Soft Paws Sandals - Blue Horizon

Instruction manual

Infants’ “zero-mile” feet are covered with soft fat pads, which means their soles are almost archless. Ligaments and foot muscles play an indispensable role in arch development through regular movement and exercise. The most intensive phase for developing the muscles around the foot and ankle is the toddler stage, when children learn to walk. That’s why it’s crucial they spend as much time as possible barefoot or wearing soft-soled shoes that preserve the benefits of barefoot walking. Children walk much more securely in Liliputi Love Soft Soled or Soft Paws shoes than in rigid-soled footwear. They easily rise on their toes, grip with their toes, and learn to balance faster and more confidently. The muscles at the back of the lower leg work only when standing on tiptoes - something rigid shoes do not allow children to practice. Bone ossification finishes around age 2–3, and arches continue developing until about 10–12 years old. Therefore, it’s important to find the right shoe that ensures healthy development not just for the first year or two, but for every age group.

Orthopedic Medical Opinion on Liliputi Soft Sole Shoes
Dr. Cs. Frank László – Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Heim Pál National Institute of Pediatrics

'A child's first independent steps are a defining moment not only for parents but also for the child. From this moment on, the child enters a completely new phase of life. Walking enables much faster and more efficient movement compared to previous forms of mobility. However, it also presents a significant challenge for the still-developing nervous system.

At this stage, babies take small steps with a relatively wide stance, spending a lot of time with their feet on the ground and little time in the air. Their walking pattern does not yet resemble that of adults. The characteristic foot arches that define an adult's foot structure have not yet developed, and the baby’s sole remains flat.

Following the standing phase, the nervous system undergoes a rapid surge of development. During the first 3-6 months of learning to walk, both neurological maturation and walking practice are crucial. At this stage, children may fall frequently, but they can already stand up on their own without assistance. This process enhances coordination, balance, strength, and endurance.

Walking barefoot plays the most crucial role in this phase—the baby needs to feel the ground and its irregularities. This natural stimulation strengthens the foot muscles, contributing to the formation of proper arches and healthy posture in the long run.

This is why choosing the right footwear is so important. The ideal shoe should have a soft, thin, flexible, and non-slip sole while still protecting the child's feet from external environmental factors. Many children at this stage walk with feet turned inward or outward or often walk on tiptoes—these variations are considered normal at this phase of development.

From an orthopedic perspective, Liliputi soft sole shoes are ideal for children, as they support the natural development of the foot and offer the benefits of barefoot movement.
They fully meet the strict barefoot shoe requirements.'

The upper of the shoes is made from natural, soft, high-quality nappa leather. The leather is free from harmful substances, so there is no need to worry if your child happens to put their favorite shoes in their mouth. Natural leather allows for breathability, helping to keep little feet dry and comfortable.

Our soft paw models feature a four-layer sole structure.

The outer sole is made of a special double-layer material: a non-slip honeycomb-patterned sole on top of a breathable support surface.
Beneath this, a 3mm flexible foam layer provides thermal insulation and reduces impact on joints when running on hard surfaces.
The child’s foot is in direct contact with a breathable, leather-like insole for maximum comfort.
Liliputi Love shoes are not waterproof. In rainy or wet conditions, switch to rubber-soled shoes.
If the Liliputi Love shoes get wet, simply let them air dry at room temperature—do not place them on a heater or use a hairdryer.

How to choose the right size

Children’s feet grow very quickly during the toddler years – they can go up 2 or even 3 sizes in a year. Liliputi shoes cover a wider size range than standard shoes, so they can be used for a longer period. With Liliputi, it’s perfectly fine if the shoe is slightly bigger when purchased. Our soft sole shoes come in sizes from S to XXXXL, which generally fit children from around 6 months to 5–6 years of age. Before purchasing, make sure to measure your child’s feet at home to ensure you choose the correct size.

Follow the method shown in this video:

• Have your child stand on a blank sheet of paper and trace both feet.
• Measure the distance between the two furthest points on each foot drawing.
• If your child’s feet are different sizes, base your choice on the larger one.
• Choose a size from the chart that is slightly longer – ideally 5 but no more than 10 mm longer – than the measured length. 
  If the child’s foot is exactly the same size as the shoe, the soft leather will be under constant internal friction, which can lead to faster wear and even holes at the toe.