What Makes the Best Toddler Shoes?

Recent research has shown that children are more likely to have good posture if they go without shoes as often as it is possible and safe. Information about movement comes from the nerves on the soles of our feet. The more kids can feel the ground, the better they can respond and the better they can develop walking and postural skills.

Dr. Wikler, a podiatrist specializing in children’s foot development claimed that  “foot trouble among children is almost always caused by shoes, and that most adults' foot trouble would either not exist or would be much less bothersome if properly-shaped shoes had been worn during childhood or, better yet, if those people had gone barefoot.”

Main reasons for that are:

• Most children’s shoes are too stiff and do not allow for natural foot movement
• The front part of most shoes is narrower than the child’s foot, and therefore, squeeze the toes and distort the foot.

Dr. Lee Bivings, a pediatrician, estimates that 99% of newborn babies have perfectly normal feet — and in his clinic, more than 60% of these same kids have acquired foot disabilities at six years of age, mainly because of issues with the shoes that they had been wearing. He was always looking for an ideal “physiological” shoe that mimics barefoot walking and would enhance healthy foot development in infants and toddlers.

New designs of minimalist or barefoot shoes that were introduced in last few years were invented to offer suitable solution, but in reality most of those shoes are not built correctly, and still interfere with healthy foot development. Instead of allowing the foot to be flat with ground, these shoes push the front part of the foot up, and do not allow for natural foot function. The soles of these shoes are not flexible enough, and instead of being fully flat, they are curved in the front, a shape which is called excessive Toe-Spring (in shoe-making industry terminology).

To offer toddler shoes that mimic barefoot walking, KidOFit engineered its barefoot shoes for toddlers using advanced biomechanical and ergonomic concepts.

KidoFit’s comfort system includes:

Barefoot Sole Design - KidOFit utilizes unique soles, made of thin, flexible elastomer, which perfectly mimics the barefoot walking experience and promotes natural foot motion.  

Transparent Soles – provide a clear view of the child’s toes, and allow for checking how the foot is positioned inside the shoe.

 

Heel Strap - All KidOFit shoes (except boots) are constructed with a heel strap in the back portion of the shoe, enabling the adjustment of the grip around the heel and eliminating slippage. The result: customized fit from wide to narrow feet.  

Elastic Construction - An elastic collar stretches around the heel to conform to the individual foot width. It also helps with getting the foot into the shoe without having to squeeze the toes. The supple design insures soft contact with the foot for maximum comfort and protection.

Fitting Inserts - A set of inserts, which comes with the shoes, can be used to reduce the space inside the shoe when the fit is too wide or too loose. As the foot grows, the inserts can be removed, extending the life of the shoe.

Soft Interior - KidOFit shoes are engineered with a unique interior, which combines soft fabric, foam padding and seamless construction. The result is very gentle contact with the foot, eliminating irritation, and providing ultimate comfort and protection.

Light and Flexible - The shoe's flexible construction allows the foot to move naturally and respond to changes in the walking surface, feeling as close as possible to barefoot walking. What’s more, the light materials enhance the barefoot walking sensation, and improve comfort.
 

Anatomical Shape - KidOFit shoes are designed with a wide and roomy toe box, conforming to the unique shape of the child’s feet and allowing the child to wriggle and spread the toes without constriction. The wide base of the shoe enhances stability and walking confidence.

Easy On and Off - KidOFit shoes are constructed with a wide opening at the tongue area, enabling the foot to easily enter the shoe without having to squeeze the toes.
 

For more information on what makes the best shoes for toddlers, visit the KidoFit website today!