(HealthDay News)-- When selecting children's shoes, you should worry less about fashion and more about which shoes will provide the best protection and support for their growing feet.

Here are things to keep in mind when choosing your child's new shoes, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Children don't need to wear shoes until they begin to walk -- at about 12 months to 15 months of age.
• Choose shoes with a soft, flexible sole, such as sneakers.
• Look for shoes that are wide enough to allow for growth. They should be big enough so that your child can wiggle the toes inside.
• If your child frequently takes the shoes off, they may be uncomfortable. Look for any signs of discomfort such as blisters, redness or calluses on the feet.