Kids Shoes: The Way to Choose

Children’s feet grow quickly, so when choosing kids shoes, you should leave a little room for growth. Feel for the tip of your thumb between the toes and the front of the shoe; if there isn’t enough space, it may be too shallow.

Size

Kids’ feet tend to grow at a steady rate of about half a size every three months, so it’s important to measure their feet and buy shoes that are the right size. Getting shoes that are too small can restrict their foot movement and cause painful blisters, while shoes that are too large can squish their feet and create other problems, such as tripping hazards.

Using a ruler or a piece of paper, have your child stand on their feet with the heel of one of their shoes placed in the middle of the paper. Have them push down on the paper with their toes and use the line that appears where the outside of their big toe ends as a guide for their shoe size. Make sure to mark the number on the back of their foot, as this will help you remember the size later.

Once they’ve tried on their new shoes, have them walk around and jump to check how comfortable they are. Look for tightness in the toe area, if they are squished and if their feet are pulling up and out of the front of the shoe. Also, feel for a gap in the front of the shoe that allows them to wiggle their toes comfortably and provides growing room. If you can press the thumb of your child’s hand into the shoe without any discomfort, that is a good sign that the shoe fits correctly.

Style

Shoes that fit properly help kids develop healthy feet. Shoes that are too small can cause pain, abrasions, calluses and ingrown toenails. They also don’t allow kids to feel the ground, and can hinder proper foot development. Shoes that are too big can be just as detrimental. They can cause kids to squirm and shift in the shoe, which can lead to long-lasting damage.

It’s best to shop with your child. This way, you can test the fit of a pair of shoes and let them have input on the style when choosing kids shoes.

Make sure to check the size of a shoe by pressing down on the front and feeling for a thumb’s width of space. It is the best way to ensure there’s enough room for your kids’ feet to grow and move naturally.

If you’re worried about the fit of your kids’ shoes, it might be a good idea to get them professionally fitted at least once per year. The expert at the shoe store can measure your children’s feet and find a great pair of shoes for them that fit well and aren’t too snug or tight. They can also help you pick out a style that’s right for your kids’ unique tastes and needs. The right shoes will add a pop of colour to their outfits and help them walk confidently.

Comfort

Whether your child is just taking their first steps or they’re wearing their new school shoes, the right shoe for them should provide comfort and support. Children’s feet are delicate and pliable, and they need shoes that allow their toes to move and grow naturally. In the long term, this will prevent foot pain and other problems such as blisters.

When choosing a pair of shoes, make sure that they are the right size. Babies and toddlers are not yet able to tell their feet are uncomfortable or that they are squashed in the wrong shoes, so it’s important to get them the right size from the beginning. A shoe that is too large will cause them to walk with a ‘wobbly’ gait and may damage their ankles. A shoe that is too small will be restrictive and cause painful toenails, corns and calluses.

Durability

Children are energetic, and this can be very hard on their shoes. That is why a good pair of shoes needs to have certain qualities to ensure durability.

One of the most important things to look for in a kids shoe is the heel and ankle support. It is very important for young feet because it helps with their balance and posture. Children’s shoes should also have a rounded and wider front to give their feet space as they grow.

It is also important that a child’s shoe is not too long when choosing kids shoes. It can cause the feet to hang loose, and this can lead to blisters, chafing and even foot deformities. The rule of thumb is to add 5mm until your child’s feet are a maximum of 15cm and then start rounding up to the next size.