Slip-on shoes are shoes that have no buckle or fastening and the upper covers only the toes and in some cases extends to the lower part of the foot arch. Slip-on shoes come in many guises, but in their truest form they are easy and convenient to slip onto a foot. This makes them appealing to parents who are looking for simple options for young children, but slip-on shoes will not benefit a child who is growing at pace and needs to feel liberated by their footwear, not impeded. Here we dissect the nature and fit of a slip-on shoe and show you what to look for if it’s a style that your child is interested in.
Start-Rite does offer a selection of slip-on shoe styles in our older children school shoes collection. Due to the rapid physical development from first walking and up through Primary school, we do not recommend little ones wear slip-on shoes until they are heading to Secondary school. And even then, it’s important to get the right fit for the foot. Read on to discover how to distinguish between a slip-on shoe that will support a growing child and one that will hinder natural development.
What is a slip-on shoe?
When you think of a slip-on shoe you might automatically associate them with women’s shoes and high heels. Slippers, sliders, clogs and flip flops can all be classed as a slip on because there is no buckle and little fuss with getting them onto your feet. In fact, the Slider style slip-on, which is like a flip flop but has a wide strap over the arch while exposing the toes is growing in popularity with men because it’s a gender-neutral laid back style that is super easy to wear in hotter climates and for lazy days at home.
We offer a popular selection of slip-on shoes for older boys as the style lends itself to a more mature look. For example, College has a sleek, slim look with a sculptured heel for comfort and support. Its mature lines are complimented with concealed elastic and a biomechanically engineered sole to support boys who will still be maturing throughout Secondary school.
Made for all-day comfort and durability, our black girls' slip-on school shoes come in a range of styles to suit every taste. From classic loafer styles which provide a precision fit and maximum support with a longer upper that extends up the foot arch to avoid feet slipping to fashion-first styles, where the slip-on appeal is complemented with design details to hold the foot within the shoe and support healthy development. All our slip-on shoes include cushioned soles and Start-Rite proprietary technology.
Are slip-on shoes bad?
A child’s shoes must be designed for the shape of a child’s foot and slip-on shoes will not always provide the best support for a growing child. The shape and demands of a child’s foot are very different to that of an adult foot. To protect a child’s natural development, they must wear children’s shoes designed for children, not adult shaped shoes made in smaller sizes.
When we talk about natural development, we mean the whole of a child’s body is informed by how the child walks and how the child walks can be affected by the shoes they are wearing. Some slip-on shoes can cause the muscles in the feet to contract instead of stretching out, as the toes bunch up to keep the shoe in place. Over time, this repetitive stress can increase the risk for tendonitis, Achilles problems and a painful condition called plantar fasciitis. It will also send the wrong signals to the brain that the foot is compromised, and the brain might compensate for that by changing the way the child walks.
A slip-on shoe must provide the correct support underneath the foot too. Many styles are made from thin material and provide no added protection along the sole of the shoe. This can lead to arch and heel soreness as well foot pains from the excessive pressure and reduced shock absorption. And it’s not just your feet that can be negatively affected, flat slip-on shoes can aggravate knee joints and cause problems for the body’s proper alignment.
A child’s gait – which is the way they stand and hold themselves as they move – is not fully formed till around the age of 16. Flat shoes that offer little protection can affect the function, structure and motion of the body, so it’s very important to consider how well the slip-on is protecting the whole of your child’s foot, if this is their style of choice.
How should slip-on shoes fit?
A slip-on shoe should offer a child support both underneath, around and over the arch of the foot, to enable the child to walk comfortably and naturally. Support around the heel will ensure the shoe does not slip and wider feet will hold a slip-on shoe better than narrow feet. If the shoe slips at the heel, the toes will crunch up to keep it on and the leg muscles will tense around the calf and upper thigh, sending all the wrong signals to the brain. Interestingly the brain does not associate the action with the shoe, but with the human, so will compensate accordingly. If you need more reassurance on which shoes will fit your child, follow our Check the Fit guide.
FAQs
Some slip-on shoes can cause the muscles in the feet to contract instead of stretching out, as the toes bunch up to keep the shoe in place. Over time, this repetitive stress can increase the risk for tendonitis, Achilles problems and a painful condition called plantar fasciitis.
Are slip-on shoes good for feet? ›
Slip-on shoes with the right comfort and support features can definitely be good for walking. You'll want to look for arch support, cushioning, and soft materials to factor in comfort and consider breaking in the shoes before bringing them traveling to prevent possible blisters or pain from disrupting your trip.
What shoes do podiatrists not recommend? ›
Pointed toe box
Pointed shoes may look nice, however they force your forefoot to squeeze into the toebox. The most common complaints we see in those who regularly wear pointed shoes are ingrown toenails, corns and forefoot pain.
Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Can cheap shoes ruin your feet? ›
Most shoes don't have enough arch support, and the problem is more pronounced with cheap ones. Over time, loss of arch support will lead to straining of your ligaments, which is a chief cause of Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and other serious foot and leg problems.
What are the disadvantages of slip-on shoes? ›
A slip-on shoe must provide the correct support underneath the foot too. Many styles are made from thin material and provide no added protection along the sole of the shoe. This can lead to arch and heel soreness as well foot pains from the excessive pressure and reduced shock absorption.
Are slip-on shoes bad for plantar fasciitis? ›
This advice is particularly stressed towards female patients as their footwear choices are usually worse than males. Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad.
Do podiatrists recommend New Balance? ›
One of the primary reasons podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes is their exceptional arch support. Proper arch support is vital for maintaining the natural alignment of the foot and preventing issues like overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling of the foot).
Are skechers really good for your feet? ›
So, Are Skechers Good For Your Feet? The short answer is yes, but it depends. While Skechers are designed to be comfortable and supportive, the type of Skechers you choose will depend on your individual foot needs and what activities you'll be using them for.
What shoes do foot doctors recommend? ›
Cushion Neutral
- HOKA. Bondi. Stinson. Speedgoat.
- Saucony. Ride.
- TOPO. Ultrafly 5mm drop.
- New Balance. 890. 990. 1080.
- Mizuno. Wave Rider. Wave Creation.
- Nike. Pegasus. Vomero. React Infinity Flyknit.
Lack of Support – While they may be comfortable, Crocs are far from the most supportive type of shoe. They provide very little support to your ankle and your arches, which can lead to soft tissue injuries. If your foot isn't supported in the midfoot area, you'll be at an increased risk for heel pain.
Are New Balance good shoes? ›
It hasn't shied away from implementing the latest tech, like ultra-light foams and carbon plates, while maintaining its heritage comfort and throwback vibe. And what makes New Balance so widely appealing is the fact that it makes great shoes for every runner.
Why are podiatrists against barefoot shoes? ›
Because of the lack of heel cushioning, minimalist shoes have been associated with an increased incidence of heel (calcaneal) fractures, especially in high arched, rigid foot types.
Are mules bad for your feet? ›
Mules: Mules bring the same problems as flip-flops. Mules with heels may make the wearer more susceptible to injury to the Achilles tendon. Rubber/Plastic Shoes: This footwear has the benefit of being washable and offering some support. Use them for gardening and beach wear.
Are Chuck Taylors bad for your feet? ›
For the most part, Chuck Taylors are "inherently very flat shoes and offer minimal arch support or cushioning," Dr. Megan Leahy, a Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, told HuffPost, adding that they can lead to arch pain, heel pain and even tendinitis.
Are wooden clogs bad for your feet? ›
The Truth About Clogs
So while the diminished pain makes it seem like the problem has been resolved, wearing clogs on a regular basis actually sets people up for further (and often worse) foot ailments down the road. The truth is, clogs are among the most harmful or injurious shoe types available to consumers.
What is the point of slip-on shoes? ›
For one, they're easy to put on and take off, which can be a big plus when you're in a hurry. Additionally, slip-on shoes often have a more casual look to them, which can be ideal for relaxed settings. Finally, some people simply find them to be more comfortable than traditional lace-up shoes.
Why do people wear slip-on shoes? ›
Slip-ons are specifically designed to make putting them on and off easy. One shouldn't have to bend over to wear their favorite pair of shoes; instead, the foot should slide into place quickly and effortlessly. Properly constructed slip-on fashion sneakers will remain securely in place and won't shift up or down.
Are you supposed to wear socks with slip ons? ›
It's up to you whether or not you wear socks with your slip-on shoes. You may be tempted not to wear socks, but going sockless can lead to blisters, chafing, and sweating. Instead, you can invest in a good pair of low socks that won't show but will prevent blisters and help absorb moisture.
Should you wear slip-on with or without socks? ›
Going sockless in slip-on shoes could lead to blisters, chafing, and discoloration in the footbeds, not to mention smelly odors. A good pair of socks will help absorb moisture and prevent your toes, heels, and ankles from rubbing against the material.
