When the warm or rainy weather arrives, many parents consider flip flops as a go-to footwear option for their young children. These easy-to-wear sandals offer a sense of freedom and comfort. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before allowing young children to wear flip flops regularly. Before buying a pair of footwear for your child this summer, here are a few things you should take note.
Why Are Flip Flops Popular in Singapore
Breathability
Flip flops are generally made from lightweight materials and the open design allows air to circulate around the feet. This can be beneficial in our all-year-round hot weather as it helps prevent excessive sweating and keeps the feet cool.
Easy to Wear
Young children often struggle with putting on and taking off shoes independently. Flip flops eliminate the need for complicated laces or straps, making them easy for children to slip on and off by themselves.
Convenience
Flip flops are convenient for trips to the beach, pool, or quick errands. They can be easily stored in a bag and slipped on when needed, saving time and effort.
Simple Design
The open design of flip flops allows the feet to breathe and can be beneficial for children with foot conditions that require additional airflow or freedom of movement.
Why You Should Avoid Flip Flops for Young Children
Lack of Support
Flip flops offer minimal support, cushioning, and stability. This lack of support can lead to foot pain, discomfort, and potential long-term issues, especially for young children whose feet are still developing.
Risk of Injury
Flip flops provide minimal coverage and protection for the feet, leaving them vulnerable to cuts, bruises, or stubbed toes. They may also contribute to slips, trips, and falls due to their less secure fit compared to closed-toe shoes.
Toe Gripping
To keep flip flops in place while walking, children tend to grip the sandals with their toes due to the lack of an ankle fastener. Over time, this can strain the foot muscles and potentially lead to issues like hammertoes or imbalance.
Hygiene Concerns
Flip flops are more exposed to dirt, sand, and bacteria than closed shoes. These factors can increase the risk of foot infections and unpleasant odours. Regular cleaning and good foot hygiene practices are necessary to mitigate these concerns.
Alternative Simple Footwear for Your Child at Two Little Feet
For the development and well-being of your child's foot health, you should stay away from flip flops in the early years. Instead, here are a few alternatives that you can consider:
Beach or Pool
Water Sandals, Beach Sandals or Outdoor Shoes. They protect children's feet from hot sand, rough surfaces, or slippery pool areas, while being water-friendly and keeping the feet cool.
Short Trips
Easy-to-wear Casual Sandals. When making short trips to run errands or when convenience is a priority, e.g going out to the backyard or walking a short distance to the neighbour's house, an easy-to-wear lightweight sandals should be your go-to choice.
While flip flops can offer convenience and breathability for young children, they come with many drawbacks. The lack of support, potential injury risks, and hygiene concerns should be carefully considered. For longer walks, active play, or prolonged wear, it is advisable to choose closed-toe shoes that provide better support, protection, and stability for developing feet. When allowing children to wear flip flops, supervise their activities and encourage proper foot care to minimise any associated risks.
Use our smart Size Assistant to find out your child's Two Little Feet shoe size, based on their feet length!
Looking for more options?
For babies just starting to walk, check out this curated Wobbly Steps Collection for first walkers who are still walking with support.
If your child is walking steadily, we have curated a Steady Walking Kids Shoes and Sandals Collection.
Have an active running and jumping child at home? Look no further than our most supportive kids sneakers and children sandals for Active Running young ones!
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