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Trouble was I had no idea where to start.
Courtesy of brands / Original photos by Glamour staff / Laneen Wells
There are tons ofchildrens brandsout there touting best shoes for first walkers, but are they legit?
And what about cute, mini versions of adult shoes, like baby Nikes or Adidas?
Can they wear those or only gaudy kiddie-orthopedics?
Finally, I turned to an expert to help me out.
Dr.Emily Heiseyis a pediatric physical therapist and founder and co-owner of KinActive Kids, a clinic in Dallas.
She also gives parents tips on how to help their little kids with walking and other physical skills onInstagram.
This means that the shoes worn before age seven can significantly impact foot development, so choose wisely.
Luckily, Dr. Heisey has a ton of suggestions at every price point.
Your little one will be running in no time.
The best part, though?
They aresoeasy to get on and off, which really makes a difference.
In fact, my independent girl has (almost) mastered doing it on her own.
The colors and cute designs round out their status as an instant fave.
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So I was really excited to try these from Carters.
The brands Every Step line is flexible and breathable, and comes at a reasonable price point.
Now you just have to worry about keeping them white.
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Nike Force 1s
Who can resist baby feet in Jordans?
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Theyre also designed to reduce odors, which we all appreciate, obviously.
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Why are good kids shoes so important for toddlers learning to walk?
Did you know that one fourth of our bones are in our feet?
Basically, she says, shoes play a critical role in how their feet develop.
What types of shoes should we avoid?
She also advises against plastic shoes, despite their popularity in the summer.
What should we look for in a toddler shoe?
Barefoot is actually best when a child is learning how to walk, says Dr. Heisey.
But once theyre consistently walking, you might start to put them in shoes.
And if your child is struggling with learning to walk barefoot, shoes can in fact help.
What are some other tips for teaching toddlers to walk?
Always remember to keep hands below shoulders and closer to the belly when assisting steps, she says.
This allows your little one to engage those oh so important tummy muscles that are required for balance.
