Interesting article here in the Guardian: Some experts now believe that all shoes are best avoided in childhood
From a functional perspective, shoes shouldn't be necessary," says O'Neill. "In fact, there are more likely to be disadvantages and problems from wearing shoes than not wearing them - among them, deformation caused by a poor fit, ingrown toenails, and athlete's foot. But you have to consider the environment the child is in. Let's be honest. Do you want your child walking on the streets or in the park barefoot, where there might be dog poo, dirt and possible hazards like glass?"
Comments
But inside the home is a different story. Kids (especially toddlers) should expose their feet as much as possible instead of being locked into wearing their shoes at all times.
This is a habit that would be easy to introduce to children. So shoes off in the home will help their feet healthy and lessen damage. And shoes on when outside to keep them safe from the urban jungle.
Additionally, it's easy to kick off when a barefoot opportunity arrives.
I see the problem with not being locked into your footwear, however. This would be a place for more strapped down sandal alternatives.
I had already been convinced that minimal footwear is the way to go, but this was more fuel for my argument!
I had the same observation as the upthread poster in regards to watching toddlers walk at parks. It looks very difficult when they are wearing 'sneakers'.