Choosing Healthy Footwear for Children: Expert Advice from Prof. Dr. Milivoj Jovančević

Milivoj Jovančević is one of the most respected pediatricians in Croatia and a long-standing member of international organizations such as UNICEF and UNHCR. During wartime, he participated in psychological support programs for children in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prof. Dr. Jovančević has authored more than eighty scientific and professional publications. His well-known book, The Early Years: Why Are They Important?, serves as a practical guide for parents and professionals working with preschool children.

He also founded the LittleDot platform, where a team of experts led by Prof. Dr. Jovančević provides reliable and up-to-date information about children’s health.

As a recognized authority in pediatrics, Prof. Dr. Jovančević evaluated DrLuigi® footwear and provided his professional opinion on its quality and suitability for children.

Why Proper Shoes Are Important for Children

When choosing shoes for children, several key factors must be considered to support healthy foot development.

Children’s feet are soft and flexible, which means they can easily adapt to shoes that are too small without immediate discomfort. However, healthy growth requires adequate space for natural movement.

Experts recommend leaving 6 to 12 millimeters of space between the tip of the shoe and the longest toe. This small gap allows the toes to move freely and supports proper development of bones, muscles, and joints.

Shoes should never be too tight or excessively large, as both can negatively affect posture and walking patterns.

Risks of Wearing Shoes That Are Too Tight

Footwear that is too tight may lead to several problems during childhood development, including:

• Restricted bone growth

• Improper muscle function

• Poor posture

• Increased pressure on developing joints

Because children’s feet grow quickly, it is important to regularly check whether their shoes still fit properly.

Importance of Quality Materials

Material quality plays a significant role in comfort and foot health.

DrLuigi® medical shoes are designed with a lightweight polyurethane sole that provides stability and shock absorption. The upper part is made from breathable terry cloth, which allows ventilation and helps keep the feet comfortable throughout the day.

Using safe and skin-friendly materials is especially important for children, whose skin is more sensitive to synthetic chemicals used in some mass-production processes.

Breathability and Hygiene

Children’s feet naturally sweat more than adults’, making breathability a key factor when choosing footwear.

Proper air circulation helps prevent:

• Excessive moisture

• Skin irritation

• Unpleasant odors

• Fungal infections

DrLuigi footwear is designed to allow airflow inside the shoe, helping maintain dryness and better hygiene.

Supporting Healthy Growth and Development

Selecting the correct shoe size is essential because children’s feet can grow significantly within just a few months.

Flexible and supportive footwear allows the foot to move naturally without restricting development. Shoes should support natural movement while still providing stability and protection.

From a pediatric health perspective, DrLuigi® footwear meets high standards of safety, comfort, and functional support, making it a reliable choice for protecting children’s foot health during growth and development.