Going barefoot is not only enjoyable, it's actually very healthy for the initial development of young feet. Studies show that walking barefoot early in life actually helps feet form properly and aids in musculature growth. By allowing the toes freedom to perform their natural "grasping" actions, the feet naturally develop strength and coordination.

Of course, going barefoot is isn't always practical. When walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet need to be covered. Their soft, tender skin needs protection from the dangers of infection through accidental cuts and abrasion. This is when proper footwear becomes very important.

Baby Shoe buying tips

Kid's foot health

When choosing foot wear to protect baby and kids developing feet, experts agree you should look for the following qualities:

Lightweight	The shoes should not be heavy or impede the child's movement in any way.
Flexible/Soft	The shoes should not restrict important toe and foot mobility, nor should they bind the growing feet in any way.
Breathable	Constructed of breathable natural materials, such as leather, to promote healthy conditions around the feet.
Flat	The shoes should not have any arch support. They should simulate barefoot conditions.

By following these simple guidelines, and measuring for a proper fit, your child's feet will be off to a healthy start. The Pedoodles line is designed to meet all these criteria. What is surprising is how great they look at the same time.

	Breathable Leather Constuction Every pair of Pedoodles is constructed of premium, top-grade, genuine leather. This flexible, breathable, natural material helps to promote healthy conditions around developing feet. Our choice of leather also requires very little care or cleaning to maintain its great looks -- something Pedoodles are known for.

	Flat Soles with Rubber Grips Going barefoot is excellent for foot development, but it isn't always practical. When walking outside or on rough surfaces, tender skin needs to be protected. Our exclusive PedFlex™ flat-rubber soles are the answer. These lightweight and extremely flexible soles provide protection, durability, and traction -- important for outdoor use.

	Soft and Flexible Young feet are incredibly soft and pliable. Any footwear you put on them should be the same. Pedoodles are not the hard, stiff "bucket" shoes of the past. We've designed them to be soft and flexible, with plenty of "wiggle room" for developing toes and feet. Our shoes naturally flex and form to your child's changing feet.

	Seamless Footbed All Pedoodles have soft, flat insoles that create a seamless footbed for tender young feet. The absence of any arch support helps to simulate barefoot walking conditions, which experts recommend.

	Mom friendly no Laces to Tie Pedoodles like to keep it simple for you and your child, so none of our shoes have laces to tie. The New First Feet Collection has a velcro ankle strap that allows baby's foot to slide in and best of all no more restrictive ankle marks! The adjustable strap is designed to fit wide or narrow ankle widths. The Northwoods slipper feature expandable ankle entry systems that allow their feet to slide into the slippers easily. Once they're on, they stay on. Shoes in our Next Steps Collection make use of velcro straps or unique pull clasp to secure the foot. They'll have plenty of time for laces when they're older.

	Stylish and Hip There is no mistaking Pedoodles unique styling. Our attractive colors and fun characters will capture your child's imagination and spur their fashion sense at an early age. These shoes are multitasking moms best friend they can be used as a dress shoe or a casual shoe.