are the expensive shoes worth it

[Belinda1000]

hi my 1 yo DD has started walking and noticed that she is walking on the inside of her feet a friend recommended that the expensive shoes $75 from clarks will correct her step and keep her feet flat. whats your advice is it worth it or are target shoes just as good.

[tickle]

Good shoes are definately worth their money, but you don't have to spend $75 to get good ones. I go to Betts Kids and get great all leather, supportive shoes on special for about $45. This time round I splurged on a $60 pair just because I really liked them. The shoe stores generally have a few different styles on special year round. :)

[FiveInTheBed]

are her feet 'rolling' in or 'pointing' pigeon toed? because both of these actions at such a young age are all about developing balance, if you are overly concerned i'd see a doc or podiatrist before trying to 'fix' something yourself
putting kids feet into special supportive shoes without def knowing there is a problem could create a problem... most kids feet don't develop into bone until they are 18months so they need something soft yet supportive... if you see a podiatrist they usually won't want to do any thing manipulative until about 4years old.
Like happy lady said you can grab good shoes between $30-$60... get someone (is is confidently trained)in the store to measure "both "your childs feet and fit "both" shoes.
Clarkes have a 'first walker' range priced around $40-$50 they are soooo durable and perfect for newly walking tootsies!!

after working in the shoe business for over ten years it's good to hear parents more concerned for their childs feet(health) rather than the price... so many kids slop around in shoes that are only going to create problems for their knees , backs, etc in the future.
There is no need to go over the top though... I was flipping through a mag the other day and spotted a cute pair of first walkers... checked the fine print...WHAT!!!- $130-i dont even pay that for myself let alone a one year old!!

[Funkychicken]

I am a big believer in second hand clothing but NEVER shoes. I will only ever buy good quality footwear for our children and I always have them fitted. The foot needs to be measured in length and width. I usually end up paying about $50 for shoes but they last between 6-12 months. Our local shoe store has a twice monthly visit from a qualified podiatrist who checks out your childrens feet for free.

[Belinda1000]

hi she is rolling in on the sides so quite sure it is a balance issue at this stage. tahnks 4 the advice everyone it sounds as though it will be worth investing in some but may wait till the summer collection comes in.

[Chickadee]

Personally I'd leave her out of shoes as much as possible and give her a chance to continue "feeling" the floor with her feet. This will help with her finding her balance and should help eliminate the foot roll. Either some warm socks or soft soled non-slip slippers are enough for her to wear at home or out visiting even.

[Little_Toad]

When you pick a shoe.. to make sure it's good quality / supportive.

1. Try push the heel in towards the toe.. if it bends dont get it, You need a firm heelcup that wont bend when you push it.

2. Also, old the heel in one hand, the toe in the othr hand and twist in opposite directions. If it twists easily don't get it. The shoe should be rigid.

It would hurt to take your kid to the podiatrist, if he /she is rollng in, it could be something to do with the hips or the knees. Most babies / small kids will actually roll out natuaraly.

[SassyMummy]

I'd let her go barefoot for the majority of the day (or with socks), as, from what I have read, it's better for their feet.

However, when you're out in public, there's no way you should let your kid go shoe-less (what's on the ground?!). I'd get a good leather shoe (not synthetic...they don't stretch and they make feet sweat because they don't breathe), with a soft-ish sole. That way, your child will controlling their feet, not letting the shoe control them. When they get a bit older, then a thicker sole will be good...but when they're young, they need to get a feel for the ground around them, so a softer sole can help there.

If she STILL has the rolling problem when she's older, then take her to a pediatrist. While shoe sales people can be helpful, they're not trained in "correcting" problems.

When I was about 7, my mother noticed that my feet would roll inwards, and so off to the pediatrist we went. I had "orthodics" made specifically to fit my feet (they were moulded to the shape of my feet - the perfect fit!). They were expensive (I think they were $300 for the two of them...), but they're worth it. In accordance to the orthodics, I had to find shoes to fit them, and shoes that would support my feet. Shoe sales people helped out there - often they know what kind of shoes fit orthodics and what to look for. The back ankle needs to be high and sturdy (because the orthodic raises your foot higher) If the shoe bends, it needs to bend at the ball of your foot, not in the middle.

You baby is still a baby...so I wouldn't be concerned. But seriously, go get her looked at by a specialist if it continues in later years...it may cost a bit, but it's much better than relying on a pair of $75 shoes that MAY just be causing more damage than good...

[kailensmum]

I definitely think that it's worth buying a decent quality shoe. If the cashflow is a bit strained, then try DFO (if there's one near you), or Myer when they're having there big sales (i got grub two pairs from myer for around $55). I recomened the the shops that have people there to properly your little ones feet. And a lot of the clarks shoes have an extra innersole that can be removed, so that it can give an extra 1/2 size as they grow. Especially since they grow so fast. My son was size 3 in Jan, and is nearly out of his size 5 now.:banghead:

[~Danni~]

Our MCHN told us to go bare feet when possible and for shoes the cheap ones often end up being a better choice cos you can replace them more often where as some people spend a lot of money on one pair then sqish there kids feet into them to get 'there monies woth' out of them. I suppose it's a personal choice. We have gone for reasonably priced ones that are made well :D and not dodgy!!!

(I was always under the impression that more expensive ones were better before talking to the MCHN...)

[kymmy]

I have bought Tip Toey Joey shoes for my last baby.
They are made from leather, they are soft with rubber sole.
With elastic sides they are easy to put on but difficult for baby to pull off
They are about $40 retail which is worth it
But me being a bargain hunter I have paid $15
MUCH better than plastic shoes from a dept store
The foot is delicate at birth so its important they are looked after
Canvas(cotton) and leather breathe best

[reAllytee]

Socks or bare feet are a big thing & the best thing !
Babies dont have fully formed bones in their feet which is why things can go pear shaped quite easily ! By 2yrs they have a lot more going on yes but a childs foot isnt totally developed until they are into adulthood which is why through school years good fitted shoes are a must !
If you have concerns speak with your doctor or paediatrician otherwise just give it some time im sure its just a balance thing as well as learning to walk things are trying to work out what to do :D

[Ky]

Socks or bare feet are definitely the best option when they are little, especially if they haven't been walking long.

If you absolutley have to have shoes, then it doesn't matter how much they cost, just that they meet a few criteria ...

If you put the shoe (sole downwards) between your thumb and forefinger, they should bend esily with gentle pressure and the bend should be towards 3/4 away from the heel.

Check out the shape of the sole ... the straighter the last they have been made on ie not curving toeards each other, the better.

Check that they are not slipping at the heel when your child takes a step.

Try shoes on with socks that your child would normally be wearing.

Buy shoes no more than your thumb width longer than your childs foot ... you will need to replace shoes regularly, but often cheap shoes meet all of the criteria.

If you have to force their foot in - put it back on the shelf!

For sandals, make sure that the sole is not rigid - most trendy shoes are really bad for little feet! Jelly type sandals are great - they are flexible and can be washed and dried with no fuss!

Just a few pointers that a podiatrist gave me when dd was a baby!

[MrsMiggins]

I worked in children's shoes for years & I have to say that you tend to get what you pay for. Clarks are definitely a very good brand and are worth the money you pay for them. If your DD has issues with her feet now, then you would be better off seeing a specialist and getting their recommendation regarding shoes.

That being said, the most suitable footwear is not necessarily the most expensive. Before a child is walking more than they are crawling, if you need to have them in footwear, you should go for something very soft, with a flexible sole. And steer well clear of anything heavy. Shoes for very young children should be almost feather weight! There are a lot of quite suitable, very inexpensive shoes for young children around.

As some PP's said, young children are actually better off going barefoot wherever possible. The bones in a child's foot are not fully formed until they are around 8 years of age. Most damage tends to be done before this age, causing problems later in life and the majority of issues arise from ill-fitting or incorrect footwear.

Most importantly - have your child professionally fitted for shoes once they are wearing them all day.