.

Answer 10

babies balance better when they can flex their feet and toes for stability. shoes won't help. Is he cruising around while holding on furniture? I have heard that babies who walk later than 16 months can have long-term problems with weight. You may want to ask your pediatrician. My 11 month old doesn't wear shoes.