Welcome to Soulmates, the podcast dedicated to understanding growing feet and the ins and outs of kids' shoes. Hosted by Nicole, a paediatric physio parent cheerleader, and joined by Professor Cylie Williams, a legendary kids' podiatrist and researcher, this episode covers everything from foot development and barefoot play to the perplexing world of children's footwear. If you've ever puzzled over clunky kids' shoes or wondered about the costs of toddler footwear, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Solemates, paediatric physio Nicole Bates and kids podiatrist Professor Kylie Williams tackle a common parent question: how to know the right shoe size for a growing child. Kylie explains shoe fit involves length, width and volume, and notes there’s limited research on “optimal” fit, but one school-aged study found children rated shoes most comfortable with about 12 mm (around a finger) of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe; smaller shoes were consistently less comfortable, while bigger shoes had more variable comfort. They discuss practical ways to check fit, including feeling for the toe position by pressing from the heel forward, and removing the insole to check the footprint and toe gap, with the focus on comfort and function rather than guilt or perfection.
23 Jul 2026
Ep 10 - Foot Facts & Brain Matters: Shoes, Kids, and Development
In this episode of Solemates, paediatric physio Nicole Bates and kids podiatrist Professor Kylie Williams unpack the marketing claim that certain shoes boost children’s brain development. Kylie explains the link is indirect: brains develop through nutrition, relationships, sleep, language, learning and play, and shoes don’t directly create a healthier brain. Instead, footwear can help or hinder movement and sensory input, influencing balance, coordination and confidence to get out and play. They discuss how thinner, flexible soles can provide more ground feedback for early walkers, while sturdier, cushioned shoes may be useful in cold, wet or unstable conditions to keep kids active. The key takeaway is to match shoes to the activity and environment, go barefoot where safe, embrace variety, and avoid guilt-driven marketing.
20 Jul 2026
Ep 09 - Decoding Kids' Shoes: The Truth About Arch Support
In this episode of Solemates, paediatric physio Nicole Bates and paediatric podiatrist researcher Professor Kylie Williams unpack whether kids’ shoes need arch support. Kylie explains there’s limited direct evidence, but trials comparing orthotics to regular shoes in typically developing children without pain show no difference over time, suggesting arch supports aren’t needed, especially for younger kids who have natural cushioning. They discuss how adult comfort preferences don’t translate to children, and how shoe design and marketing can create “optical illusions” that look like arch support when there may be little or none. The key message is to prioritise comfort and play: if a child can run, jump and be active comfortably, that’s enough. If there are concerns like pain, tiredness, tripping, regression or sudden changes, they recommend checking in with a health professional.
28 Jan 2026
Ep. 08 - Baby Early Steps and Shoe Fixtures
In this episode of Solemates, paediatric physio Nicole Pate and kids podiatrist Professor Cylie Williams guide parents through the crucial stage of footwear choices when toddlers start taking their first steps. They discuss the importance of "fixtures", things that hold a shoe onto kids feet. The duo emphasizes adjustable and elastic fixtures for young walkers and dispel myths about stiff shoes. They also share practical tips for choosing the right shoes and the challenges of shoe fittings, ensuring parents are well-informed about their little one's footwear needs.
21 Jan 2026
Ep 07 - Shoe Shopping for Active Toddlers
In this episode of Solemates, hosts Nicole Pates, a kids physio, and Professor Cylie Williams, a kids podiatrist, discuss the key aspects of selecting the right shoes for toddlers who are walking. They cover important factors, such as what we know about sole flexibility, shape of the shoe over little toes, and how shoes open and get decured. They also touch on how shoe materials have evolved and address common concerns from parents and even grandparents about toddler footwear. They also share some practical tips on keeping shoes lasting longer.
14 Jan 2026
Ep 06 - Choosing a Good Runner Shoe for School
Welcome back to Solemates, the podcast about feet and shoes. Co-hosts Nicole Pates and Professor Cylie Williams, dive into the topic of school shoes, particularly runners and how to pick a GOOD shoe. They discuss critical factors such as fit, durability, and material, addressing common concerns for parents. We also chat about sandals and how they can potentially impact running and playing. Tune in for expert advice to ensure your child is ready to step confidently into the school year.
7 Jan 2026
Ep 05 - What is a good Black Leather School Shoes
In this episode of Solemates, Nicole Pates, a kids physio, and Cylie Williams, a kids podiatrist, delve into the complexities of selecting the perfect school shoes for your children. They discuss the differences between athletic runners and black leather school shoes, the importance of fit, material quality, and the nuances of shoe features like heel counters and flexibility. Whether you're navigating school guidelines or managing a budget, this episode is full of practical tips to help ensure your child's shoes support their activity and growth.
Tune in for expert advice and more!
17 Dec 2025
Ep. 04 - First Stands and Shoes
In this episode of Solemates, hosts Nicole Pate, a kids physio, and Professor Cylie Williams, a kids podiatrist, explore the crucial phase when babies start standing and cruising. They discuss the importance of barefoot experiences, when shoe choice supports foot protection and all about shoe sole flexibility and thickness. Tune in to gain insights on the different footwear choices to support your little one's milestones.
10 Dec 2025
Ep. 03 - Crawling Milestones and Choosing the Right Baby Shoes
In this episode of Solemates, hosts Nicole Pate, a kids physio, and Professor Cylie Williams, a kids podiatrist discuss the important developmental phase of crawling and the challenges of footwear during this stage. They highlight various crawling styles, the importance of barefoot play for sensory experiences, and how to select shoes to protect little toes from injuries. They also debunk myths around footwear speeding up developmental milestones and talk about footwear widths. Join them to get insights on picking shoes that are right for the stage your toddler is at.
3 Dec 2025
Ep 02 - Why do babies get sweaty feet?
Join Nicole Pates, a paediatric physio, and Professor Cylie Williams, a kids podiatrist, as they delve into why babies have sweaty feet, and how shoe materials can either help or hinder this issue. Learn about sweat glands, genetic factors, and tips on selecting the right shoe materials to ensure your baby's comfort. Plus, discover when you should consult a healthcare provider about excessive sweating in your baby. Stay tuned until the end for practical advice on keeping your baby's feet healthy and happy.
26 Nov 2025
Ep 01 - When do Babies start needing shoes?
In this episode of Solemates, hosts Nicole Pates, paediatric physio, and Cylie Williams, kids podiatrist, discuss the basics of newborn foot development and the myths surrounding baby shoes. They delve into the structure of newborn feet, the importance of socks over shoes for warmth, and when shoes might be appropriate for cultural or special occasions. Tune in to learn about the best practices for keeping your baby's feet healthy and happy.
21 Oct 2025
Welcome to Solemates
Welcome to Soulmates, a podcast hosted by paediatric physio Nicole Pates and kid's podiatrist Cylie Williams. They cut through the noise and confusion surrounding children's footwear, providing evidence-based insights on when kids need shoes, the best types for toddler movement, and how shoes impact development. Each episode features myth-busting, expert advice, and practical takeaways for parents, all delivered in an engaging and accessible format.
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