For certain generations, though less so today, baby shoes carried such emotional significance that people would bronze them to preserve the memory of a child's first steps.But as heart-meltingly cute as they are, tiny sneakers and Mary Janes are not the best way for a toddler to start toddling, child and foot doctors say.So when should a baby start wearing shoes? It's a really common question, and you hear completely opposite suggestions," said Dr. Laura Jana, a pediatrician and owner of Primrose School of Legacy, a private preschool, in Omaha, Neb. "Some say to buy the rigid soles; others say that kids should go barefoot."While the old thinking held that rigid high-tops helped keep a child's foot in position and offered stability, doctors today tend to agree that less is more when it comes to shoes in the first few years of life."After they start walking, you want them either barefoot or in the most flexible shoe possible so their muscles can develop properly," said Dr. Jane Andersen, a podiatrist in Chapel Hill, N.C., and past president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists.

"Flexibility is the most important issue as they are developing their arch."The bones in a baby's foot are soft and don't finish hardening until a child is around 5 years old, though kids' feet keep growing into their teenage years. In theory, constricting soft feet with rigid shoes could prevent the bones from developing properly, Andersen said.Also, stiffer soles can make walking harder for those just starting out because their feet are heavier, making them more likely to trip, Jana said.Before a baby starts walking, bare feet or socks are best, though any kind of shoes can be worn for decoration or warmth or to help keep the socks on, Andersen said. There's no harm done when shoes encase dangling feet, as long as they are not too tight or uncomfortable or have straps pinching their flesh, she said.Once infants start taking steps, going barefoot is still ideal because they learn to walk and balance better when they can use their toes to grip, Jana said. To keep feet clean, warm and protected from the minefield of things they could step on, use socks with rubber grips on the bottom, so that they don't slip, Jana said.

When kids start tottering around outside and need more protection than socks provide, choose flexible shoes that you can bend in half and twist, Andersen said. Rubber soles are better than leather because they are less likely to slip. Aim for soft materials for the upper part of the shoe so that the foot bends easily and the material doesn't cut into the skin.Closed-toe shoes are best, Jana added, because kids tend to drag their toes and might scratch their toes in open-toed shoes.Andersen said she has been impressed with Stride Rite, a children's footwear manufacturer that emphasizes healthy foot development and does thorough fittings, though people who can't afford to spend $40 on a new pair of shoes every six months can do the bend-and-twist test at any retailer."They're not necessarily going to be wearing them that long, so I certainly wouldn't go all out and buy the big fancy whatever," said Jana, who has three kids of her own. She said the most important thing is to ensure the kids are comfortable."

The only thing I warn people about is that kids who are just learning to walk aren't terribly verbal," Jana said. "So you may not know why the child is upset but it turns out the shoe is too tight or rubbing, or they have a blister."At 4 or 5 years old, kids can start wearing shoes with more support, Andersen said. Cheap Overhead Bedroom FurnitureThe same guidelines apply to kids who are pigeon-toed or have other foot deformities, though if parents are concerned they should see a podiatrist to determine if special accommodations are needed, she said. Where Can I Buy Bright Effects Light BulbsConditions like club feet require physician attention and sometimes casting and surgery.Curtain Rods For 2 Corner WindowsJane Andersen, a podiatrist in Chapel Hill, N.C., offered a few tips for getting the right baby shoes:Don't share or hand down baby shoes, especially ones that were worn every day.

Shoes need to be broken into a child's individual foot.Fit shoes toward the end of the day when the feet are a little swollen.Make sure the child runs around the shoe store and likes the shoes for their comfort, not just their sparkles. If you see any grimaces or complaints, steer clear of that pair.Choose shoes that have a little less than your thumb's width of room at the toe so that your child can grow into it. Fitness & Exercise Home Related to Fitness & Exercise Diet & Weight Management 10 Tips for Choosing Athletic Shoes Proper-fitting shoes make all the difference whether you walk or run. Running and walking are among the purest, most natural forms of exercise around. With newfangled innovations like Freon-filled midsoles and pump-it-up tongues, it's knowing which shoes to buy that seems to require an advanced degree. Choose the wrong athletic shoes and you could end up lying on the couch nursing shin splints or aching heels instead of enjoying a brisk walk or run.

While most specialty sport-shoe stores have knowledgeable staff to guide you, you'll be a few steps ahead of the game armed with some basic knowledge about your feet and their specific needs. Here is some expert advice to heed before buying new footwear: Don't make shoes multitask. Walking shoes are stiffer; running shoes are more flexible, with extra cushioning to handle greater impact. If you do both activities, get a pair for each one.Sure, we've all got 10 toes and two heels, but beyond that, feet come in a variety of shapes -- and knowing your foot's particular quirks is key to selecting the right pair of shoes. Most major brands now offer a model to suit every foot type. One way to determine your foot's shape is to do a "wet test"--- wet your foot, step on a piece of brown paper and trace your footprint. Or just look at where your last pair of shoes shows the most wear. If your footprint shows the entire sole of your foot with little to no curve on the inside -- or if your shoes show the most wear on the inside edge -- it means you've got low arches or flat feet and tend toward overpronation -- meaning your feet roll inward.

Overpronation can create extra wear on the outside heel and inside forefoot. You'll want a shoe with a motion-control feature and maximum support. If the footprint shows only a portion of your forefoot and heel with a narrow connection between the two -- or if your shoes wear out mostly on the outside edge -- you have high arches and tend to underpronate (also called supinate), meaning your feet roll outward. Underpronation causes wear on the outer edge of the heel and the little toe. Look for a cushioned shoe with a soft midsole. You have a neutral arch if your footprint has a distinct curve along the inside and your shoes wear out uniformly. Look for a "stability" shoe, which has the right mix of cushioning and support. Measure your foot frequently. "It's a myth that foot size doesn't change in adults," says Steven Raiken, MD. "It does change as we get older, so have your feet measured twice a year. Sizes also vary between brands, so go by what fits, not by what size the shoe is."

Raiken is director of the foot and ankle service at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Shop toward the end of the day. Feet swell over the course of the day; they also expand while you run or walk, so shoes should fit your feet when they're at their largest. Bring your own socks -- the ones you wear while running or walking. If you wear orthotics, bring those, too. Shoes need to fit with the orthotic inside. Don't believe in breaking in. Running and walking shoes should feel comfortable right away, Raiken tells WebMD. Walk or run around the store a bit to make sure they feel good in action. Use the rule of thumb. There should be about 3/8-1/2 inch between the front of your big toe and the end of the shoe -- about a thumb's width. The heel should fit relatively tightly; your heel should not slip out when you walk. The upper part of the shoe -- which goes over the top of your foot -- should be snug and secure, and not too tight anywhere.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons writes that when fitting in to an athletic shoe you should be able to freely wiggly all of your toes when the shoe is on. Understand the bells and whistles. Some models of running shoes look better suited to a space mission than a run in the park, but some of those groovy-looking features actually serve a purpose. Clear inserts, filled with gel, Freon, or air, provide extra shock absorption, as do those springy-looking things. These features are especially good for people who tend to get heel pain, says Raiken, and not so good for people whose ankles twist easily, as shoes with extra cushioning tend to provide less traction. Some shoes allow you to pump up the tongue, which lets people with difficult-to-fit feet achieve a more customized fit. Don't over- or underpay. Good-quality running and walking shoes are fairly pricey -- and usually worth it. "A $15-shoe will not be as good as an $80-shoe," says Raiken. But you'll pay a premium for super-fashionable styles or those associated with a celebrity -- and they won't be any better for your feet.