There are a lot of misconceptions around children’s footwear, and what is actually required in order for your child’s feet and movement patterns to develop healthily and as intended by nature.
Many school shoe brands promote footwear which is overly restrictive and is marketed as ‘supportive’, but actually works counter-intuitively. According to podiatrists, what kids actually need are shoes which are lightweight and flexible, providing just enough support without inhibiting development at all.
Prenta Shoes offer a range of podiatrist-approved footwear which is suitable for growing kids from baby shoes all the way to kids shoes.
The role of children’s footwear on balance and development
The footwear you choose for your children is absolutely vital when it comes to balance and development, as well as general foot health.
Whilst many people believe it is beneficial to choose shoes which are ‘extra supportive’ and quite rigid, it’s actually important that little feet are allowed to move freely and naturally, allowing your child to develop their gait (walking pattern) and movement patterns effectively.
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How to keep children’s feet healthy as they grow
The main way to keep children’s feet healthy as they grow is by ensuring you’re opting for shoes which provide the right level of support without restricting growth in any way. You also need to make sure that the shoes you choose are of the correct size (check out how to measure your child’s feet at home).
Shoes which do this should be lightweight and flexible, and have soft outsoles. This way, you ensure that shoes emulate the ‘barefoot’ feel whilst providing physical protection.
Finding the right size is crucial too. Footwear for kids should be designed and fitted with space for toes to move freely and extra growing room. At Prenta Shoes, we work to avoid the issues of tightly packed toes rubbing, being restricted and damaging foot development.
Use our Happy Toe Zone feature to check if your child needs the next size up, without having to go to a shoe shop for measuring!
Do kids' shoes need growing room?
Kids’ shoes should definitely have growing room, but not so much that the feet slide around too much inside. By saying shoes need growing room, we suggest that toes need space to grow into, and shouldn’t be at all restricted by the shoes. Some brands are quite restrictive in the toe zone, which can lead to deformities in toes from an early age. Prenta Shoes are designed allow for the perfect amount of growing room.
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Most important features in kids’ shoes
Here are some of the most important features in kids’ shoes:
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Lightweight and flexible - Footwear for kids shoes should be lightweight and flexible, allowing for movement patterns to develop naturally.
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Wide toe box - Restrictive toe boxes are often one of the main inhibiting factors when it comes to healthy foot development.
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Soft insoles - Materials such as latex foam are soft enough to provide enough padding whilst allowing the foot to move naturally and freely.
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Adjustable fastenings - Hook and loop, buckles and extended rip tape fastenings allow for an adjustable and comfortable fit.
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Aesthetically pleasing - It’s vital that kids feel comfortable and confident in their shoes. That’s why Prenta Kids Shoes are designed with both fashionable design and foot health in mind.
Our favourite podiatrist-approved children’s footwear
The first pair of podiatrist approved shoes we’d recommend are the Atlas Rose Gold Metallic First Walker Shoes. With removable insoles and ‘happy toe zones’ for uninhibited growth, these shoes are perfect for little ones just finding their feet in the world!
The rose gold colour is absolutely stunning.
Next, the Luna Black Patent Girls Shoes are durable but flexible and provide ultimate comfort and style. Growing feet will never be restricted in these shoes thanks to their soft and breathable leather uppers, and latex foam footbeds mean they are perfect for active children.
An adjustable buckle fastening means they can be tightened to the desired fit, and allow for a bit of growth as well.
If you’re looking for kids' school shoes, check out the Comet Black Leather Shoes. Lightweight EVA soles are designed for maximum flexibility, and despite the careful design which makes these shoes podiatrist approved, they are not lacking in style.
They’re a smart but trendy pair of shoes perfect for young school children. Rip tape straps also allow for that easy on and off we mentioned.