We work in exclusive partnership with French podiatrists, grouped within the French Union for Pied Health, in the development of our range of shoes "First-steps ». Our models recommended by foot health professionals have all the technical characteristics necessary for the good development of the child's foot.
Podiatrists
Learning walking
Walking is a fundamental step in the development of the child. It intervenes around a year old but this is only an average: each child is different, he will launch when he has sufficiently gained in tone and confidence.
To succeed in walking, the baby first goes through a succession of steps that allow him to stimulate and develop his muscles, improve his coordination and find a balance. Turn around, sit down, crawl belly on the ground, walk on all fours are all possible processes. Each child sets up their own mode of displacement, sometimes one after the other, sometimes by combining them.
Then comes the moment of First-steps, Standing on his two feet. This is an important step, which should not be precipitated. The foot is a very sensitive organ that collects and transmits a lot of information necessary, so that the child is learning, which is why it is advisable to leave him naked inside the house. This will allow him to better feel the soil, its roughness, to perfect its balance and develop its capacity for movement. When the child has acquired enough insurance he can start discovering the outside world. It is then that it is important to choose a good shoe First-steps.
What is a good shoe First-steps ?
Materials and liners, stem height, buttresses, hard ends, soles, mounting technique are all elements to take into account: a quality shoe, it is a set that results from know-how. Our recommended models were examined by an UFSP committee, following a precise list of more than twenty specific technical characteristics.
Shoes " First-steps "Must be made of quality materials, light and with a flexible sole for the smooth running of the foot. They have a high stem with the lacing, for optimal maintenance of the ankle and the coat. The presence of a pronounced asymmetrical counterfort, reinforcement placed at the rear, protects from any side torsion of the shoe. The hard end will effectively protect the child's toes.
Contrary to popular belief, First-steps must not offer support or arch. This could embarrass the natural development of the mounted mounted muscles. Gradually, muscles and tendons will strengthen to reach a first level of stability around the age of 4.
Every three months approximately, it is advisable to check if the child's foot has grown. To do this, you can measure the distance between the heel and the toe using a sheet of paper, our printable pedimeters or a professional pedimeter. This measure is ideally taken at the end of the day.
Our teams in stores are at your disposal to advise you and help you choose the shoe best suited to the needs of your child.