Practice shows that, unfortunately, not all pediatricians follow modern information and use outdated knowledge. As a result, parents who listen to such specialists, buy their children hard shoes, "so that the foot holds its position" or "with an instep support, so that there is no flatfoot" 🥺

What's wrong with this advice?
Today we will look into a few ingrained MYTHS ABOUT CHILDREN'S SHOES
The best shoes are like no shoes.

This is not just a beautiful phrase, but a quote from Lynn Staley (Staheli) - a famous pediatric orthopedist, honorary professor at the University of Washington, the author of the "bible" of pediatric orthopedists around the world. By the way, he personally conducted research on the effect of shoes on child development and knows what he is talking about.

So, the phrase itself contradicts the myth that "children's shoes should be orthopedic, with a heel, arch support and a hard back."

Staley was not the only one to conduct research on this topic. And they all confirm: children need shoes that support the natural work of the foot - and, therefore, should be almost imperceptible on the foot

But let's go point by point 👇

❌Children need orthopedic shoes
Definitely not for everyone. The child's foot should remain mobile. This is impossible in orthopedic shoes, their task is precisely to firmly fix the foot in a certain position.
Such shoes are prescribed for certain indications. And ideally, these are not the sandals that are sold in stores - it is advisable to make them to order, taking into account the individual characteristics of the foot.

❌Children's shoes should have a rigid back
Argument - the ankle must be fixed to avoid injuries.
To avoid injuries, you need strong ankles. And for this, they need to be trained. How? That's right, do not limit movement with a rigid back, but free this area and let it move.
And a rigid back means chafing and calluses😖

❌To prevent flat feet, you need an instep support
The best prevention of flat feet is when all parts of the foot can move naturally. Then the arch of the foot is formed as it should.
The presence of an instep support makes the foot "lazy". And this is exactly what can lead to longitudinal flat feet over time.

❌The smallest need shoes with additional cushioning
At an early age, there is a special fat pad on a child's foot. It serves precisely to "absorb" shocks when walking. With age, the foot naturally strengthens and is also capable of cushioning itself. The main thing is not to interfere with its proper development.

"People feel better when they are free. And the foot feels better when it is free."
This is also a quote from Lynn Staley 🤗