Do you care about your child's development and do your best to keep him healthy and happy, but recently you notice that your little one has started to put his feet wrong? Or are you concerned about how his foot is positioned in the shoe? Be sure to contact an orthopedist to assess your child's development. The specialist may also order the purchase of orthopedic shoes. Wondering which ones to choose? Check.

The decision to choose orthopedic shoes must not be made too hastily. After all, the development of a toddler's feet, and consequently his gait and posture, depends on what shoes he walks in. It turns out that every detail matters.

Why buy orthopedic shoes?

The main task of orthopedic shoes is to correct the deformities of the feet that have developed. In addition to this, shoes are supposed to eliminate any defects in development and prevent their recurrence or the formation of new ones.

There are a lot of different types of orthopedic shoes on the market, which are designed for different conditions or problems that a child faces. There are models to choose from:

• Redressive, which is designed to improve the abnormal shape of the feet,
• with a Thomas heel, which supports the fight against postural defects, as well as knee and foot valgus,
• Equalizer, which is dedicated to children with feet of different lengths,
• With an inverted Thomas heel, which is designed for people with staggered feet.

Manufacturers are constantly making every effort to ensure that a child can use footwear all day long. Therefore, among their proposals you will find sports shoes, slippers, as well as orthopedic sandals.

What should be good orthopedic shoes for a child?

To be sure that the model you choose will be good for your child and provide comfort during daily walks, you also need to pay attention to the materials it is made of. Good quality orthopedic shoes should:

• Be made of natural, soft and pleasant to the touch materials. Natural leather will work best, as it provides comfort and protects against excessive perspiration and chafing.
• have a flexible sole that will provide adequate support for the foot, while allowing it to move freely,
• Have a high upper that will stabilize not only the foot, but also the ankle joint.

Also welcome are a comfortable fastener so that the toddler can put the shoes on by himself, and a nice design that will encourage him to wear them. This is crucial to the success of therapy.

When to choose orthopedic shoes?

Don't want your child to have foot problems in the future? Wondering whether to choose orthopedic shoes instead of regular shoes? That's not the way to go.

If the feet are developing properly, the toddler moves them in the right way and does not show any tendency to postural defects, he does not need special footwear. This product should be ordered only on the express order of an orthopedic doctor based on a prior examination of the child.

Orthopedic shoes may be indicated for conditions such as:

• Flat feet, or lowered foot arches, which result in corns, gait disturbances and muscle dysfunction,
• valgus, or outward leaning of the heel bump.
• Spondylolisthesis, or inward rotation of the heel bump,
• The hollow foot, or so-called high instep.

Specialized footwear is also recommended for congenital foot defects.

However, remember that the choice of a product, including even orthopedic slippers, should be made only after medical consultation. Improperly fitted shoes can do a great deal of damage, disrupt recovery and even lead to new defects.

If your child is not struggling with any foot problems, and you want to help their development, instead of orthopedic shoes, reach for a preventive model.

What is the difference between orthopedic and preventive shoes?

Many people confuse orthopedic shoes with prophylactic shoes, but they are completely different types of products. Not sure which type of it will be better for your little one? If you want to properly select shoes for your child, first learn the most important differences between them.

The orthopedic model is designed to correct defects both congenital and those caused by improper development of the toddler, injuries and improper care of the infant. The necessity of wearing such products is decided solely by a specialist.

On the other hand, prophylactic shoes for children, which you will find in the offer of Tupu Tupu, can be worn by any healthy toddler, but they are especially recommended for those who are prone to abnormal foot development.This type of footwear does not correct defects or deformities, but prevents them.Moreover, it allows and facilitates the consolation of the child to develop the correct habits of standing feet and walking and maintain proper posture.

Prophylactic shoes will work well for toddlers who show a predisposition to improper gait or rolling of the foot. They can also be helpful, for example, with flat feet. Their reinforced, sturdy construction and properly profiled insole provide safe conditions for the development of tiny feet.

Will orthotics suffice?

Many people wonder if it's possible to simply buy the right insoles instead of orthopedic or prophylactic shoes and put them in the shoes they use every day. This is a good idea if your little one is struggling with minor developmental defects, the treatment of which does not require stabilizing the ankle joint or correcting the position of the heel relative to the leg.

Orthotics will work well for flat feet, valgus and hallux valgus, for example, but will not provide adequate support for more serious conditions.

Orthopedic shoes are a very big help in the fight for the proper development of your child. Make sure they are well-fitted, and your child will certainly thank you in the future.