Soft Star Shoes
Question from Amie
Hi Debra,
I found out my 3 year old daughter is allergic to carba mix, supposedly this is not in latex according to her dermatologist although I’m not so sure. It’s so difficult to find her shoes and it breaks my heart.
Mini Melissas are made out of PVC and I’m hoping that it’s a good option for her. Otherwise I have no idea what she can wear.
Is PVC OK?
Debra’s Answer
First, for anyone reading who does not know what “carba mix” is, It’s a mix of chemicals are used as fungicides and pesticides and also in the manufacture of many rubber products. The mixture is used for allergy testing. More info on carba mix, read this.
Here’s the short answer of why PVC is not a good choice. PVC is made from a chemical called vinyl monomer which causes cancer. To make it soft there are phthalates added. Six pthalates have been banned for use in a list of children’s products (children’s shoes are NOT on the list*). Lead is also added as a stabilizer.
So while your daughter may be allergic to these pesticides and fungicides, PVC shoes can cause cancer. To me that’s not a better choice.
Shoes are one of the products that are most toxic and most difficult to find alternatives for.
Here are some of the least toxic shoes for babies and kids I’ve found. You’ll need to check with each about the carbs mix specifically.
I’ve created a new category on Debra’s List for Babies & Kids Shoes. Take a look.
