The Benefits Of Infant Soft Sole Shoes
When it comes to babies, you may have heard the saying “barefoot is best”. But why is that?
When babies are learning to walk, they use the sensory information from their feet to help them develop their balance and coordination. This is easiest when they’re barefoot and can feel the ground beneath them. Being barefoot helps them feel what they’re doing and allows them to move freely and experiment with taking their first steps.
However, when your baby is playing outside or in certain spaces indoors, barefoot may not be an option. The ground can be hot, cold, uneven, rocky, or have other hazards that could harm little feet. In cases like these, shoes offer protection and let your little one explore safely.
When shoes are necessary, soft sole infant shoes are a great option to ensure your little one’s feet are protected while giving them freedom of movement to take their first steps.
What Are Soft Sole Shoes For Infants?
Soft sole infant shoes have a thin, flexible sole that allows your baby to feel the ground as they practice their first steps. The sole is flexible enough for your baby to bend and move freely while keeping toes safe and snug.
Good soft sole baby shoes also have flexible and breathable uppers, so your baby has the comfort to move and play. The closures should be adjustable, so the shoes are easy to get on and off without struggling or rubbing against your baby’s foot.
At Jack & Lily, our shoes are equipped with our signature flex sole, made to give, stretch, and support your little one’s growing feet.
Hard Sole Shoes Vs. Soft Sole Shoes For Infants
Soft sole and hard sole shoes have different places in your child’s growth. For pre-walkers who are learning to balance and coordinate their movements, the flexibility of soft sole shoes lets them learn how to move their feet and take their first steps.
Moving to hard sole shoes before your little one is a confident, independent walker can hinder their ability to learn to walk. Hard sole shoes can be heavy, making it hard for little legs to lift them off the ground. They’re also more form-fitting and limit their freedom of movement.
Once your baby has mastered walking on their own, you can make the decision to make the switch to hard-soled shoes for support and comfort as they put on the miles.
How Soft Sole Shoes Help Little Feet Grow
As your baby grows, the bones, muscles, and tendons in their feet are starting to build the strength and movement required to walk. If their shoes are too constricting, it can affect the way your baby’s feet grow and develop.
Soft sole shoes are specially designed for the needs of baby feet. They are wider with flexible uppers that don’t squish or restrict their feet. They also provide lots of toe room, so toes can grip the ground for balance. Wide, rounded toe boxes ensure your baby’s toes have room to grow without rubbing against each other or the shoe itself.
7 Benefits of Infant Soft Sole Shoes
Comfort
The soft and flexible construction of soft sole shoes means no pinching, no rubbing, and no blisters. These shoes move with your baby and have ample room for them to move and play in comfort. Flexible uppers also mean you can get their shoes on and off easily with no discomfort.
Protection
There are lots of ground hazards outdoors. Where your baby plays could be hot, cold, slippery, rocky, or uneven. Making sure their little feet are protected from the elements is important, so they can safely explore their world and learn the mechanics of walking.
Room to Grow
Soft sole shoes are designed to bend and give as little feet grow. They are wider and have roomy toe boxes that make sure their feet are never squished or constricted. This gives their feet room to grow and develop without interference.
Foot Development
As babies experiment with their first steps, they engage the muscles and tendons in their feet, legs, and ankles to build the strength needed for walking. If your child wears shoes that are too heavy or restricting, it can limit their movement, and they won’t develop the muscle strength needed for the next stages of walking and running.
Walking Support
Soft sole shoes let your baby feel the ground under their feet. This sensory information helps them understand the mechanics of walking and learn how to take their first steps. Roomy toe boxes make sure little toes are safe and supported while giving them the room to spread out and grip the earth for balance.
Freedom of Movement
Because of how flexible and light soft sole shoes are, your baby will be free to kick, wriggle, and bend their feet and legs with complete freedom. This freedom to move will help them develop their coordination, strength, and balance as they play and explore.
The Cuteness Factor
Obviously, the comfort and safety of your baby are your number one priority. But there’s no reason you can’t have flexible, breathable, soft soled infant shoes that are also as cute as a button! We have options for every personality and style so find the right fit and look for your little trendsetter.
When Should I Buy Shoes For My Child?
When your baby starts trying to take their first step, it may be time to start thinking about their first soft sole shoes. When practicing inside, barefoot is often the best option for learning how to walk. But once your little one starts trying to walk outdoors, shoes that protect their feet as they stumble along are important to keep them safe while allowing them the freedom to move.
Shop Jack & Lily Soft Sole Shoes For Infants
Here at Jack and Lily, all our baby shoes feature our signature Flex Sole to ensure your baby gets all the benefits soft sole shoes offer. Our shoes also feature flexible uppers with adjustable hook and loop closures for a perfect fit and easy dressing and undressing.
As parents ourselves, we know how important the comfort and safety of your children are. That’s why all our shoes are made out of 100% non-toxic materials. Our shoes come recommended by parents and podiatrists alike as a safe, comfortable, option for busy little feet. Have a look at our selection of soft sole shoes and find the perfect fit for your little one.
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