For first walkers, barefoot is best
Research clearly shows that going barefoot gives kids the best possible start to walking. Babies and toddlers have naturally wide feet, so barefoot walking allows their toes to spread naturally as they learn to balance. Being barefoot helps their muscle development, strength, coordination and confidence. So, when they do need to wear shoes, they need safe, developmentally-appropriate shoes that mimic the barefoot experience as closely as possible.
So many kids’ shoes are just adult’s shoes in smaller sizes. They’re not designed with first walkers in mind and they restrict and compress precious little feet. The soles are thick, rigid and inflexible so they can’t feel the ground beneath them. The fit can be too narrow, squashing tiny delicate toes together. And the soles are of often high-grip, which sounds helpful but can stop a first walker far too quickly, causing them to fall.
Billycart Kids shoes have been uniquely designed to mimic barefoot walking. And Australian podiatrists agree – all of their shoes come with the podiatrist tick of approval.
Loved by Australian parents
Billycart‘s founder, Mandy Smolders says, “I’m a mum, and like so many Australian parents, I had a tough time finding the right shoes for my little one. We live in regional Queensland and we spend lots of time outdoors. I needed a durable, all-seasons shoe that wouldn’t restrict my adventurous daughter’s movement while she learned to balance and walk.
“I searched high and low for shoes that were practical, hard-wearing, comfy, and most importantly, podiatrist approved. Oh, and shoes that were affordable – I learned first-hand how fast little feet can grow!
“When I couldn’t find what I needed, I set out to create them myself, and Billycart Kids was born”.
The result: Billycart‘s beautiful, affordable range of pre walker, first walker and toddler shoes.
All of their shoes feature a wide fit that won’t squash toes, velcro straps so they’re easy to put on and take off, a flexible rubber non-slip sole so kids can feel the terrain under their feet, and a protective closed toe.
And the best part? All of the shoes in the Billycart Kids range have been approved and recommended by Australian podiatrists, so you can purchase with confidence, knowing you’re making the best choice for your child’s foot development.
Find out more at www.billycartkids.com.au and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
