Did you know?

pediped^® creates footwear that cares about the health and well being of your child’s growing feet and was created to be

"the next best thing to bare feet"

Children’s feet need to last them a lifetime so it’s important to start taking care of them from birth. pediped^® is designed to protect your baby’s feet from crawling, to those first amazing steps and into the toddler years.

Education is key so to help you make the right choices for your child we’ve provided answers to the most common questions we hear from concerned parents like you, plus some advice from doctors about how to make the right choices for your child.

Dr. Gubler, a well known local podiatrist, and Dr. Larsen, President of the Nevada Medical Podiatric Association share their insights about the development of feet and how to choose proper footwear. Be sure to click on our video section on the homepage to see all the videos by these physicians.

A few more resources for the parent include the American Podiatric Medical Association (www.apma.org) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (www.aofas.org).

Take a moment to read all the following foot facts and welcome to the pediped^® family.

1. What are the most critical years for foot development for a child?

The critical development years happen from infancy and into the toddler years. Children's feet continue to develop until they're approximately 18 years old so it's important to start taking care of their feet early. At this age, the child's foot bones are developing and can literally be molded. The proper footwear can ensure a lifetime of healthy feet.

2. How do children's foot bones develop during their first years of life?

A baby's foot is not simply a smaller version of an adult's. The bones in a baby's foot are composed of cartilage, the same flexible substance you find in your ears and nose. Eventually, these bones harden to form 26 bones in your child's feet that will last a lifetime. A shoe that is too rigid or even too tight can effectively change the shape of your child's foot. This is why most physicians believe that barefoot walking is best for small children, because it allows for the natural development of the foot. Around 70% of foot problems come from wearing the wrong footwear or ill-fitting shoes.

3. What are the most important things when trying to find a children's shoe for pre-walkers (infants) and then when they start walking?

Choose shoes that gives stability and protection to feet. An ideal shoe should be soft and flexible, with breathable leather uppers and a fully adjustable fastening for a snug fit. The shoes should have a smooth bottom, like the palm of your hand. The smooth sole means less friction so the shoe won't grab the floor, possibly causing your child to fall. Shoes that are too sticky also tend to change a child's stride or gait as they have to lift their feet to move about. Choose a shoe that most mimics barefoot walking.

Children's feet sweat a lot so don’t buy synthetic shoes as they won't allow your child's feet to breathe. Synthetic materials tend to not stretch and the resulting pressure could damage a child's growing foot.

4. What is your point of view on rubber soles for first walkers?

The sole of the shoe should be smooth like the palm of your hand. A smooth sole means less friction so the shoe won't grab the floor, possibly causing your child to fall. Choose a light-weight shoe.

5. What should parents know that they don't about children's feet and shoes?

Don’t let your child wear hand me down shoes. Because most shoes mold to the foot, wearing hand me downs can affect the shape of your child’s foot.

6. What do you recommend to parents who ask you about shoes for their children?

When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing your youngster to go barefoot or to wear only socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials. Children's feet grow in spurts and require new shoes every 3 to 4 months.

7. How would you describe the ideal shoe for an active toddler (3-5yrs)?

Children’s feet grow in spurts and require new shoes every three to four months, so it’s important to make sure your child’s shoes fit properly.

Look for shoes with a rounded toe box that give plenty of room for little toes to move and wiggle.

Children’s feet perspire a lot, so the top of the shoe should be made of a breathable material, like leather or canvas. I would avoid man made material, such as plastic because they can cause odor or even bacteria growth.

The outer sole of the shoe provides traction, cushioning and flexibility, so look for a sole that feels as smooth as the palm of your hand. I recommend leather soles because they allow a child’s gait and stride to develop naturally.

And finally, stay away from heels, please. A good flat sole shoe is the closest thing to natural walking.

Remember, shoes should be comfortable from the start. If new shoes need to be "broken in," it means either they were not properly designed or not properly fitted for your child's foot.

8. How does pediped meet all the criteria for healthy foot development?

pediped Originals is designed for infants and toddlers as the "next best thing to bare feet". Their soft leather soles provide protection and the hand stitched soles provide ample ventilation. The roomy toe box provides a safe environment for tiny toes while allowing plenty of wiggle room, and allowing for foot growth and muscle development.

pediped Flex incorporates all the benefits of Originals in a soft flexible rubber sole. The Flex Zone provides maximum flexibility and comfort while the heel cushion absorbs shock for those busy toddlers. pediped^® is a children’s footwear line that cares about the health and well being of your child’s growing feet.