If the pre-walker has shoes on constantly, he is deprived of the normal sensory stimulation his feet would otherwise get from contact with the environment. Moreover, the small muscles of his feet and toes do not get much chance for exercise and tend to under-develop. Even the toddler does not generally need shoes when he is in the safe environs of his home or backyard. Only for going out on the street is a pair of sneakers necessary for protection. The price of shoes is often related to the kind of material used.
Leather is the most expensive, especially if it is used for both uppers and soles.
While leather uppers are desirable, leather soles are not necessary. Buying shoes with leather uppers and rubber or crepe soles will cut down on the price considerably. It is not necessary to get the most durable or expensive children s shoes. The chief reason for replacing shoes is that children outgrow them. High quality, long lasting shoes are therefore an unnecessary expense.