Susan's Page

Taking Those First Steps: When a child begins to walk it is very exciting ?€“ for them and their family! When they are inside the house it is best to allow them to be barefoot and really let their toes do their job and grip the floor to help them balance in the upright position. Whether you live up north where it?€™s getting colder or down here in Florida where the sidewalks are still toasty, it is important to protect their tootsies from harsh temperatures as well as rough pavement and/or stones, etc.

When I was growing up the idea was to have a very firm-soled shoe with a stiff leather upper that went up above the ankles. As with many things, more research has found that just the opposite is true. A totally soft, flexible-soled shoe allows the little guys to walk more naturally and develop their own balance, while still protecting the feet.

There are several brands that are widely available. Here are a couple links: www.shooshoosusa.com and www.jackandlily.com.

So, even though those Nike tennis shoes may look as cute as can be, they are best used when the children are still young enough to be carried or crawling, or old enough to be playing sports.

~Susan