Allison wrote:
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Hi,
I have a question about my ten month old daughter. She has been crusing along the furniture for some time now(walking while holding onto the furniture), but she cannot walk on her own yet. She mostly crawls to where she needs to be. She can stand very well as long as she is holding onto something or someone. My question is, when is she ready for shoes and if I were to put shoes on her now, would it harm her feet in any way. Also if she can have shoes now, what kind are the best. Thank you!
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Shoes are merely articles of clothing, and as such, as wit any article of clothing (other than for style and appearance) they serve the function of protection from the environment and the elements. Although they CAN serve as a vehicle for true therapeutic devices, when necessary, shoes, in and of themselves, are NOT in ANY WAY therapeutic modalities.
Therefore, a child needs shoes when the need arises for the purpose for which they are intended . . PROTECTION.
But more important is consideration of the type of shoe which is appropriate for a child. It goes without saying that a shoe for a child or anyone else should fit the foot properly. But there is a serious dichotomy between what is commonly referred to as "good shoes" and what actually ARE "good shoes."
The characteristics of what most people referred to as "good shoes" includes, high price, of course. But, in addition, people refer to shoes as being "good" if they are essentially good pieces of "furniture" with firm construction and lasting qualities, when, in fact, those characteristics so lauded actually make the shoe LESS good than one which is very flexible and perhaps wears out more quickly.
It is essential in a young foot that it be allowed to function as if there were no shoe at all. Frequently the construction of so-called "good shoes" stifle function at a time when it is essential that it should not be restricted.
So, as long as a child's foot is not subjected to environmental hazards which are likely to result in injury, he/she needs no shoes at all. And when the time comes for shoes, frequently the cheapest well-fitting shoe is the best. |
