It’s important to look after your baby’s developing feet because foot problems can influence your child’s whole skeletal structure, including the knees, hips and spine and cause bigger problems later on in life. Wearing incorrect or ill-fitting shoes contribute to about 70% of all foot problems and most of these begin in childhood.

Little feet need well-fitting shoes that support their developing bone structure. A baby’s foot is comprised mostly of soft tissue and cartilage, with only small specks of bone. As they grow, the cartilage matures into the 26 bones in an adult foot. This can take up to 21 years. Baby’s feet are therefore vulnerable to the pressure exerted by badly made or ill-fitting shoes.

Because cartilage is more pliable than bone, your baby may not even notice that his shoes are uncomfortable and causing damage. It is important parents choose good quality, well-fitting shoes for their toddlers as they grow. Please refer to our fitting guide for advice on how to fit shoes accurately.