What doctors are saying

The Experts:  Pediatricians & Podiatrists

Today’s medical experts recommend a soft, flexible soled shoe for infants and young children.

Baby Feet

The human foot is one of the most complicated parts of the body. At birth, feet contain only 22 partially formed bones. Over time those bones will grow and harden. In the first year, your child’s feet will reach almost half their adult size. This is why foot specialists consider the first year to be the most important in the development of the feet. By the age of 18, their feet will have 26 bones, 19 muscles, over 100 ligaments, and thousands of nerve endings. That’s a lot of change for something so tiny and precious.

Audible Encouragement

The audible encouragement helps children to know if they are walking properly and podiatrists now recommend the soft sole for first walkers and toddlers.

In order for the shoe to "squeak", the child must walk heel-2-toe, which encourages first walkers to begin walking.  Toddlers and young children are also taught to walk properly and not on their tip toes.