BABY SHOES! Oh the Joy!

Life has been a bit crazy with this unusual winter weather. Seems like I am rushing around to take care of a sick baby (we can't get better), a sick husband (because he is a little needy ;) ), and somewhere in between trying to work. AH! Luckily, the cold I was getting only last two days; its funny how fast your body will heal when it knows it has no choice but to recover! All of you mommies know exactly what I am talking about...armageddon becomes a reality if you have to take a moment of rest for even an hour! My house becomes an episode of Revolution. Our dogs are so beyond this weather they have started fighting amongst themselves. Needless to say, cabin fever has set in.


Ok, so enough of my complaining. On to the best baby shoes I have found!


Bella was a late walker. She just started walking about 2 months ago at 13 months. The doctor recommended "special" shoes which helped IMMENSELY! On my search to get my daughter to walk (which yes I now regret) I found that lots of us mommies choose the wrong shoes for our babies. We often go for the cute, very uncomfortable shoes; however, are we doing our children an injustice? Something so common as shoe buying should be simple right? WRONG! I am too blame myself, but as my nephew would say "I see the light" (don't ask he's just hilarious). Poor shoes at this age can cause a number of problems: PAIN (an unhappy baby is an unhappy family), hammer toes, corns, ingrown toenails, and the like (http://www.epodiatry.com/children-footwear.htm).

 Here is a common guide to your toddlers shoes:

Advice for the fitting of a child's footwear:

* Children should have their feet measured about every 3 months (thus ensuring the need for new shoes as required).

* Generally, for a shoe to be correctly fitted, there should be a thumb width between the end of the shoe and the end of the longest toe.

* When looking at the bottom (sole) of the shoe, it should be relatively straight (not curved in too much) - the foot is straight, so the shoe should be straight.

* The fastening mechanism (laces, velcro, buckles) should hold the heel firmly in the back of the shoe (the foot should not be able to slide forward in the shoe).

* the heel counter (back part of the shoe) should be strong and stable.

* the shoe should be flexible across the ball of the foot, as this is where the foot bends. The shoe should not bend where the foot does not bend (ie in the arch area).

* Leather and canvas are a better material - they are more durable and can breathe. Synthetic materials do not breathe as well, unless they are of the 'open weave' type. Avoid plastics.

* Check that the shoes have rounded toe boxes to give the toes more room to move.

* Shoes should not need to be "broken in". If they do, they are either poorly designed or poorly fitted.

* An absorbent insole is helpful, as the foot can sweat a lot - children are very active!

* A number of retail stores specialize in footwear for the child - use them!

http://www.epodiatry.com/children-footwear.htm

So what is the best brand? I am really loving two brands of shoes in particular. They are by no means cheap, but well worth it!

Stride Rite!

Stride Rite offers lots and lots of choices and since you will have to buy a new pair every time they outgrow the old ones, I like the Graham toddler. Bella has both colors and I can manage to put either pair with nearly every outfit she has. Thats two pairs of shoes for every occasion!

Jack and Lilly!

I love this brand as it is chic, but well thought out and not crazy expensive. We find these shoes to be more useful for church and more formal activities. 

Each pair of shoes cost roughly $30 plus shipping. I have had no problems with getting these shoes quickly either. For instance, the Stride Rite Graham red was ordered directly from their website on a Thursday night and showed up at my door on Saturday morning! You won't be able to find the selection or the orthopedic thought in any shoes that you would find at your local mall. If you are lucky enough to have a Stride Rite store...well I hate you ;). 

If you are trying to figure out what size your child should wear Jack and Lilly has a great sizing guide! You simply print out the sheet and measure your child's foot barefoot. Here is the link: https://www.jackandlily.com/downloads/SizeFinder.pdf

Remember! Barefoot is best!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When your child can be barefoot they should be!!! This means no socks as well. I know no socks is hard. My family believes it is a cardinal sin, but it is truly the best to allow their toes to function properly. While I am by no means a M.D., I am an Economist which translates into over thinking and heavy researching; hope this helps as I know it helped my little one whom is now chasing my dog.