Development of Children’s Feet and the Proper Choice of First Shoes

Dr. Josip Vlaić, PhD, orthopedic specialist

The choice of a child’s first footwear when they begin to walk is important. Over time, it has been shown that the optimal development of the foot occurs in a barefoot environment. This means that, for ideal foot development, it would be beneficial for children to walk barefoot from an early age. However, such a scenario is difficult for most of us to imagine due to the various risks associated with barefoot walking. Nevertheless, choosing footwear designed according to the barefoot model appears to be an excellent alternative, providing adequate foot protection while also offering the necessary conditions for the optimal development of a child’s foot.

Today’s footwear designed according to the barefoot model is lightweight, provides enough room for the toes, is flexible, and lacks cushioning materials for the soles. As a result, walking in barefoot shoes is functionally considered similar to barefoot walking, while still offering foot protection. Moreover, a recent study by Gimunov et al. on children in the early walking phase showed that those who learned to walk in barefoot shoes had higher foot arches and a smaller foot progression angle compared to their peers who wore traditional children’s slippers. In other words, they displayed more favorable parameters associated with proper foot development.

There are several models available on the market, but based on the previously mentioned classifications, the Baobaby barefoot shoe model stands out the most in our region for children who are beginning to walk. This barefoot shoe model not only looks visually appealing and child-friendly, but it is also handmade and assembled without the use of glue, thereby avoiding the risk of allergic reactions to adhesives. The shoes are easy to put on, soft, and fit the foot perfectly. The ankle collar is lined with a velvet-like fabric, preventing any rubbing or discomfort. Finally, when parents bring their child to a pediatric orthopedic specialist after the first steps have been taken, the experiences with the Baobaby barefoot shoe model are overwhelmingly positive.

Dr. Josip Vlaić, PhD, MD, orthopedic specialist and subspecialist in pediatric orthopedics from the Children’s Hospital Zagreb in Klaićeva Street.