“A baby doesn’t necessarily need to wear shoes when learning to walk. “If the environment is safe, barefoot really is best,” says Louis J. DeCaro, DPM, president of the American College of Foot & Ankle Pediatrics. “[It allows] the foot and surrounding muscles to behave unencumbered and develop better.” If you’re worried your wee walker might step on something that could hurt his feet—or if the weather requires coverage—DeCaro advises opting for a flexible sole.”
