Going Barefoot

Up until recently I didn't really give it a second thought when it came to Elijah wearing shoes. Though he's not walking yet (going to be happening VERY soon - I predict by 10 months), we've been putting shoes on him on occasion to complete his outfits when going out. But now that he's getting close to walking, I have decided to let him go barefoot as long as it's safe and not worry about getting him shoes for walking. For when it's NOT safe to go barefoot, I discovered Vivobarefoot shoes by Terra Plana, that Elijah can wear. One of my favorites are these sandals, pictured above. They even make standard black shoes for kids who go to private schools or schools requiring a uniform. What's great about these shoes is that children get the health benefits of going barefoot along with the protection of normal shoes, which are wide, light and flexible with a 3mm puncture-resistant sole.

Why the concern over wearing shoes? According to an article I read online at www.guardian.co.uk , "Walking barefoot....develops the muscles and ligaments of the foot, increases the strength of the foot's arch, improves proprioception (our awareness of where we are in relation to the space around us) and contributes to good posture," all of which can be delayed or inhibited by wearing ill-fitting and poorly constructed shoes. Most children's shoes are too stiff in the sole and constricting in the toe box that it can be detrimental to the development of their feet.

I'm sure my son and most children would wholeheartedly agree to this article!