| With my first child, I did not know how important it | | | | not have anything in her size or did not offer shoes |
| was to find not just a cute looking shoe but the one | | | | that would be appropriate for developing feet of a |
| that was age appropriately designed for his growing | | | | learning walker. The issue was not just with finding |
| feet. For the first few years of his life I did not pay | | | | baby shoes, I also continued to face the same |
| any attention as to how his feet were developing. | | | | problem looking for the right shoes with good arch |
| However, as he was getting older I suspected that | | | | support for my son. |
| something wasn't right. He would run and fall a lot | | | | Talking to other moms who also were not happy |
| when other kids his age did not. I decided to take | | | | with their shopping experiences, I realized that I am |
| him to the podiatrist. The doctor told me that my | | | | not alone. Having been raised in Europe I knew a lot |
| boy had flat feet. He explained to me that even | | | | about European brands specializing in children shoes |
| though some people can live with flat feet with no | | | | that have been around for decades. Other countries |
| complaints, some do develop the condition that is | | | | such as Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, |
| serious enough to cause constant pain and bodily | | | | etc. also offer exceptional quality products. You |
| stress. | | | | should always look for shoes that have been |
| When our second child was born I decided to not | | | | designed or approved by podiatry associations. |
| repeat the same mistake and buy her only high | | | | Brands like Umi (former Elefanten), Primigi, Naturino, |
| quality shoes that were designed with children's | | | | Pediped, Rileyroos, Skeanie, Pippytoes, Leli Kelly, Jack |
| needs in mind. I was unable to find a great selection | | | | and Lily, Beeko, Garvalin, Ecco, Vincent, and many |
| of shoes that were designed for the proper growth | | | | others. |
| and development of children's feet. Stores either did | | | | |