Are you looking for the best shoes for your child? Those that will support the development of his feet and help to form correct habits of movement? Relatives have advised you to buy shoes with a Thomas heel? This is a modern invention that can be found in many preventive shoes. Wondering what it is and whether your child should definitely walk in shoes with this element? Find out more!

Concern for the health of a child accompanies parents from the prenatal period. No one is surprised that they are looking for the best products available on the market that will support their child's development. One of the most popular is prophylactic shoes with a Thomas heel.

Thomas heel - what is it?

Thomas heel is an element of footwear that is most often found in prophylactic models. It is located under the heel and raises it in relation to the toes by 5 mm on the outside and inside. As a result, it changes the way a child loads the growth zones of the lower limbs when walking, and helps support the foot vault. This makes it possible to correct their defects and prevent their occurrence.

In addition to the basic Thomas heel, it also stands out:

• An inverted Thomas heel that raises the foot on the outside,
• Thomas heel with supination, which is higher on the inside.

The items were developed in response to the needs of parents who want a simple way to prevent and combat limb defects without the need for surgery or painful prostheses.

Shoes with a Thomas heel - for whom?

Wondering if your child needs special shoes with an extra element? It all depends on the problem he or she is facing.Well, shoes with:

• The classic Thomas heel is recommended to wear mainly in case of myelomeningocele of the feet or knees. Thanks to the special design, the leg lays properly and each side is evenly loaded,
• Inverted Thomas heel are recommended to compensate for the growth rate of the lower limbs, which is often associated with knee sparsity,
• Thomas heel with supination are designed for children struggling with heel and knee valgus.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that children's shoes with Thomas heel, which are available at Tupu Tupu, are not intended for every toddler. Only those little ones who have been properly examined by an orthopedist for foot defects should wear them. Only a specialist is able to determine whether a child needs specialized support in the form of orthopedic shoes. It may happen that the doctor will recommend wearing the shoes prophylactically, for example, due to an increased risk of foot defects associated with diseases, family history or, for example, prematurity.

Footwear with a Thomas heel - how is it different from others?

Wondering how to distinguish between "ordinary" shoes and prophylactic shoes? Footwear with a Thomas heel has a specific design to stabilize the foot well and avoid deformation. You will notice in it:

• a high upper that covers the entire heel including the ankle - the collar is filled with soft foam and padded with a pleasant-to-touch material so that it does not rub against the skin,
• Adjustable, wide fasteners spaced along the entire foot - Velcro straps allow you to adjust the width of the shoe to the size of the foot, so the shoes do not slip while running and well "hold" the leg,
• very wide nose, which allows the toes to be free - the large tip in the shoe allows the toes to work freely, so, for example, maintaining balance is easier. In addition, nail problems are avoided.

Prophylactic shoes are made of natural leather, which is soft, supple and gentle to the touch, so it does not irritate the delicate skin of children. In addition, it is breathable, so sweat is wicked away. As a result, there is no risk of the foot having an unpleasant odor or slipping in the shoe.

Shoes with a Thomas heel for a child - is it worth it?

Prophylactic shoes with a special heel should be chosen only in exceptional situations on the express recommendation of a specialist. If something concerns you in your child's development, you suspect a risk of foot defects in your child or his siblings are struggling with various spinal problems, see an orthopedist. The specialist will conduct the appropriate tests and, based on this, will be able to assess whether your child needs shoes with a Thomas heel.

On the other hand, if you want to support the development of your kid's feet, simply reach for good-quality shoes that are made of high-quality materials and have a contoured leather insole. Such shoes will be perfect for everyday use, as well as for walking at kindergarten, school or home.

Prophylactic shoes are a great support in the fight for healthy feet. Reach for them if needed!