I have a thirteen month old and a friend insists I get Stride Rite shoes because the soles are flexible. Will I endanger him by purchasing shoes at Target? I am going to look for shoes with flexible soles.
Thanks,
A Worried Mom
2007-06-02 15:52:30 · 14 answers · asked by Dana E 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
better quality shoes are good for foot developement, but the best advice i was given was to let my kids be barefoot all day. (unless they were walking through a parking lot etc)
2007-06-02 15:56:15 · answer #1 · answered by parental unit 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When my kids were little I did spend the extra money for Stride Rite shoes for them. At least for the first year or two. It is worth the extra money to have good shoes fit properly by a professional. The biggest problem with buying shoes at any discount store is most of the time they are not fit properly. And shoes that are not fit properly can cause problems....let's face it, a toddler can't tell you if the shoes "feel good". Not only is proper fit important, but so it the material that the shoes are made of, and how flexible the entire shoe is. It effects not only comfort, but how the child's feet and legs develop. Spend the money now and consider it an investment into your child's future. It really is worth it.
2007-06-02 16:09:23 · answer #2 · answered by Barbiq 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had the same concerns with my 16 month old. However someone just told me that Stride Rite makes a shoe for Target stores (from the experts of Stride Rite is on the tag). I know that the Stride Rites we have had were great, but only lasted 3 months before she outgrew them. Her Robeez have lasted a little longer and seem pretty comfy (meaning she doesn't pull them off in the car).
2007-06-05 14:23:29 · answer #3 · answered by BZ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't talked to our Pedi about it, but my mother in law insists that all toddler have Stride Rite (she always buy's my son's shoes). She says because they can't say if the shoes hurt their feet, plus the soles are made specifically for their age. My son (14 months) doesn't really wear shoes in the house, it's usually when we leave.) I do have a pair of walmart shoes for when we go to the park and he plays in sand. I think for most of the time Stride Rite is good.
2007-06-02 16:18:38 · answer #4 · answered by aprilmommy06 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to shell out big bucks for infant shoes. However it is correct that toddlers do best barefoot, where barefoot is not an option they need the softest sole that is practical. They do NOT need arch support, toddlers should not have arches and they should develop them on their own.
I *finally* found some shoes for my dear son who won't walk in anything but baby booties, and is about to outgrow the largest size baby bootie. I actually bought the leather to make my own shoes for him when I found these. And they are a steal! Only $6 US.
http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=354518&langId=-1&exp=n&catTree=24651,24704,24902&clearance=0
Oh I also saw some great flexible shoes at walmart but my son's very fat feet meant they didn't fit. His feet are very tall so to get shoes to fit the height of his feet they don't fit the length except the above. Obviously if you don't have that problem you have more choices.
The water sandals suck, concrete was used to make the soles I swear!
(BTW if you really want to know about infant shoes you need to ask a pediatric podiatrist or pediatric orthopedic surgeon, good luck finding one! Most pediatricians just know what the nice companies told them and paid them to say)
2007-06-02 16:22:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only follow your instincts........you sound like a Mom who just wants to do everything right for her son, that you love so very much. I LOVE Robeez. However, they can be expensive try this GREAT less expensive brand: justq.com
Target also sells a leather bootie for less $ they are located in the baby section ..... by the blankets........they come in several cute designs.......or go to Target.com
You can also go to the American Academy of Pediatrics website for more info.......use google to find current sites! You are on your way to finding excellent footware. I don't have personal experience with the shoes from Target, but the JustQ shoes are AWESOME!!!!
2007-06-02 18:38:46 · answer #6 · answered by Jenn13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children do not need shoes unless they are outdoors. When they are necissary, Shoes with good arches in them are best for support. You can find flexible soled shoes, with arches. And now there is no danger and Target specific shoes, you are doing nothing wrong by saving money. They will just grow out of them in two months anyhow!
2007-06-02 16:02:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Buy the stride Rite. There are two things you should never be cheap on shoes for your feet and tires for your car. Target shoes are cheap and not well made much less for a child. And let her/him go without shoes whenever possible. Barefoot makes better feet!
2007-06-02 15:57:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely not! My doc told me that "walking shoes" were a waste of money. Any comfortable shoes with a good sole will work fine. She said a child will learn to walk either way and she was right! I have two children, no special walking shoes and they walk great!
2007-06-02 18:47:47 · answer #9 · answered by Jai B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only shoes I really use for my son to walk in is the soft leather shoes like Robeez but knock offs. They are all flexible, just like walking barefoot but they protect socks.
I let my son wear sandles as an accessory before he started walking but stopped putting those on him when he started walking.
2007-06-02 16:11:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋