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Some rubber-soled canvas-uppered shoes are built up but the upper is
sustained by a band of rubber running along the sides of the foot and welded in
with the sole part. These shoes are bad for ordinary wear as they prevent
ventilation between the sole of the foot and the shoe, which is the only way in which
ventilation of the under surface of the foot can be got.
Shoes which have openings let into the leather of their uppers are very helpful
to secure extra ventilation in summer but are not suitable for wear in broken
weather. The open sandal which allows freedom for all the toes is excellent for
use on a soft sandy beach or on smooth pavements but not on surfaces where grit
or pebbles may get in and harm the feet. If the upper of a strap shoe or sandal
tends to spread, or even split, at the sides of the front opening the foot is being
forced out of the shoe and that shoe is too short (not narrow), c.f. previous note
on length. The softer and more pliable the upper the better.
Types of Fastening.—The shoe should obviously always be at one with the foot.
To avoid any tendency to slipping, it should grip the arch neatly and this can be
ensured by using only lace or instep strap shoes. Sandals must be examined
carefully to see that their fastenings have the effect of instep and not ankle strap
shoes. For proper freedom in movement there should be nothing cutting the
ankle, but the arch should be held, so that, in rising on the toes and similar movements,
the sole and the foot don't part company (even within the shoe). Ankle
strap shoes are never really desirable as they provide no grip for the arch and the
foot slops about as it will inside them. Pumps are equally undesirable except,
occasionally, for dancing use; though light and pliable they tend to be poorly
shaped.
Types of Sole.—The foot possesses a number of joints between toe and heel
which, of course, are intended for use. The child in a stiff shoe can walk only
penguin-wise, the stiff sole acting as a splint. This is not only ugly but means losing
some of the usefulness of the foot and the spring and activity of the gait. Some
soles (often those on cheaper shoes) are more pliant than others. Cheapness is no
disadvantage if other things are right, as the shoes can be renewed more frequently
as the child grows, without anxiety as to price.
The following are some of the important points:—
Leather may or may not be waterproof. Thin leathers are cheaper, lighter
and more pliable, but may not be sufficient protection against rain or rough
surfaces. Thick leathers are waterproof but tend to be heavy and rigid and not as
good a cushion for the foot as certain rubbers.
Crepe rubber is waterproof, pliable, and provides an admirable cushion for the
feet against jarring. As a rule crepe shoes are not heavy. There is no apparent
discomfort due to overheating. Some crepe welts, however are too clumsy,
throwing the feet out of the correct line in walking.