Children’s feet grow quickly, so finding shoes that fit properly is of utmost importance. Improperly fitting shoes may lead to blisters, calluses or ingrown toenails, which could result in painful outcomes for both parties involved.
When purchasing children’s shoes, be sure to leave an approximate pinky width of space for infants and an index finger width for older children in front of each shoe. Also, shop together so you can check fit and offer your input on style choices. Click here for more kids shoes buying guide.
Size
Step one in finding suitable kids shoes is finding their correct size. Because children’s feet can grow up to half a size every two months, obtaining the ideal shoe early on is key for long-term foot health. Conversely, selecting too small a shoe could lead to further foot issues, while too large may become trip hazards.
Consider shoe width when purchasing sneakers for your child. Most kids’ shoes are constructed with medium width; however, some brands offer wide and extra-wide sizes to accommodate various foot shapes and sizes.
As the day winds down, please have your child try on their shoes at the end of each day when their feet have had time to expand a bit more. It will ensure their shoes fit comfortably throughout their day with enough room for their toes to move freely; additionally, this provides an opportunity to check that the top doesn’t rub against any toes or toenails.
Style
Children’s shoes are more than fashion accessories; they serve an essential function in supporting their feet. Kids need shoes that enable their feet to bend and flex naturally, supporting natural posture. In addition, sturdy enough for active play as well as everyday wear-and-tear is required in their support of young feet.
Make sure to select shoes made of breathable materials to allow your feet to breathe and prevent sweaty feet and rubbing. Machine-washable options may also make life easier when it comes time to clean them! For optimal foot development, purchase shoes that don’t run too large or too small, as children’s feet may change frequently – the wrong pair could hinder this development process.
Materials
Children do not tend to pay much attention to cleanliness or maintenance, so selecting shoes with an ultra-soft cushioned non-slip sole that reduces force on feet, legs and spine is ideal.
Selecting shoes that promote the natural development of the foot is also critical. While cute ballerina flats and plimsolls that mimic trendy adult styles may look adorable, they do not provide the stability and support required for healthy feet. Stride Rite’s Soft Motion and SRtech collections were specifically created with real foot needs in mind in order to promote healthy development.
As people become increasingly environmentally aware, it has become more widespread for brands to incorporate organic, recycled or plant-based materials in their products. To further minimise your impact, it may also be helpful to reuse or recycle your child’s outgrown shoes through friends, charitable organisations, brand take-back programs or platforms like eBay.
Fit
Though shoes that look cute can certainly add style, proper fit is the cornerstone of healthy feet for toddlers and school-age children. Shoes that don’t fit can lead to foot pain, blisters, or other issues that hinder their long-term walking abilities. Click here for more kids shoes buying guide.
For optimal results, have your child try on shoes in a store that offers fittings and use a size chart to determine their shoe size. Bring along an engaging sensory item like a fidget toy or blanket to help focus on their experience while simultaneously relieving any tension if things become stressful.
Kids typically have one larger foot than the other; be sure that their shoes fit against this larger foot to avoid their toes curling into unnatural positions and leave approximately one thumb-width of wiggle room between their longest toe and the front of their shoe.