Guide to Summer Shoes for Your Baby

What sandals would a pediatric PT recommend for the summer?

Glad you asked! 

Jelly shoes are back in style this summer, BUT what does this mean for your child’s feet exactly?

Here is our quick guide to summer shoes for you child - "yay or nay" summer edition!

Jelly shoes, cute flip flops, and slip-ons look adorable on every child! However, some kids benefit from more support as their little feet continue to grow. Here's a few things to pay attention to as you shop:

• One strap behind heel or very flexible heel: can cause irritation/blisters and offers very little support for good alignment of the foot/ankle

  
  

• Silicone textures often used in slide-on or jelly shoes: create a "slip and slide" effect for those sweaty feet

  
  

• Stiff, little flexibility, and narrow soles: restrict your child's natural foot spread, impacting range of motion and foot muscle strength

Look for these 3 things on your next shopping trip:

1. Structured heel cup to keep your child's foot in good alignment

   
   

2. Ankle straps to maintain good foot placement in heel cup and prevent sliding feet

   
   

3. Wide and flexible toe box to ensure your child's foot can naturally spread out, mimicking the feeling of being barefoot and encouraging foot muscle development

   
   

Stay tuned for more seasonal shoe suggestions and always reach out to our team for more suggestions!