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The transition from crawling to the act of walking is a natural process in


which children acquire confidence and strengthen their musculoskeletal structures. Throughout this process, they go from crawling or walking (depending on the case) to the moment when they take their first firm steps.


Suitable footwear The role footwear plays in this process is crucial: The shoe should never make up for children’s lack of ability to propel themselves, but rather stimulate their development. Footwear should help children not to walk in an artificial fashion and stay upright by holding onto rigid structures, but rather encourage them to learn to walk for themselves. • A sole reaching up to the top of the shoe, improves the friction babies need to push themselves forward when crawling.


• A heel reinforced at the sides helps the baby master balance. • A stretchy outsole increases stability because more surface comes into contact with the foot.


• Quality lightweight materials and components do not exceed the relevant proportional weight in line with the baby’s age.


Benefits • Permits children to get around in the way they want, whether crawling or pulling themselves along, without ever restricting the movements of the foot.


• Helps children learn to walk upright, providing sensory stimulation to strengthen balance and enhance musculoskeletal development.


• Facilitates propulsion in crawling due to the reinforcements at the toe, the design of the back of the heel and the highly flexible sole.


• The outer side reinforcements provide the sensory stimulus needed to improve stability without impeding the movement of the ankle joint while crawling.


• The inside, lined in microperforated leather, guarantees maximum breathability. It is designed to prevent excess pressure and to allow the development of the foot, making the shoe extraordinarily comfortable.


• The removable anatomic insole has extra benefits thanks to its anti-bacterial treatment.


• The shoe is easy to put on and take off, thanks to the wide opening at the mouth and the pull tab at the back (included in all models).


Contact: Garvalin


www.garvalin.com UK Agent: Nick West


admiral.west@btinternet.com JUNE/JULY 2010 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 39


Checklist for choosing the right children’s shoes:


• Avoid slip-on’s. Choose shoes with laces, straps or Velcro fastenings, which hold the shoe onto the foot. Beware the fashion for girl’s ballet style pumps, and ‘lazy boots’. Both lack adequate support and provide no shock absorption.


• Ask if the assistant is a trained shoe fitter and, if not, if one is on the premises. Always have both feet measured for length and width. Shoes that are the wrong size can damage a growing foot.


• Trainers are designed and manufactured for sporting purposes and not everyday wear. Avoid the use of plimsolls in school all day, every day. Both trainers and plimsolls can create their own associated problems.


• Have your child’s feet measured in every shoe shop you visit but remember a gauge is only a guide and different styles, manufacturers, materials, country of origin, will all affect the fit of a shoe.


• Heel height should be no more than 4cm. Lower for younger children. The heel should have a broad base and be made from a shock- absorbing material.


• Natural material uppers such as leather are best. Check inside the shoe for seams or stitching that may cause irritation.


• The toe area of the shoe should be deep enough to allow the toes to move freely and not be squashed from the top or sides.


• The shoes should fit snugly around the heel to keep the foot from sliding forward into the toe box and restricting the toes.


• Think about hosiery – are they outgrown? Have they shrunk? Socks that are too tight can also restrict toes and natural development.


• Do not be tempted to ‘hand shoes down’ - they take on the wear pattern of the original owner and can rub where they have become misshapen.


Source: The Society of Shoe Fitters


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