Shoes or no shoes?

Question

My 13 month old son is beginning to take steps. He has a couple pairs of shoes because the older members of my family insist that he have them on all of the time. The thing is, I hear conflicting advice. Some people say that children just learning to walk should learn to walk without shoes on. Others say they should wear shoes. As a parent, I get a lot of advice from people and some of it I just hear as it passes out the other ear, but with this advice, I'm not sure which path to take. Shoes or no shoes?

My son is always dressed for the weather. If it's cold outside, he is dressed warmly. If it's warm, he's dressed so he stays comfortable. He always has socks on. I am just interested in asking about shoes in reference to learning to walk.

Answer 1

I think my kids did better without the shoes on, they actually could feel the floor and kept balance. There is really no medical answer, with or without. I would try both and see how he does, whichever he is more comfortable with.
good luck!

Answer 2

Careful of socks on slippery surfaces. I say shoes when you go out but barefoot at home. The shoes you do put on him need to be very good quality and fit. Poor quality or poor fitting shoes will damage his feet for life. I don't understand why anyone needs to wear shoes inside if the floor is kept reasonably clean, and the yard should be safe enough.

Answer 3

Shoes in public places like shopping centres where there could be sharp things on the floor or a real risk of germs etc

at beach and home and friends places and backyards no shoes because they need to experience all different feelings and shoes will make it harder for them to walk they'll most likely trip over more

Answer 4

I've heard different things, but the one thing that I've heard (from a podiatrist too) is that they should be able to feel the ground if they do wear shoes, but barefoot is best. They learn to walk using their toes and it helps their feet form correctly and helps with posture. I recommend shoes like Robeez. The easiest way to describe them are like moccasins...with a piece of tough leather on the sole so they can still feel the ground while walking...when I say they can feel the ground, just imagine a piece of leather the thickness of a regular T-Shirt...they still feel the ground. It's even thinner than most socks. If it's a must, these are GREAT! Problem is, they are not ideal to run around in where they can get hurt...like parking lots with glass, or outdoors if there is a risk of something sharp. As for regular walking indoors, they are great. My daughter LOVES them. I just don't like the price of Robeez so you can find them on eBay or you can go to Target. They carry the Target brand for 1/2 price. They are about $12. Babies R Us started carrying them, too. They run about $14.

I also invested in a pair of "soft-soled" shoes. The sole isn't as thin like the leather, but they are fairly soft. They feel like the Dr. Scholl's gel inserts, but they are the actual soles. I like those for winter or playing outdoors in places there can be sharp rocks or sticks. That way, they are super flexible for her foot to form and they keep her warm. There isn't a specific brand for these, you should just walk around and feel shoes...try to bend them. If they bend easily and they feel soft, that's pretty good.

The target brand are called Circo Leather Shoes.

I hope this helps!!!

Answer 5

With all 3 of my kids i did NO shoes... its hard enough for them to learn to balance..then adding in the shoes.... Try letting him go with no shoes while indoors, even outside if you live somewhere where its warm right now

Answer 6

Definitely with shoes. If they learn to walk barefoot, they will develop a natural sense of balance, rather than depending on shoes to do the stabilizing for them.

Answer 7

both of my kids walked with no shoes when their shoes were on they would not walk but when I took them off thats when they walked I guess whatever if comfortable to the child thats the way they will walk try it both ways and see when he walks better

Answer 8

I am a ferm believer in no shoes. That way they can get their footing. I hate shoes on babies but it all has to do with do you want your child wearing shoes?

Answer 9

My daughter is 9 months and usually has on shoes. She really doesn't stand without them so that's all she knows. She seems to walk better with them on. It may be because I always keep shoes on her.

Answer 10

No shoes at home.