Good children's shoes may seem expensive, but a child's feet are still developing. They consist largely of soft cartilage that must gradually transform into strong bone. This process doesn't happen automatically: it's influenced by movement, the way children learn to walk, and the quality of the shoes they wear. That's precisely why sturdy leather children's shoes aren't a luxury, but an essential part of healthy growth.

The growing child's foot needs guidance

During the first few years of life, a child's foot is constantly changing. The bones are still soft and malleable, the muscles gradually build strength, and balance is still developing. A foot that isn't properly supported can easily develop into an incorrect position.

A good children's shoe guides this natural development without disrupting it. It allows the foot to move where it needs to—especially the toes—but provides support where stability is essential. It's precisely this balance between flexibility and firmness that determines how a foot develops.

Why leather remains the best material for young feet

Leather children's shoes breathe, conform to the foot, and feel comfortable, even after extended wear. Leather prevents heat and moisture retention, reducing foot perspiration, fungus, and odor. Moreover, it doesn't irritate or chafe, and conforms beautifully to the foot's natural shape.

Synthetic or cheap materials do the exact opposite. They seal off, retain heat and moisture, and are more likely to cause skin irritation. Moreover, many inexpensive children's shoes don't even meet European safety standards. This is especially important for young children who regularly put their shoes or hands in their mouths.

The buttress and the last: the heart of a healthy children's shoe

The strength of a good shoe lies not only in the material, but especially in the heel counter , the reinforced heel piece. This ensures that the heel remains straight and doesn't tilt inward or outward while walking. This is crucial for developing a correct and stable walking motion.

Besides the heel counter, the last —the shape the shoe is constructed from—also plays a crucial role. A good last follows the natural anatomy of a child's foot: narrow at the heel, wider at the forefoot, and with sufficient room for the toes to spread. This sounds logical, but in cheap children's shoes, this is completely lacking. They are often made with simple, uniform shapes and therefore offer no support whatsoever.

When shoes are too wide or too loose, parents unconsciously buy them smaller to prevent them from falling off. The result? Toes that have no room, causing them to curl up. This can cause permanent deformities that only become noticeable much later.

What do you miss with cheap children's shoes?

Cheap children's shoes may seem cute, colorful, or trendy, but beneath that appearance lies a lack of knowledge and quality. They lack a sturdy heel, a proper fit, breathable materials, and often don't meet safety standards. The lack of support can cause the foot to grow into an incorrect position more quickly, which can lead to pain, posture errors, or even structural foot problems later in life.

The results of such bad shoes aren't always immediately apparent, but the damage builds up slowly. A bad shoe doesn't support, guide, or protect.

Why Maxime Shoes only chooses real quality

At Maxime Schoenen, we believe every child's foot deserves the best. That's why we select only brands that understand how a foot develops and invest in quality, craftsmanship, and healthy fits. Brands like Rondinella, Zecchino d'Oro, Ocra, Romagnoli, Stones and Bones, Naturino, and more meet these high standards.

They combine craftsmanship and medical expertise with high-quality leathers, sturdy heel counters, precisely shaped lasts, and flexible soles that follow the natural movement of the foot without sagging. This gives every child exactly the stability and support they need.

Healthy feet, a healthy future

Children's feet carry a lifetime of wear. What you choose as a parent today literally determines how firmly your child will stand in life tomorrow. A good pair of children's shoes isn't a minor detail, but an investment in healthy growth, upright posture, and a future free of foot or knee problems.

So before you put those cheap shoes in your shopping cart, it's important to always ask one question: am I giving my child's feet what they really need?

At Maxime Schoenen, we're happy to help you get started with expert advice and an extensive collection of high-quality leather children's shoes that give growing feet the best start.