How to Buy Shoes for Kids?
Oct 07 , 2021
Tags - Tips for Buying Kids Shoes
When shopping for kids shoes, it’s tempting to go for the cutest pair - baby shoes just look adorable right?
But choosing the right shoes for your little boy or girl is much more than fashion; ensuring the right fit will determine how their feet will develop later in life.
In the short term, shoes that do not fit properly can cause foot pain, ingrown toenails or blisters for your little one.
However in the long term, it can result in more serious problems such as foot and toe deformities.
Consequently, if children under 5 years of age wear ill-fitted shoes, it can lead to issues with posture and even walking.
To prevent this from happening, here are our top 4 tips for buying kids shoes.
1. Get Professionally Measured
Rather than trying to measure your kid’s feet at home, it’s a good idea to head to the store and get them measured properly.
Because, the store will have the right equipment to determine the correct length and width your child needs.
Bonus tip: wait until the end of the day to get your kid’s feet measured. After they’ve been tumbling around all day, their feet will swell. So measuring in the afternoon or evening will help you buy shoes when your kid’s feet are at its biggest and prevent you from buying shoes that become too tight after playtime.
2. Check Toe Room
When your child is standing up, you should be able to press around half an inch down between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
The reason being, adequate depth in the toe box will prevent toes from being squashed together and stop any pressure, so make sure your child can easily wiggle their toes freely.
On the other hand, a common problem that crops up is that parents buy shoes that are way too big.
For those infants who are just learning to walk, this can cause them to be wobbly on their feet, making them more vulnerable to trips and falls.
3. Function over Style
Children can be very hyperactive and have a lot of energy. Most will enjoy playing sports and taking part in other activities.
For this reason, it’s recommended to choose closed-toe shoes with the right arch support to prevent complications in the future.
Secondly, rubber soles are a good choice for kids as it offers better slip resistance, lowering the risk of falling over and preventing injuries.
Moreover, hard soles provide better support as opposed to soft soles that can be easily bent back and forth, which will not give much control over foot motion.
Lastly, professionals suggest that the material of the shoes matters too. Children’s feet tend to sweat more, and breathable materials like leather or canvas will help with air flow.
4. Watch Them Move
Before you commit to buying a pair, pay close attention to how your child moves when they’ve tried them on.
In other words, give them a chance to waddle and watch carefully to see if they’re able to walk naturally.
At the same time, you’ll want to check that they do not slip at the heel. You can make this fun, like asking them to hop or do star jumps, and ask them if they feel comfortable.
Finishing Thoughts
As your child grows over the years, you may need to replace their shoes as often as every 3 months.
Because, kids’ feet typically grow around half a size in this time period, and they will need adequate room to allow their feet to grow properly.
Overall, make sure you take the time to measure and fit shoes properly and choose styles that offer the right support to give your kids happy, healthy feet.
If you’d like to know more, please contact us today.
You may also like: