What to Look for in a Good Shoe: A Pediatric Physical Therapist’s Guide

Today let’s welcome Ms. Megan to the blog to talk about what to look for in a good shoe! Ms. Megan is one of our awesome physical therapists and she knows the importance of finding the right shoes. Shoes matter for our kids! A lot. The right pair of shoes can support healthy development, improve coordination and balance, and even help prevent injuries. So let’s get into it!

What to Look for In a Shoe

• Wide toe box 

• Flexible sole 

• Adjustable strap 

• Supportive heel

Recommended Brands (PT Approved!)

• Stride Rite

• See Kai Run 

• New Balance 

• Carter’s high top shoes

• Athletic works baby girl mesh jogger sneakers 

• Wonder nation baby boy retro jogger sneakers

• Toddler charlie retro sneakers - cat and jack

Closed Toe Sandal Recommendations

• Keen Newport H2 Water Sandles 

• What about just going to the pool/beach? Any shoe is likely ok for just walking to/from the water. A heel strap would be preferred for safety!

Shoe considerations for new walkers

• Highly recommend closed-toed shoes! 

• No heel on the bottom of the shoe, even a small amount, can change the way they walk and cause them to fall more 

• Sole of the shoe should be flexible 

• Extra wide toe box to allow the toes to spread out and help with balance 

• We generally recommend starting to wear shoes before kids are fully walking so they have time to get used to them 

• We generally recommend wearing shoes out of the house and barefoot/socks when in the house

How often should you be checking shoe size?

• Every 1-3 months until age 3

• Every 4 months until age 5

• Every 6 months until they stop growing

How to check shoe size? https://www.striderite.com/pages/sizing-help

Shoe considerations for AFOs/SMOs

• ½ or full size larger, will likely need a wide or extra wide shoe 

•  Insole should be removable to make space for the AFO/SMO as needed

• Shoe should have wide opening to allow space for foot and AFO/SMO to fit

• Check the return policy before buying the shoes

• Might need two different sizes of shoes to accommodate and AFO on one side 

• Recommended Brands

• Ikiki on amazon 

• Friendly shoes

• New balance

What PTs DON’T Recommend & Why

• Crocs: minimal to no support, not adjustable to the foot, kids' feet sweat twice as much as an adult foot, making children wearing Crocs more prone to blisters

• Jelly shoes: not enough support, can cause skin irritation 

• Flip flops: not supportive, the foot can easily slide out of the shoe, shoe can not be adjusted 

Thanks so much Ms. Megan for all of the great information! Have specific questions about shoes or support for your child? Ask your therapist or Contact us today!