Boty Soft Paws - Urban Jungle

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 new phase of life, as walking allows for much faster and more efficient movement compared to previous mobility methods. However, it also presents a significant challenge for the rapidly developing nervous system.

At this stage, the baby takes small steps with a wide stance, spending more time in contact with the ground than in the air. Their walking pattern does not yet resemble that of an adult, and the characteristic foot arches have not yet formed—their soles are flat.

Following the initial standing phase, the nervous system undergoes a rapid developmental surge. During the first 3-6 months of learning to walk, the nervous system’s maturation is essential, but so is the act of practicing walking itself. The child may fall frequently but can already stand up independently. This process enhances coordination, balance, strength, and endurance.

Barefoot walking plays the most crucial role in this phase—the baby needs to feel the ground and its irregularities. This natural stimulation strengthens foot muscles, leading to healthy arch formation and proper posture in the long run.

This is why selecting the right shoes is so important. The ideal footwear has a soft, thin, flexible, and non-slip sole, while still protecting the child’s feet from environmental hazards. Many children in this stage walk with their feet turned inward or outward or frequently walk on tiptoes—variations that are considered normal at this stage.

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

The upper is made of natural, soft, high-quality nappa leather, free from harmful substances. Even if your child puts their favorite shoes in their mouth, there’s no reason to worry. Natural leather allows for breathability, reducing or preventing excessive sweating.

The soft paw models feature a four-layer sole structure.
The outer sole consists of a special, double-layer material: a non-slip honeycomb-patterned layer on top of a breathable support surface.
Beneath this, a 3mm flexible foam layer provides insulation and reduces impact on joints during running on hard surfaces.
The child’s foot directly contacts a breathable, leather-like insole for added comfort.

Liliputi Love shoes are not waterproof. In rainy or wet conditions, switch to rubber-soled shoes.
If the shoes get wet, 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.