Why Good Shoes are Important for Growing Feet

  By Monique Milne, of Well Heeled Podiatry

Get the Facts from a Leading Australian Podiatrist

Children’s feet, which are growing and developing, are not just smaller versions of adult feet. They are more cartilaginous, with fewer bones than adult feet. The bones in a toddler's foot are also softer and more pliable than an adult's bones. 

As children grow, their feet will go through various stages of development, including the formation of arches and changes in foot shape.

In addition, toddlers' feet are typically wider and rounder than adult feet, and they have a thicker layer of fat on the sole of the foot to help cushion their steps. As children grow, their feet will generally become narrower and longer, and the fat layer on the sole will become thinner.

This is why It is so  important to choose the right shoes for toddlers that fit properly and support their developing feet. Proper footwear can help prevent foot problems and promote healthy foot development as they grow into adulthood.

When Should My Child Wear Shoes?

It is generally recommended that children wear shoes when they go outside, especially if they are walking on hard or rough surfaces, or in areas where there may be hazards such as rocks, sharp objects, or debris.

Shoes can provide protection for your child's feet, and they can also help prevent injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises. In addition, shoes can provide support for your child's developing feet and help promote healthy foot development.

When selecting shoes for your child, it's important to choose shoes that fit properly and are appropriate for the activity or terrain they will be walking on. 

However, it's also important to allow your child to go barefoot at times, as this can help with sensory development and improve balance and coordination. Just make sure that they are in a safe and appropriate environment, such as inside the house or soft sandy beach.

This is why I recommend Attipas shoes as you can have the best of both worlds!

Attipas shoes are scientifically designed to mimic barefoot walking, whilst providing protection to the toes and soles of the feet. They have a  wide forefoot, non-slip sole and breathable upper to help keep your child's feet cool and dry.

What to Look for in Toddler Footwear

When it comes to footwear for toddlers, there are several things to consider to ensure that they are comfortable, safe, and supportive:

1. Choose Shoes that Fit Properly

Toddlers' feet grow quickly, so it's important to measure their feet regularly to ensure that their shoes fit correctly. Shoes that are too small can cause discomfort, while shoes that are too big can lead to tripping and falling.

2. Opt for Breathable Materials

Toddlers' feet sweat more than adults' feet, so it's important to choose shoes made from breathable materials such as leather or mesh to help keep their feet cool and dry.

3. Choose Shoes with a Flexible Sole

Toddlers' feet are still growing and developing, so it's important to choose shoes with a flexible sole that allows their feet to move naturally.

4. Avoid Shoes with Heel Elevation

Toddlers should not wear shoes that are flat, as shoes with any heel elevation can throw off their balance and increase their risk of falling.

5. Avoid Hand-Me Down Shoes

While it may be tempting to pass down shoes from older siblings or friends, it's best to avoid hand-me-down shoes as they may not fit properly or may be worn out.

In summary, when selecting footwear for toddlers, choose shoes that fit well, provide good support, are made from breathable materials, have a flexible sole, and do not have heels.

When Should Your Child See a Podiatrist?

There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate it's time to take your child to see a podiatrist, including:

1. Pain in the Feet or Legs

If your child complains of pain in their feet or legs or experiences discomfort while walking, running, or playing, it's important to see a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause.

2. Abnormal Walking Pattern

If your child walks with an unusual gait, such as walking on their toes or limping, it may be a sign of a foot or leg problem that requires podiatric evaluation.

3. Frequent Tripping or Falling

If your child frequently trips or falls while walking or running, it could be a sign of a balance or coordination issue that requires podiatric evaluation.

4. Uneven Shoe Wear

If your child's shoes wear out unevenly or quickly, it could be a sign of an underlying foot or leg problem that requires treatment.

5. Ingrown Toe Nails or Warts

If your child has persistent ingrown toenails or warts on their feet, a podiatrist can provide treatment to alleviate the discomfort and prevent further complications.

6. Developmental Concerns

If your child has a foot or leg deformity or a developmental concern such as flat feet or high arches, a podiatrist can provide guidance and treatment to promote proper development.

In general, if you notice any concerning changes in your child's feet, legs, or gait, it's a good idea to seek the advice of a podiatrist. A podiatrist can provide a thorough evaluation and develop a treatment plan to address any issues and promote your child's foot health.

Monique Milne is Director and Clinical Podiatrist @ Well Heeled Podiatry located at 1/362 Hampton St, Hampton 3188. Ph:  (03) 9603 0334.

Are you struggling to get shoes on your baby?

The whole idea behind Attipas baby shoes is that less is more. Goodbye to heavy shoes and socks, and hello to lightweight, practical, flexible shoe-socks that let babies 'feel' the ground.

Attipas slip on like a sock, saving you time as you rush your toddler out the front door. That’s why our founder, Caroline Africh, originally brought Attipas to Australia and our entire range can easily replace all the other shoes and socks in your baby's cupboard. 

As Seen at the Oscars!

Attipas baby shoes made it to the Oscars! Founder Caroline Africh and her team were flown to Hollywood where they handed out Attipas baby shoes to celebrities including Zoe Saldana, who is a huge fan.

Caroline also made an appearance on the Today Show where she talks to David Campbell and Sonia Kruger about getting close and personal with Ryan Gosling!

While other brands may sell 'first shoes' for babies, Attipas are the only baby shoes that successfully mimic barefoot walking.  And the evidence is clear.

Attipas baby shoes come in six sizes and can be worn from 6 months to 4 years. They start from $39.95 and are sold on the Attipas Australia website.

Attipas baby shoes come in over 50 colours in an identical design that slips on like a sock but supports like a shoe. Bestsellers include Attipas Sneaker: cute, sneaker-style shoes that look like traditional Converse; Attipas Rainbow: unisex, bright and bold stripes that match any outfit; Attipas Attibebe: soft pastel tones, a favourite for girls; and Attipas Marine: cute nautical themed pre-walkers, a favourite for boys.

Our founder, Caroline Africh, discovered Attipas baby shoes on a holiday in Japan and knew she needed to bring them to Australia. As a mum of a then 1 year old, Caroline had unique insight into exactly what a toddler should be wearing on their feet while learning to walk. An avid fan of the barefoot movement, Caroline says: “As a new mother, I was very conscious about selecting the right first shoes for my baby.”

“The biggest mistake parents make when choosing first baby shoes is that they think they need to be structured,” Caroline says. “The reality is that science really speaks for itself. Being barefoot helps baby develop brain function and the barefoot movement has been massive for decades. When choosing suitable pre-walking shoes for babies, parents need to select something that mimics the concept of walking barefoot.” 

Long before Caroline founded Attipas Australia, she had two very successful careers—first as an auditor, and then secondly as a project manager.

Caroline began her career as an IT auditor in the early 2000's, working for PwC Sydney as a graduate. Not feeling as though she 'fit in', it was then she realised her aspirations to become an entrepreneur — which she would later fulfil by bringing Attipas shoes to Australia.

At age 25, Caroline packed her bags and moved to London, and just like that, she worked her way up the chain to become a Project Manager in an investment bank. Over the next five years, she managed several large-scale IT implementations however still felt like something was 'missing' from her work life.

In her early 30s, Caroline had a baby and moved back to Sydney. After nearly a decade working in corporate, Caroline wanted to start her own business and become an entrepreneur. As a new mum conscious about baby foot health, Caroline discovered Attipas shoes in Japan and knew it was her inner calling to bring Attipas to Australia. We are proud to say: she succeeded. As seen on the Today Show, at the Oscars and on Shark Tank, over 500k pairs have been sold since Attipas arrived in 2012.

Caroline's 'less-is-more' approach to toddler foot health has been adopted by hundreds of thousands of Australian parents, who use Attipas on their babies every single day.

“Caroline's 'less-is-more' approach to toddler foot health has been adopted by hundreds of thousands of Australia parents, who use Attipas on their babies every single day.”

What our customers are saying about us...

“We bought these for our then 11 month old and they are the perfect baby shoe! They protect little toes, are easy to walk in even for an early walker, and the sock-style means she can't pull them off. She's one now and loves them so much that she sometimes brings them to you to put them on for her, even inside! Very glad we bought the next size up as well.” — Victoria

All Attipas Products are tailor-made for environmentally conscious families.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet. That’s why our products are non-toxic and contain no formaldehyde or BPA.  They are also vegan-friendly and not tested on animals. We also keep packaging to a minimum and use cardboard over plastics where possible.

Anyone can have allergies. If your baby or toddler has any discomfort or a rash develops, discontinue use and consult your doctor.