I bought the Haflinger shoes expected more of the same and I’ve not been disappointed. They fit immediately with no break-in period required and are very comfortable. I also know by experience they’ll be my excellent companions both Winter and Summer. Though I’ll use these mainly in the house, I also know I can make a short run to Target or Safeway as it pleases me. I expect these will last another six years or so at least.

These are great shoes!

Five Stars.

Russell de Ville

9 January 2010

Rating: 5 / 5

Crocs don’t flex at all, I really don’t think they are suitable for anyone but they certainly aren’t suitable for a toddler.

http://www.babycenter.ca/toddler/caringfor/feet/
A baby who’s just started walking takes 176 steps a minute!
Experts say that the longer a child is allowed to walk without shoes, the better as this will allow their feet to develop naturally. Certainly when your toddler starts learning to walk indoors, let her walk barefoot as long as the floor is clean and safe, as this allows the feet to develop and strengthen without restriction.

Once your baby can take a few steps confidently and may be walking outdoors on rough surfaces, protect her feet with early first shoes made of flexible, lightweight and natural materials, such as soft leather, with flexible soles and non-skid bottoms.

http://happyfeetz.com/category/how_to_choose_shoes/
Shoes are not corrective and the foot does not need support for normal activities. The foot requires mobility to function normally. It has been demonstrated that populations that are predominantly bare foot have better feet than those that wear shoes.

Children’s feet grow and develop rapidly. So choosing an appropriate child’s shoe is a very important task. While at home bare feet are fine.

http://www.footankle.com/pdf/Your_Chilren_s_Shoes.pdf
There is controversy regarding the appropriate
shoes for children to wear as their feet grow and
develop. Barring such problems as severe flat
feet, or excessively flexible feet, it is perfectly
appropriate to allow your child to be barefoot
much of the time. Certainly while in the home
environment, bare feet are fine. The goal of children
wearing shoes is primarily to provide a protective
covering for the foot. Once protected,
the foot can develop into a healthy, functioning
structure.

http://www.oxpod.nhs.uk/childrensfeet.asp
Footwear and Shoe Fitting

Children should not wear shoes at all until they can walk, so avoid pram shoes. For babies, avoid tightly wrapped blankets that prevent kicking and leg movement and avoid baby-grows (unless you cut the foot out).

Walking bare foot, where it is safe, is good for feet. Children’s feet are vulnerable to deformity from any ill-fitting footwear/hosiery until the bones are completely formed at about 18 years of age. Fitted socks made from natural materials are much better than stretch-fit socks.