When should babies start wearing shoes?

“When should I buy my baby shoes?” is frequently asked by parents.

Choosing the first pair of shoes for your baby is always exciting. But when should you get a pair of shoes for your baby?

Basically, your baby doesn’t need shoes until they have started walking. Even if they have started their first step independent walking, you need no rush to get a pair of shoes for your baby.

Baby didn't need footwear until he started walking outside. Practising walking barefoot is helping develop the small tiny muscles at the feet, thus walking barefoot is the best option to build up their motor skills. Remember that, the purpose of getting shoes for your kids is to serve as a protection from the ground and get your kids feet safe.

What kinds of shoes are suitable for a new walker?

First thing, we look at the natural foot shape of the baby, it is obviously wider at the toes and narrow at the heel. So, when we look for shoes for your baby, the shape of the shoes should fit their foot shape, which is wide at the toes and narrow at heel.

Second, the feet need to sense. For the initial development of the child, they need a thin covering for the shoes to protect their feet as the vital component is to feel and stimulate the feet.

Third, to match the natural foot shape and allow space for growth of their feet, it is important to look for shoes wider at the toes box and not at the ball of the feet.

Fourth, the shoes should be flexible and malleable so as not hamper the development of the feet. How to test if the shoes are flexible? You should be able to twist the shoes, materials should be soft, lightweight.

Get proper footwear at the right timing and right shoes to prevent foot problems. If you have questions, please do consult with your paediatric physiotherapist or podiatrist.