Why We Say No to High Heels for Kids
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of PF Flyers. All opinions are 100% mine.
If you’ve been shoe shopping recently, you’ve likely noticed a striking trend in girls’ footwear. I’m not talking lights or sounds or sparkles — I’m talking heels. Sometimes higher than even I wear!
Why we say “no” to high heels for our kids
Celebrity children have been photographed in the latest high-heeled styles. Popular television programs spotlight pageant kids wearing heels with their on-stage getups. And of course, kids see grown-ups wearing them which means they want to do it too.
Kids already seem to want to grow up before we do, but the problem with heels is one that goes beyond style or preference. Heels can actually be dangerous to little feet.
How high heels are dangerous for kids
The bones in kids’ feet are still forming up to age 12, so experts say that time spent in heels should be extremely limited, or non-existent.
The physical repercussions of wearing heels for kids are scary:
- Potential for deformities
- Development of bunions (not usually seen in young children)
- Fatigue and pain in muscles and tendons
From a practical perspective, heels are not play-friendly and set up the potential for injury.
Let’s be real, even when they’re not supposed to, kids want to play. And they will. If kids are wearing heels (especially if they’re not used to it), they could easily trip and hurt themselves.
Related: The Clever Phone Hack to Buy Kids Shoes Online (without guessing sizes)
But what about special occasions?
Here’s the way I look at it — my girls are kids, and they’re going to dress like it! I want them to be safe and comfortable, so they don’t wear heels.
I look for shoes that can do double duty — shoes that are both fun and functional. That’s why I was so excited when PF Flyers reached out and asked if we wanted to try out a pair of their shoes for each girl.
Related: Why Kids Who Dress Themselves are Smarter, More Independent Adults
OK – yes, here is the part where I tell you about PF Flyers and why we love them. This is indeed a sponsored post.
But hear me out…
Why my kids wear PF Flyers
First of all, I was totally psyched because I loved the movie Sandlot, and PF Flyers held an almost a mythical status in the film. They were the coolest of cool. “Run faster, jump higher.” I think we all secretly wanted a pair growing up.
But I didn’t even know they still made ’em!
Aside from holding a purely sentimental place in my heart, what I really love about PF Flyers is that they are kid-appropriate and designed specifically for better arch support.
Fun fact: The “PF” actually stands for “posture foundation” in case you ever wondered. I didn’t know that!
Before I found out about the revitalization of the PF Flyers brand, my girls usually wore sneakers with their dresses, and if you’ve seen what’s in stores lately, it’s usually metallic and glittery and matches nothing.
PF Flyers still come in classic, solid colors like cream canvas and navy, so they match everything. It’s a win-win for parents! Now your kids can look put-together, but still wear kids shoes that are truly meant for kids’ lifestyles.
I mean, isn’t this a super cute look with a dress?!
Related: See more of our favorite kids fashion trends here!
Kids have their entire adult lives to wear heels if they want — why rush it?
CLICK HERE to read more about the history of the iconic PF Flyers brand and find out where to buy them.
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While I agree that the shoes look cute with an extremely casual dress, (not much different than jeans, really), they would look quite ridiculous with a real dress. If there is an occasion where it’s appropriate for your daughter to wear an actual dress, these shoes are completely inappropriate. However, in that case, there are nice-looking shoes available for young girls that are flat or very nearly flat and would suit a dressy occasion.
I agree that heels are inappropriate for growing feet, but it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. There is a wide range of options between basketball shoes and heels. Just don’t give your girls the option of heels. Select two or three styles that are appropriate for dresses and also for growing feet and let them choose from those options only.
I agree, there are dressy flats that would be fitting for a formal event. I just wanted to show that comfortable shoes work with a wide range of outfits and occasions 🙂
50 years ago heels for kids didn’t exist. My feet are fine, my posture is brill, 25years ago my daughter whined in a shoe shop for small heels!! Like the wickedest mum in the world I said NO. She has finally forgiven. me for blighting her childhood.
Kids that do so called beauty pageants are as false as the makeup plastered on their face, happy girls get grubby, climb trees, beat their brothers in races and have feet that aren’t mangled by “fashion footwear ” so mums of the world practice saying NO to your kids.