Do you know that the shoes you choose for your toddler or child today can impact their foot health for years to come? If you didn’t know that, this article is one that you should read. As new parents ourselves, we understand how overwhelming it can be to take care of every aspect of your child’s needs, and how much guidance you’ll need. And when it comes to children’s footwear, one question consistently emerges: which toddler shoes do podiatrists actually recommend? The answer isn’t as simple as picking the most popular brand or the cutest design. Instead, you’ll need to understand the intricate relationship between foot development, shoe construction, and long-term pediatric foot health.
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has been evaluating children’s footwear for decades, awarding its coveted Seal of Approval to shoes that promote good foot health. However, just following official endorsements may not always be the best move. There is much more that parents should know when choosing the right children’s shoes, especially for children aged 2 to 4 years. In paediatric podiatry, we understand that ages 2 and 4 years represent a pivotal time when proper footwear can support healthy foot development or, conversely, create lasting problems.
To give you a quick summary (TL;DR): Every developmental stage of a child’s walking usually needs a different type of shoe. During the pre-walker to early independent walker stages, children need more flexible shoes. Because they are still learning how to balance, how to walk, how to run, so they really need to “feel the ground”. However, as they grow up to preschool age, shoes need to be sturdier and more supportive.
Now, for those parents who want to know more about kids’ shoes, read further. We aim to make this article as comprehensive as possible, so that you can make informed decisions about your toddler’s footwear. We’ll explore the science behind foot development, examine the specific features that podiatrists prioritise, and provide practical guidance for selecting shoes that support your child’s developmental needs.
Child Foot Development: Why Choose A Good Kids’ Shoe?
The human foot’s development is remarkably impressive. It changes from the soft, cartilaginous structure during infancy into the more defined solid architecture that will support a lifetime of movement. Scientifically, we call the process “ossification”, turning “soft bones” into real bones. Knowing these developmental processes is crucial for parents seeking to find the best shoes for their child, as the shoes chosen during this critical period can either support or hinder natural foot development.
The Anatomy of Developing Feet
At birth, a child’s foot contains 22 bones, but many of these are actually cartilage-like structures rather than hardened bone tissue. The ossification process, where cartilage gradually transforms into bone, continues throughout childhood and isn’t complete until the late teenage years [1]. This extended development period means that toddler feet can be malleable and susceptible to external influences, including the shoes they wear.
The arch of the foot is one of the most misunderstood aspects of child foot development. Many parents become concerned when they notice their toddler appears to have “flat feet,” but this can be entirely normal. The foot arch will gradually develop up to the age of 9. Before this time, a fat pad naturally fills the arch area, providing cushioning and support for the developing foot structure. However, there is a reference range that podiatrists rely on to determine if the flat feet are beyond normal development.
Other than structural changes, our brain plays a key role in learning how to walk. The brain receives a lot of information from the foot: sensory, proprioceptive, and tactile information. All these inputs are passed from the feet up to the brain to process our movement and balance.
Critical Developmental Milestones
The period between 12 and 48 months is when rapid foot development and functional change occur. During this phase, toddlers transition from tentative first steps to confident running, jumping, and climbing. Each stage of this progression places different demands on the foot and, consequently, requires different considerations in footwear selection.
12-18 Months: The New Walker Phase
This stage represents the first steps of a toddler, where balance and proprioception are more important than protection. The foot is still learning to adapt to weight-bearing activities, and the muscles, ligaments, and tendons are developing the strength and coordination necessary for walking. Shoes during this phase should prioritise flexibility and sensory feedback over structure and support.
18-24 Months: Independent Walker
Toddlers during this period will become more confident when walking, and they begin to explore different terrains and surfaces. The foot starts to handle more complex and uneven movement patterns, and the need for protection increases while maintaining flexibility. This is when you should begin switching from soft and thin-soled shoes to slightly more structured footwear.
24-36 Months: Running and Climbing
When your child starts running and climbing, this places new demands on the foot structure. The muscles of the foot and lower leg will strengthen significantly during this period, and a proper heel-to-toe walking pattern will form. Shoes need to provide adequate protection while still allowing for natural foot movement and development.
36-48 Months: Complex Movement Patterns
By age 3-4, most children have developed sophisticated movement patterns, including jumping, hopping, and directional changes. The foot structure is becoming more defined, though still highly malleable. This is a critical period where proper footwear can support continued healthy development or begin to create problems that may persist into adulthood.
The Role of Muscle Development
Foot development isn’t solely about bone growth and arch formation; it’s equally dependent on the development of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles that control foot function. The intrinsic muscles are small muscles within the foot, and they are responsible for stabilising the foot structure and supporting toe function. These muscles develop strength and coordination through use, particularly through activities that challenge balance and proprioception.
Research has shown that children who spend more time barefoot or in minimal footwear during the new walker stage tend to develop stronger intrinsic foot muscles and better balance [2]. Therefore, wearing overly supportive or rigid footwear at this early age can affect the natural strengthening process that occurs during normal development.
The extrinsic muscles, which originate in the lower leg and control foot and ankle movement, also undergo significant development during the toddler years. These muscles are responsible for the larger movements of walking, running, and jumping. Their proper development is crucial for overall lower limb function.
Common Developmental Concerns
Choosing shoes for a child is relatively easy, especially if they are developing normally. However, there are some children’s foot conditions that can influence shoe selection decisions. Parents usually have very good instincts, so if you suspect your child is not walking right, perhaps it is best to see a Podiatrist soon.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
We mentioned this earlier, the appearance of flat feet in toddlers is typically normal and expected. However, some children have flat feet that are beyond the typical age of arch development. While most cases of pediatric flat feet require no treatment, severe cases warrant specific footwear considerations or orthotic intervention [3].
In-toeing and Out-toeing
One of the most common conditions we see is toddlers showing an in-toeing (pigeon-toed walking) or out-toeing (duck-footed walking) walking pattern. If you were to Google this, chances are you would be told that it will resolve naturally over time. While that can be true, some kids just don’t get any better and potentially get worse. Selecting a good shoe will be crucial to support the foot development or the podiatrist’s intervention for such cases.
Toe Walking
Some children develop a pattern of walking on their toes rather than using a heel-toe gait pattern. While occasional toe walking is normal in early walkers, persistent toe walking beyond age 2 may indicate underlying muscle tightness or neurological issues. Proper footwear can encourage a more normal gait pattern. However, we would strongly recommend that you have your child assessed to find out the root cause of the toe walking.
What Podiatrists Look for in Toddler Shoes
When evaluating toddler shoes, we always prioritise foot health and developmental support over aesthetic considerations. A podiatrist’s judgment is based on clinical experience, research in pediatric biomechanics, and the understanding of footwear manufacturing. The following features represent the consensus among leading foot health professionals regarding optimal toddler shoe characteristics.
Flexible Forefoot Construction
The flexibility of the shoe’s forefoot region is one of the most critical features that podiatrists evaluate when recommending toddler footwear. The forefoot, which encompasses the area from the ball of the foot to the toes, must bend and flex naturally to allow propulsion when walking, running, and playing. This flexibility allows the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the foot to work properly, strengthening with each step and contributing to healthy arch development over time.
To test forefoot flexibility, do the simple “bend test.” A properly flexible shoe should bend easily at the ball of the foot. If the shoe bends in the middle of the arch instead of the forefoot, it lacks the appropriate flexibility for developing feet.
The materials used in forefoot construction can impact flexibility. Natural materials like leather tend to be more flexible and durable than synthetic materials. The construction method is also equally important. Shoes with excessive reinforcement or rigid toe caps can limit natural foot movement, even if made from flexible materials.
Wide Toe Box Design
The toe box, the front portion of the shoe that houses the toes, needs to be wide enough. A wide toe box allows the toes to spread naturally during weight-bearing activities, which is essential for proper balance, stability, and muscle development.
Many commercial children’s shoes are quite narrow, mainly because that makes them look more aesthetically pleasing. However, this can compress the forefoot and lead to several problems, including ingrown toenails, toe deformities, and impaired balance. Constantly wearing tight-fitting shoes can result in lasting problems as a child grows up.
The ideal toe box should match the width of the forefoot. You can check this by matching the shoe inserts with your child’s feet. In terms of length, we recommend having an index finger’s space from the longest toe to the end of the shoe as well.
Children’s feet can change quite quickly, and their width can vary significantly as they grow up. So just remember that shoes should accommodate these variations without causing compression or excessive looseness.
Stable Heel Cup and Counter
While flexibility is crucial in the forefoot, stability becomes the priority in the heel region of the shoe. The heel cup and heel counter work together to provide the foundation for proper foot alignment and gait mechanics.
The heel cup is the curved portion at the base of the heel that cradles the heel bone (calcaneus), while the heel counter is the rigid structure that strengthens the back of the shoe. Together, these 2 components prevent excessive heel movement and provide the stable base necessary for efficient walking and running.
The heel counter should be firm enough to maintain its shape but not so rigid as to cause abrasion or discomfort. When evaluating a shoe’s heel counter, we recommend that you try to press it down. A quality heel counter will maintain its shape and provide resistance to compression. (Now that you understand the importance of the heel counter, you can imagine how heartbreaking it is when we see someone stepping on or flattening the heel counter when putting on their shoes.)
The height of the heel counter also matters for toddler shoes. While high-top shoes can provide additional ankle support for children with specific needs, most typically developing toddlers benefit from low-cut shoes that allow natural ankle movement and proprioceptive feedback.
Appropriate Sole Construction
The sole of a toddler’s shoe must balance several competing demands: providing protection from environmental hazards, ensuring sufficient grip, maintaining flexibility for natural movement, and delivering sensory feedback for proprioceptive development.
Sole Thickness and Flexibility
Podiatrists generally recommend relatively thin, flexible soles for toddler shoes. Thick, chunky soles, while comfortable or fashionable, can interfere with sensory feedback and balance development. The sole should be thick enough to protect from sharp objects and rough surfaces, but thin enough to allow children to feel the ground.
The flexibility of the sole goes hand in hand with the forefoot flexibility discussed earlier. A sole that bends easily at the ball of the foot supports natural gait mechanics, while a rigid sole can force the foot into unnatural movement patterns.
Traction and Grip
Adequate traction is essential for preventing slips and falls, particularly as toddlers explore different surfaces and environments. The sole should provide grip on common surfaces like wood floors, concrete, and playground equipment without being so grippy as to cause tripping or catching.
The pattern and material of the sole’s tread significantly impact traction. Rubber compounds generally provide better grip than harder plastic materials, while the tread pattern should help ensure grip on wet surfaces.
Ground Contact and Heel Drop
The relationship between the heel height and forefoot height, known as heel drop, influences gait mechanics and muscle development. We recommend minimal heel drop for toddler shoes, allowing the foot to function in a more natural position.
Excessive heel elevation is like wearing high heels. Over time, it can shorten the Achilles tendon and change the natural biomechanics of walking and running. While some heel elevation may be appropriate for specific conditions, normally developing toddlers benefit from shoes with minimal heel drop.
Breathable Materials and Construction
Do your child’s feet smell after a long day of wearing shoes? Don’t worry, we already know the answer. Singapore’s hot and humid climate is the perfect breeding ground for germs, and wearing the wrong shoes can make it worse. Toddlers’ feet can smell bad easily because of their high activity levels and developing thermoregulatory systems, causing their feet to sweat more. Therefore, breathability is key.
Material Selection
Natural materials like leather and canvas generally provide better breathability than synthetic alternatives. Leather, in particular, helps absorb and release moisture while maintaining its structural integrity. However, the tanning process used in leather production can impact both breathability and safety.
Ventilation Features
Strategic ventilation features, such as perforations or mesh panels, can enhance breathability and improve comfort. However, the design of these features must not compromise the supportive features of the shoes. Some shoes are so heavily perforated that they’re essentially just a flimsy mesh covering the foot.
Anti-Bacteria Technology
To help combat bacterial growth in shoes, there are now fabrics that contain silver ions. One of the children’s shoe brands in Singapore that includes such technology is Schwette Footwear. Such additions are particularly valuable in humid climates where traditional materials may struggle to maintain a healthy foot environment.
Secure Closure Systems
Shoes should fit snugly on the foot for the best support. The method by which a shoe is secured to the foot significantly impacts both fit and function. Good children’s shoes provide a secure, adjustable fit while remaining practical for both children and parents. Don’t worry – we’re not expecting toddlers to tie laces.
Velcro Closures
Hook and loop (Velcro) closures are pretty much the gold standard for toddler shoes due to their adjustability and ease of use. Despite that, we still see many parents in Singapore buying slip-on shoes for their child. Quality Velcro systems allow for fine-tuning of fit, which can accommodate the foot swelling that naturally occurs throughout the day.
The placement and size of Velcro straps also play a part. It can affect both security and adjustability. Multiple straps can provide better overall fit than single straps, while wider straps distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.
Lace Systems
Traditional laces offer the most precise fit adjustment, but may be impractical for young children who haven’t yet developed the fine motor skills necessary for tying shoes. Elastic laces or alternative lacing systems can provide some of the benefits of traditional laces while remaining child-friendly.
Slip-on Designs
In short, please avoid. While convenient, slip-on shoes often compromise fit security for ease of use. Slip-on designs can create several problems for active toddlers because their feet tend to grip onto the shoe for security. One common issue that it can cause is clawed toes.
Size and Fit Considerations
Proper sizing represents one of the most challenging aspects of toddler shoe selection, as children’s feet grow rapidly. Use the following guidelines for ensuring optimal fit:
Length Considerations
The traditional recommendation is a thumb’s or index finger’s width (approximately 10mm) between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. This space accommodates natural foot expansion during activity and allows for some growth between shoe purchases.
However, excessive length can be as problematic as insufficient length. Shoes that are too long can cause tripping, alter gait mechanics, and fail to provide adequate heel security.
Width and Volume
As mentioned earlier, a shoe that is too narrow can compress the foot and limit natural movement, while a shoe that is too wide can allow excessive movement and reduce stability. Signs of proper width include the ability to pinch a small amount of upper material at the widest part of the foot without the foot bulging over the sole.
The volume of the shoe, which encompasses both width and depth, must accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the foot. High-volume feet require more space in the toe box and midfoot regions, while low-volume feet need a more snug fit to prevent sliding and instability. Matching your child’s foot against the shoe inserts remains the best way to determine the right width fit.
Growth Accommodation
Parents often ask, “Can I buy a size larger so that my child can wear the same shoe longer?”.While we totally understand how financially taxing it can be to keep changing shoes, you must know that shoes that are significantly too large in anticipation of growth are counterproductive. Ill-fitting shoes can cause more problems than the inconvenience and expense of more frequent shoe purchases.
We recommend checking shoe fit every 2-3 months during periods of rapid growth, with the understanding that shoe replacement may be necessary every 3-4 months for actively growing toddlers.
The above podiatrist-recommended guideline aims to help parents with the knowledge necessary to evaluate toddler shoes effectively.
Optimal Fitting Times
Evenings are the best time to get shoes. Feet naturally swell throughout the day due to activity and gravity, making afternoon or evening the ideal time for a shoe fitting. Fitting shoes in the morning when feet are at their smallest can result in shoes that become too tight as the day progresses. And yes, this applies to adults, too.
Proper Socks
Always fit shoes while wearing the type of socks that your child typically wears with the shoes. Sock thickness can significantly impact fit, and failing to account for this can result in shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Both Feet Measurement
Most people have slight differences between their feet, and children are no exception. Always measure and fit both feet, and get the size that fits the larger foot. The difference is usually minor, but can be significant enough to affect comfort and function.
Checking Your Fit
No pun intended, but fit checking is key to making sure that you find the right shoe for your child. The following are some tips for you to take home:
The Heel Check
With the shoe properly laced or secured, there should be minimal heel movement when walking. Excessive heel slippage can cause blisters and alter gait mechanics. Likewise, a heel that’s too tight can cause discomfort and restrict circulation. Do not use the old, traditional Singaporean way of inserting a finger through the back of the heel to determine fitting. That is not a consistent way to determine the right size because the shape of the heel counter varies greatly between shoes.
Toe Movement Assessment
The toes should be able to move freely within the toe box without compression. A simple test involves having the child wiggle their toes while wearing the shoes. If toe movement is restricted, the shoes are likely too small or narrow.
Walking Evaluation
Ask your child to do a runway walk and check for signs of discomfort and unnatural walking patterns. The gait should appear natural and comfortable, without signs of compensation or discomfort. Pay attention to any changes in the child’s typical walking pattern.
Comfort Assessment
While toddlers may not be able to articulate discomfort clearly, they often show signs through behavior. Reluctance to walk, frequent requests to remove shoes, or changes in activity level can all indicate comfort problems.
Red Flags of Bad Shoes
Shape Distortion
Take a look at the shoe after your child has been wearing it for weeks or months. Look out for signs of shape distortion, such as the shoe bulging outward on one side or the shoe looking tilted. These signs indicate either poor shoe selection or gait patterns that warrant a Podiatrist check.
Rapid Wear Patterns
Unusual wear patterns on shoes can indicate fit or structural problems. Excessive wear on the inside or outside edges of the sole, rapid breakdown of the heel counter, or unusual upper wear patterns may suggest that the shoe isn’t appropriate for the child’s foot or gait pattern.
Recommended Shoe Brands for Toddlers
Just a disclaimer, our clinic is not paid by the brands below. However, we hope to give a quick guide for parents who are having difficulty selecting the right shoe for their child. Please note that the following recommendations are suitable for children with normal foot development. If your child has any underlying foot health issues, it is best to see a Podiatrist first.
New Balance
A common go-to brand for Podiatrists. New Balance’s reputation for precise fit extends to their children’s line, with several models earning APMA approval. The brand’s emphasis on width fitting is particularly valuable for toddlers, as proper width in children’s footwear are often overlooked.
The New Balance 574 kids’ shoe is a good option for active toddlers. These shoes feature round and wide toe boxes, supportive midsoles, and firm heel counter. It also has a wide Velcro loop and hook fastener for ease of putting on. Getting a pair of these in Singapore is easy, and it is best that you let your child try them physically before even getting them.
ASICS
Easily one of the top 3 brands that Podiatrists in Singapore often recommend. ASICS brings decades of biomechanical research to their footwear line and has been consistent in their commitment to developing supportive footwear.
We typically recommend ASICS shoes for children who participate in sports or high-impact activities, as they provide a pre-school series of adult-equivalent sport shoes. However, do take note that as of the date of this post, ASICS caters more to kids beyond the toddler stage.
Schwette Footwear
This is a Singapore Podiatrist-designed children’s footwear brand. Schwette Footwear combines podiatrist collaboration with premium materials and innovative technology. Their brand focuses on developing shoes for the toddler group ages 2-4 years to help with their normal development.
Their shoes feature a wide toe box and flexible forefoot construction to promote proper gait mechanics. The stable heel cups provide necessary support without restricting natural movement. Being a podiatrist-designed shoe, they have ticked the right boxes.
What makes them stand out is the additional anti-odour technology, which is very useful in Singapore’s climate. They also offer online and physical sizing kit services to help you ensure a proper fit for your child.
Pablosky
A longstanding European brand that not many in Singapore might know, Pablosky has been making kids’ shoes for decades. They have a wide range of shoe styles available.
Most of its range provides thin, flexible soles, which are great for first walkers. This will help them receive the sensory feedback from the ground and develop their balance.
Getting a pair of Pablosky in Singapore may be challenging, with only a few places offering them. It is also important to note that the prices may not appeal to parents that much.
Buying Kids’ Shoes Online
Online shopping is convenient, but when it comes to shoes, parents will worry about the shoe fitting. However, below are some tips to improve the likelihood of achieving a proper fit when shopping online.
Accurate Measurement
Take careful measurements using reliable methods before ordering. Many online retailers provide detailed sizing guides and measurement instructions.
Return Policies
If the fit is poor, return or exchange it. Look for generous return policies that allow for a proper fit check at home. The ability to return or exchange shoes that don’t fit properly is essential when shopping online.
Customer Reviews
Read customer reviews carefully, paying particular attention to comments about sizing and fit. Reviews from parents with similarly aged children can provide valuable insights into how shoes fit in practice.
Brand Consistency
Once you find a brand that fits your child well, note the sizing and fit characteristics for future purchases. However, there are times that sizing can vary between different models from the same brand.
Investing in Your Child’s Foot Health
The shoes you choose for your toddler today can influence their foot health, comfort, and mobility for years to come. Quality shoes can be costly, but the cheapest option is rarely the most economical when you consider the long-term costs and benefits.
Podiatrist-recommended shoes generally share common characteristics: flexible forefoot construction, wide toe boxes, stable heel cups, breathable materials, and secure closure systems. Brands that consistently meet these criteria, whether they carry podiatrist-approved or not, are safe choices for most typically developing toddlers.
Ultimately, the best shoe is he one that fits your child’s feet, developmental stage, and activity needs. You need to pay careful attention to fit, regularly check their feet as they grow and develop, and always prioritise function over fashion.
Remember that foot development is a gradual process that continues throughout childhood. Regular attention to fit and comfort, and selection of appropriate footwear at each developmental stage will help ensure that your child’s feet develop properly and remain healthy throughout their life. If in doubt, check with your podiatrist.
We hope this guide gives you the confidence to make choices that will benefit your child’s foot health for years to come. If you find this guide helpful, please help us share it with your friends and family. If you suspect that your child requires special attention to their feet, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our Podiatrist.
References
[1] Pediatric Foot and Ankle Specialists. (2024). “Children’s Flat Feet – What Every Parent Should Know.” Retrieved from https://pediatricfootankle.com/foot-conditions/pediatric-flat-feet/
[2] MDPI Children. (2024). “Respectful Children’s Shoes: A Systematic Review.” Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/11/7/761
[3] FootCareMD. (2024). “How to Select Toddler & Children’s Shoes.” Retrieved from https://www.footcaremd.org/resources/how-to-help/how-to-select-childrens-shoes
