Is this lady full of bull or is there really substance in what she says?

If her son was born with short Achilles Tendons, and had surgery in order to lengthen them, then a shoe that does not rub the back of the heel would be appropriate. Van's do not cover a large portion of the heel/ankle area, and probably cause him the least amount of discomfort. Sandals that are low on the back of the foot would work also. Any Physical Therapist that has worked with young children with birth defects will tell you that walking on your toes is a real problem, not some line of "crock", as you put it.